Frequently Asked Questions

• Who is eligible for the Study Squad program?
  Elementary and Middle School students.

• What is my cost for this program?
  This program is offered at no cost to the children of First Responders.

• When is the program available? How does it align with the school year calendar?
  Our 2025-26 program begins on Tuesday, September 2. Tutoring appointments can be scheduled Monday – Friday between 3p and 7p in all four U.S. Time Zones. The program is offered for seven five-week sessions (19-20 days) during the school year. Parents are easily able to respond to our text outreach to either “continue” or “cancel” at the end of each session.

• Do I have to enroll my child at the beginning of a session?

  No. Parents can register their children at any time. Our staff will process an enrollment request as quickly as possible and email back to schedule an initial Meet & Greet with one of our instructional staff. After this initial introduction, parents and/or students may request a tutoring block by appointment or for immediate same-day instruction.

• What online platform will be used for this program and what are its advantages?
  The online platform, BigBlueButton, was specifically designed for education and allows teachers and students to share visual, verbal, and written communications to enhance the academic environment.

• Who will be interacting with my child across this online platform?
  One of our staff tutors will work with your child. We have found that older mentor students helping younger ones is a win-win for all. Affectionately referred to as “Study Captains”, instructors have been chosen for their ability to relate to and work with children in an academic setting. These “SMART Team” members have been specifically selected for their patience and subject-matter expertise and are trained and supervised by credentialed teachers. Background checks are conducted on all our personnel before they are assigned to work with children.

• Can my child meet his/her Study Captain in advance and learn more about how to use the BigBlueButton platform?
  A Meet & Greet with one of our staff is scheduled for parents and students before any tutoring occurs. At this introductory online session we will share how the platform works while allowing your child a chance to share a bit about themselves, their school environment, and how Study Squad can help meet some of his/her academic goals.

• How does my child actually log in and what will happen when he/she arrives in the classroom?
  Students will enter the classroom through a secure link at the Minds on Learning web site.

• How can my child share written assignments they are working on with their Study Captain?
  BigBlueButton allows most electronic documents to be shared across the platform. Students can also snap a photo of a document with a cell phone and text or email it to our dispatch center either prior to or during an instructional block. 818-336-1141.

• Does Minds on Learning provide tech support should my child need assistance with the Study Squad platform or its interface with my home equipment?
  Yes. Minds on Learning has the tech support to help students navigate our platform.

• What materials can I expect to receive after I enroll my child online?
  Parents will receive a welcome email and will be asked to schedule an online Meet & Greet with one of our staff members.

• Can I speak with my child’s Study Squad captain by phone or text?
  Parents may at any time text our dispatch center to request a phone conference with your child’s tutor and one of our administrators.

• What feedback can I expect to receive from my child’s Study Squad Captain?
  Parents can always email or text our dispatch center to receive feedback and/or to speak with one of our supervisory teachers. Upon enrollment, all students and parents have an online Meet and Greet with one of our instructional staff to learn more about our program and how we can best meet your child’s needs.

• Does my child need any special type of computer hardware or other devices to participate in the Study Squad?

  Most school-issued computers, mobile devices (phones or tablets running on iOS or Android with camera) and desktop/laptop computers with a camera work well for the Study Squad. We are also committed to assisting students in obtaining the technology that has become a necessary tool in today’s school classrooms.

• What new programs are being offered by Minds on Learning for the 2025-26 school year?
  Students enter 9th-12th grade are eligible for our college counseling program. Text our office at 818-336-1141 to make an inquiry.