About
Founder, Dr. Jennifer L Collins established Learning at its Best - Student Success Services in 2014 as a part time tutoring business. Her dream has always been to open a tutoring/learning center so that she can utilize her education and her many years of experience in the educational field. In many thanks to her husband (Curtis Collins) and the inspiration of her late mother (Linda Furner), her dream has become a reality.
In October 2019, Learning at its Best, officially opened its doors at 110 Main Street in Waterville NY. Jennifer’s mission at the center is to offer affordable, individualized academic support to students in need. She believes that every child can succeed academically with the correct resources and supports. Sometimes that extra support is needed outside of the classroom and she feels she can fill that role. Her other passion is advocating for special needs children and their families and the center will also assist families with such needs. With the recent pandemic closing schools across the country, Jennifer was able to successfully transfer her tutoring services to online sessions for her current clients. In doing so, she assisted students in closing the learning gap during a critical time when most services were closed. She is now able to offer both in person and remote services for students.
Jennifer has over 20 years of experience in the education field. Her undergraduate and masters work was in Elementary and Special Education (Keuka College). Her doctorate was in Executive Leadership at St. John Fisher College. She has years of experience in education serving as an elementary school teacher, a lead special education teacher, a student affairs professional, a home educator and a life skills coach.
I love being able to see a child grow as a life long learner, not only improving their Math and ELA skills, but build confidence and learn necessary skills to succeed in life. I also firmly believe that every child can learn and enjoy seeing children who may have been given up on succeed!
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I first start off with a 1:1 meeting with the student to get general information, discuss my services, review documentation and discuss needs and goals for services. Then, after that meeting, I work with the student to complete assessments in the areas they are requesting service. This allows me to create a curriculum plan on exactly what to work on with the student in order for that student to improve and meet their goals. Then, in remaining sessions, we work on that curriculum plan until services are no longer needed. I typically follow up once a month with designated assessments to ensure growth and we adjust the plan accordingly. I believe very much in working with and communicating often with the family and the student to promote success.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Please look at my profile bio to see my experience. Thank you!
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
My in person rate for new clients is $25 per hour. Online or remote tutoring sessions are price at $22 per hour. I do offer a 10% discount for those who in advance on a monthly basis. For in person sessions, I accept cash, check, credit card, Venmo or PayPal. For online or remote sessions, I accept Facebook Pay, Venmo, PayPal or credit cards via Square.
How did you get started teaching?
Please see my profile bio for my teaching experience and education details. Thank you!
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with students ranging in age from PreK to college. I have worked with students with various special needs such as autism, dyslexia, cerebral palsy, among others. I have worked with students who are also not verbal. I have also worked with students with general delays in academic areas and students who were gifted. I pride myself in this aspect of being an educator who can work with and help students of diverse learning needs succeed!