Executive Function Coaching in Northern VA

Master Important Skills for Elementary Through College 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 student 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 student 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.

Our one-to-one, fully customized lessons for your child include strategies for:

  • Goal Setting: Understanding the Big Picture and Breaking it Down 
  • Cognitive Flexibility: Shifting and Flexible Thinking 
  • Organizing and Prioritizing: Materials and Time 
  • Organizing and Prioritizing: Information and Ideas 
  • Remembering: Accessing Working Memory 
  • Self-monitoring and Checking

The quality of tutors that Educational Connections provides is unsurpassed. We have used tutors for our three children over the years, some through EC and some that we sourced ourselves. The ones that EC connected us with were the very best. Knowledgeable, skilled, and personable. My son ended his recent EF coaching session by telling me, ‘I think this will change my life.’ Enthusiasm like this from a teenager is well worth the investment.

- Heather F., Parent

3 Step Approach to Getting Your Child the Support They Need

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Step 1

Schedule a call and tell us what's causing the most stress for you and your child.

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Step 2

Meet the handpicked executive function coach who will support your child.

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Step 3

Feel at ease as your child learns to manage their work and schedule without you.

Schedule Your Free Consultation

What is Executive Function Coaching?

Our Executive Function Coaching for students (from elementary through college) 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...

  • We use a research-based curriculum that goes far beyond simply helping students with homework
  • Students are matched with caring and experienced coaches
  • 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!)

"My son's executive function coach is knowledgeable and experienced at working with youth who struggle with ADHD. She's done an incredible job building rapport with him and balancing supporting and pushing him to complete the work he wants to do." 

- Shayna H., Parent

"Educational Connections has been an amazing resource. It is wonderful as a parent to not create conflict at homework time." 

- Carolyn B., Parent

"My son's progress with Educational Connections has changed the trajectory of his life for the better! The executive functioning instruction and support from Educational Connections allow my son to stay organized, initiate tasks, problem-solve and persevere.." 

- Elizabeth D., Parent

"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 Parent

"Our tutor enabled our son to graduate from high school. He got senioritis in January and slowed down on the homework train. Our tutor got our son back on track, provided incredibly useful prioritization skills, and was an amazing executive function coach, which is exactly what we needed!." 

- Ruth G., Parent

Does My Child Need Executive Function Coaching?

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?
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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.

"Our tutor enabled our son to graduate from high school. He got senioritis in January and slowed down on the homework train. Our tutor got our son back on track, provided incredibly useful prioritization skills, and was an amazing executive function coach, which is exactly what we needed!"
- Ruth Gordon, Parent

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.

While each of your child's sessions will be customized based, here is a look at the process our coaches follow in each session:

Step 1: Check the student's upcoming assignments and tests

The coach reviews the student’s homework portal or LMS (Schoology, Canvas, Google Classroom, etc.) with them, not for them. They will review each class and discuss what they'll need to do to prepare for each assignment and test, including what resources they will need and when they'll have time to complete it. The coach will also have the student check to ensure all previous assignments have been turned in.

Step 2: Have students write down upcoming assignments and tests

To help students externalize their school responsibilities and plan ahead, the coach will have your child write down each assignment and test in their planner, on a whiteboard, or in their digital calendar. 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.

Step 3: Complete assignments

This step is catered to your child’s particular challenges. The coach will help your child complete a difficult assignment or their most dreaded schoolwork. This part of the session is especially beneficial for students who have difficulties getting started on their own.

Step 4: Reflect and think ahead

Over time, students will build a toolbox of strategies to better troubleshoot issues that have long caused them frustration.

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!

What Parents are Saying...

Our son got accepted - and a scholarship offer - from all 6 of the colleges he applied to, including 4 of them in the top 125 in the country. Among these, he got accepted to his "dream school" of American University in Washington, DC and accepted their offer (which included a merit scholarship). He will matriculate to American U in the fall.

We are truly grateful for the work of Nate Ycas and the EC team with our son. The 3 point upward swing in his overall ACT score as a result of your tutoring and mentoring played a key role in his wonderful college admissions process results. All our appreciation to EC Tutoring!
Our student has excelled with help from Educational Connections. They receive twice weekly, online EF coaching from an organized, compassionate, and professional coach. It has truly been a night and day difference with their ability to manage their school work. Can't recommend it enough.
My daughter is graduating this year and has used the Educational Connections college counseling service since her junior year. Her counselor Kristen is knowledgeable, encouraging and kind. She helped her brainstorm activities that interest her, advised her on college selection and guided her through the application process. We highly recommend Educational Connections.
We cannot recommend Lisa highly enough as an algebra tutor! Our twins have been working with her for over six months, and the transformation we've seen in our daughter is truly remarkable. When we first started, she was feeling defeated and believed she would never excel in math, especially after facing some harsh criticism from her school teachers.

Lisa's approach is not only focused on teaching the content but also on nurturing confidence. Her loving and supportive demeanor has helped our daughter regain her self-esteem and view math in a positive light. The progress she's made in understanding algebra has been impressive, and she now looks forward to her sessions with Lisa.

Thanks to Lisa's dedication and encouragement, our daughters feel more capable and motivated to tackle math challenges. We couldn't be more grateful for the impact she has had on their education. If you're looking for a tutor who combines expertise with a caring approach, Lisa is the one!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your wonderful review, Jennifer! We’re absolutely delighted to hear about the progress both of your daughters have made with Lisa. It’s clear how much her supportive and confidence-building approach has meant to your family, and we’re so glad they now feel capable, motivated, and even excited to tackle math. Thank you again for trusting us and for sharing your experience!
I came cross Jennifer and her team when my son was a freshman in College. He has struggled with math mostly during his years in secondary school, at least that's what we all thought. It wasn't until we engaged the services of Jennifer and her team that we actually realized what was missing. Not only was my son struggling in math, he was struggling with how to study, none of his IEPs and evaluations picked that up. Mike Vogt, was his dedicated coach and he worked with my son to develop executive function skills that now allow him to plan for his deliverables in school. He has finally learned how to study and is managing on his own and he is less anxious about school in general. I wish my son had this oversight and guidance early on in life, then, he would have not struggled through all those years and would have an even better outcome. We are very grateful to have found Educational Connections, Jennifer and Mike understood the need and went above and beyond !!!
Response from the owner:Hi Sim, Thank you so much for your heartfelt review. We're truly honored to have played a role in your son's journey and we’re so glad you found us when you did. Stories like yours are exactly why we do what we do. Mike, Jennifer, and the rest of our team are passionate about helping students not only with academics but with the underlying skills that lead to long-term success and confidence. We're thrilled to hear that your son is now managing independently and feeling less anxious about school. Thank you again for your trust in us and for sharing your experience!
Very helpful and my daughter seems to be doing better with the help they have given her.
Response from the owner:That's wonderful to hear! Thanks for your review, Bobbi!
I have used Ec tutoring for my high school and college age boys for multiple different subject and always am happy with their tutors!!!
Response from the owner:Hi Mara, Thank you so much for your kind words and 5-star review! We're thrilled to hear that you've had great experiences with our tutors across multiple subjects for both your high school and college-age boys. It means the world to us that you continue to choose Educational Connections!
Educational Connections has been an amazing resource. It is wonderful as a parent to not create conflict at homework time. Any time we need a tutor in any subject or executive functioning, I reach out and the amazing staff finds the perfect tutor for my child's learning style. I have recommended others and they are all say Educational Connections is a life saver and I completely agree!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your continued trust in us, Carolyn! We are honored to help your family.