Personalized Executive Functioning & Alternative Learning support for Gr 7-12 students, e-learning & online students, post-secondary students, and young people transitioning into the workforce.
ControlCentre Student Lounge
Contact us to get started – for families with children under 18, we’ll usually book you a complimentary 30-minute intake with to understand your bigger-picture situation and make sure this program is a good fit for you.
Then we’ll book you an Initial Assessment (50 minutes, $240) with a specialist to fully understand your strengths, challenges, and goals, and you and your coach will map out a plan for your time together. From there, we will usually book in a block of 6 to 8 weekly sessions, and then reassess your ongoing needs.
E-Learners and students working outside the traditional school model can book support with our executive function coaches either 1:1 or in a small group setting in our ‘Student Lounge’. We have certified teachers and a specialist in special education available to help students plan and execute their coursework, communicate with teachers, organize their files and papers, manage their time, be accountable for their work and stay on track with deadlines.
What is Executive Functioning?
“Executive function and self-regulation skills are the mental processes that enable us to plan, focus attention, remember, and juggle multiple tasks … the brain needs this skill set to filter distractions, prioritise tasks, set and achieve goals, and control impulses.”
(Source: https://developingchild.harvard)
Executive functioning describes the mental skills we use every day to learn, work, and manage daily life and relationships:
- Working Memory
- Self Control
- Focus
- Motivation
- Organization & Planning
- Time Management
At NowWhat, we offer tailor-made support for individuals and small groups who want to learn and improve their Executive Function skills. We call this program ControlCentre because our goal is to help people take control of their own learning and success.
First, we assess each person’s specific needs. Then we create a personalized plan that includes training, accountability, and ongoing support as we implement helpful processes designed to break down the barriers between you and your definition of success.
Who is it for?
- Grade 7-12 students, post-secondary students, and people entering the workforce
- We also offer a ‘Junior’ version of EF coaching for younger kids – please enquire or see our page about in-home coaching options that include ‘Bedroom Bombing’ and help with establishing household and personal routines
- Students who are frustrated by not being able to produce work that consistently reflects their true understanding and abilities
- Students whom teachers, parents, counselors, or GPs have identified as struggling with self-motivation, focus, organization, and follow-through
- Students with diagnosed or suspected ADHD Executive Function challenges
- Gifted or neurodiverse students including those managing anxiety or mood challenges
- Adult ADHD, post-secondary and vocational support are also available – click here for more information.
Where is it held?
- 144 Wilson St E, Ancaster (between Halson & Jerseyville)
- Virtual sessions are also available where appropriate and effective
How much does it cost?
- Initial assessments are $240
- Individual sessions are $160/session
- Group session pricing will be customized depending on ratio and support needs
- SSAH and OAP funds can be put toward this program
- Sessions are covered under most benefit plans under MSW (Social Work)
- A credit card number is required to be kept on file, with paid receipts emailed weekly for you to submit to private insurance
What kind of content is covered?
Because Executive Functioning factors into every aspect of life, parents, and students will work with our Certified Teacher and Behaviour Coaches to assess the most pressing needs of each individual, and determine what challenges you want to tackle first. We can offer strategies to help with:
Digital Organization:
Organizing digital files and folders
Keeping digital workspaces tidy
Reducing distractions in digital workspaces
School Organization:
Preparing supplies for in-person classes
Keeping track of materials
Binders and planners
Home Life Organization:
Creating and maintaining effective workspaces
Separating work/fun, finding balance
Managing external expectations
Self-Motivation:
Task initiation
Sustaining motivation/persistence
Completing and submitting work
Focus & Attention Skills:
Understanding task expectations
Managing distractions
Strengthening focus skills
Task Management:
Scheduling
Chunking
Prioritizing
Time Management:
Developing time awareness
Developing and using visual tools
- Dealing with deadline stress
Executive Function in Math:
Reading and understanding directions
Showing your work effectively
Navigating complex or abstract ideas
Executive Function in Writing:
Chunking out long assignments
Planning and editing work
Maintaining focus on the purpose of the assignment
Executive Function in Reading:
Reading for meaning
Maintaining focus while reading texts
Identifying literary components
Money Management:
Financial literacy
- Understanding the value of money
Long-term & short-term planning
Personal Care & Routines:
Eating
Sleeping
Hygiene & self-care
Digital Literacy:
Online interaction etiquette
Navigating the attention economy
Understanding long-term impacts
Social Media Awareness:
How to get what you need from web searches
Navigating online sources
Effective and efficient research skills
Post-Secondary/Vocation Planning:
For grades 11 & 12 +
How to get to where you want to go
Post-secondary plan mapping
Navigating Employment:
Landing and keeping a job
Workplace interactions & expectations
Balancing work + school + life
