Executive Function Coaching in Great Falls, VA

Master Important Skills for School and Beyond

"I can't believe it's 8:00, and you haven't even started your homework yet!"

"You have a project due tomorrow! What are you doing in here? That's it--we're taking your phone!"

"You're never going to pull that grade up if you can't sit down to study for more than five minutes at a time!"

Sound familiar? Having a child who constantly loses track of assignments and deadlines is frustrating--but you're not alone.

Children aren't born with the executive function skills they need to succeed. Strategies for time management, organization, and studying must be learned, just like times tables and grammar rules.

But when a child discovers a system that works for them, it can make a world of difference. In fact, we've found that organization is the #1 differentiator between students who excel and students who underperform in school.

And our Executive Function Coaches in Great Falls are here to help.

Step 1

Request an Executive Function Coach, and tell us more about what's causing stress for you and your child.

Step 2

Meet the handpicked coach who will come to your home for convenient, private coaching.

Step 3

Sit back and relax as your child finally learns to manage their work and schedule without your help.

What is Executive Function Coaching?

Our Executive Function Coaching is a unique, research-based program to help your child master the skills they need to succeed in school and life. In this program, your child will learn how to get organized, manage their time well, study effectively, and stay motivated.

Parents love our program because...

  • It's based on the latest research, not what we think might work.
  • Students are matched with experienced coaches who are carefully selected from our already exclusive tutor pool. They are then trained to pass on their excellent communication, organization, and prioritization skills to your child.
  • Our coaches follow an established program for executive function skills which goes far beyond simply helping students with homework.
  • We customize the program to meet your child's needs, even if that means texting your child on our days off to check in and keep them on track (so you never have to be the homework police again!).

"We have been very happy with the coach who is working with our son. She is able to get him to open up [and talk] through the mountains of work he has in a way that he will not do with us" -Google Review from an Educational Connections Parent

Does My Child Need Executive Function Coaching?

Are you wondering if executive function coaching is right for your child? Take this quick quiz by answering "yes" or "no" to the following questions.

Does your child...

  • Regularly struggle to start tasks?
  • Keep a messy room and a disorganized backpack, locker, or desk?
  • Have difficulty following instructions, especially with many steps?
  • Fail to complete assignments unless he or she is constantly reminded?
  • Forget to turn in homework even when it's completed?
  • Lose things regularly, from coats to books?
  • Have difficulty planning long-term assignments?
unnamed

If you answered "yes" to the majority of these questions, you're not alone. But with the right support, your child can master the skills they need to succeed! Contact us today to get started.

"The Educational Connections team is fantastic...I look forward to leveraging the tutors to help my son's transition to learning about how to stay organized, take notes, and more once school starts." -Google Review from Parent Jennifer Dalton

What Does an Executive Function Coaching Session Look Like?

Our coaches structure every session around four steps to empower your child to practice self-reflection, build a toolkit of strategies that work for them, and develop effective habits for lasting change. Here’s a look at the process our coaches follow in every session:

1. Touch base to see how the week went.

Before beginning a new session, the coach will ask questions like, “What went well last week? What was hard? Were you able to accomplish the goal we set in our last session?” This prepares the coach and your child for a productive session. Plus, these conversations often prompt students to brainstorm and solve many of their own problems, which inspires motivation and confidence.

2. Practice self-reflection and open dialogue.

The coach will begin every session by asking strategic questions. Open dialogue allows the coach to gauge your child’s frame-of-mind and level of motivation at the start of each session.

3. Create a plan of action for the session.

The coach reviews the student’s homework portal with them (not for them) and helps the child develop a prioritized list of assignments based on urgency and importance. Your child will learn that planning for a day is too short-sighted, planning for a month is not realistic, but planning out one week at a time is just right.

4. Adopt skills from a growing toolbox of strategies.

This step is catered to your child’s particular challenges. The coach may share strategies for tackling procrastination, dealing with digital distractions, organizing their paperwork, studying for an exam, or completing an assignment. Over time, students will build a toolbox of strategies to better troubleshoot issues that have long caused them frustration.

5. Make a plan of action for the coming week.

Each session ends with the coach and student working together to create a list of key tasks for the upcoming week. After agreeing on a plan of action, the coach records session notes and emails them to you and then plans a time to check in between sessions to provide your child with some extra encouragement and accountability.

Are You Ready to Enjoy Parenting Again?

Nothing sucks the joy out of parenting faster than arguments over missed deadlines, mediocre grades, and misplaced assignments.

We see you. And we're here to help.

When an Executive Function Coach trains your child in the important skills they need to succeed, you'll finally be free to turn in your "Homework Police" badge and actually look forward to the afternoon with your child once more.

You can ask about their day. Cheer them on when they ace a test. Enjoy a meal without discussing due dates for once. Just be a parent--with all of the joy and none of the nagging. And leave the rest to us!

Blog and Resources

building a balanced college list

Building a Balanced College List: Strategies for Success

By Guest Author | February 5, 2025

While aiming high is great, a well-balanced list increases the chances of admission and ensures a range of great fit options.

With over 2,000 four-year universities in the U.S., there are countless schools that could align with your student’s academic profile, goals, and ambitions. You just have to know where to look!

Dopa-Menu to help build executive function skills

The Dopa-Menu: Fun, Rewarding Strategy to Boost Productivity

By Guest Author | January 22, 2025

A “Dopa-Menu” is a one-sheet planner that organizes fun and motivating tasks into categories.

No matter your age or the task at hand, a Dopa-Menu helps organize tasks and build on fun activities that are thoughtful and rewarding.

why is math so hard by ectutoring.com

Why Is Math So Hard? School Subjects Where Falling Behind Spells Real Trouble

By Ann Dolin | January 18, 2025

Subjects like math, where each topic builds on the last, are very unforgiving. It can be easy to fall behind while learning a complex, cumulative topic. Here’s how to help your child catch up.

cracking the January code at school

Crack the January Code: Navigating New Year Academic Challenges with Expert Insights

By Ann Dolin | January 16, 2025

January presents both challenges and opportunities for students as it merges the joyous aftermath of a prolonged holiday break with the structured demands of a busy academic calendar.

In this blog, read expert insights on cultivating strong academic habits for the months ahead.

Stoplight Study Guide and using highlighters

The Stoplight Study Guide Method: Study Smarter with This Simple Strategy

By Ann Dolin | January 7, 2025

Final exams are fast approaching, and for many students, that means stress levels are rising. If your child feels overwhelmed by the sheer volume of material they need to review, the Stoplight Study Guide method can provide a clear, effective way to prioritize and tackle their studying.

Learn how it works.

College Planning this winter for high school juniors

Winter College Prep: Expert Tips for High School Juniors

By Ann Dolin | January 3, 2025

With less than a year until application deadlines begin, now is the perfect moment for 11th graders to solidify collegiate goals, craft an admissions plan, and take actionable steps to set themselves up for success. 

In this blog, we asked one of our expert college consultant what juniors should start prioritizing this winter to stay ahead in their college admissions journey.