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

Ready to register?  Contact Us to get started.