Executive Functioning Coaching in Chicago

Expert Educators. Local Support. Real Results.

Sometimes student’s biggest challenges aren’t so much in WHAT they’re learning, but in HOW they are trying to learn it. If your child regularly forgets assignments, procrastinates until the last minute, has trouble staying focused, or becomes easily overwhelmed by multi-step tasks, it could be a sign they’re struggling with executive functioning skills.

Executive functioning is a set of mental skills that help us plan, organize, start tasks, stay focused, manage time, and regulate emotions. These are the behind-the-scenes skills that make learning possible and daily life manageable.

We help parents find the right executive functioning coach for their child’s unique personality and diverse learning needs!

Our EF coaches are licensed, career educators and specialists from all across Chicagoland including the suburbs and North Shore.

If you’re curious to learn more, continue reading to explore what executive functioning is, discover which signs indicate that your child might benefit from coaching, and get a clear sense of what executive functioning support actually looks like. You’ll also discover why so many families turn to Chicago Home Tutor for expert, compassionate support. Whether you’re just starting to explore your options or you’re ready to start with an executive functioning coach, this guide will give you the information and confidence you need to decide your next step.

Jump to a Section

1. What is Executive Functioning?

2. When Are Signs I Should Seek Out an Executive Functioning Coach?

3. What Is Executive Functioning Coaching and How Does It Help?

4. Why Choose Chicago Home Tutor for Executive Functioning Coaching?

5. Answers to Your Top Questions About Executive Functioning Coaching.

6. Ready to Empower your Child? Start Executive Functioning Coaching with Us.

Executive functioning is an overall term for the general processes that facilitate thoughts and behaviors. Executive functions are what allow us to problem solve, set goals, plan, resist distractions, maintain focus, and regulate our behaviors. 

What Are Executive Functioning Skills?

Executive functioning skills are like the brain’s “management system,” helping kids plan, focus, and get things done. Experts generally describe three main parts of these skills: Inhibitory control helps kids think before they act and manage impulses (like raising a hand instead of shouting out). Cognitive flexibility allows kids to adjust when plans change or try different ways to solve a problem. Working memory helps kids hold on to information in their mind while using it (like remembering instructions while doing a task).

The 9 Core Executive Functions

On the foundation of these basic three components, we can build higher order executive functions such as Emotional control, task initiation, sustained attention, planning/prioritizing, organization, time management, metacognition, goal directed persistence, and stress tolerance. An executive function coach helps students strengthen these specific areas.

Every child has their own unique mix of strengths and struggles when it comes to executive functioning skills. Some may be great at staying focused but have trouble with time management. Others might be creative thinkers who struggle to stay organized. If you're wondering whether your child might benefit from executive function coaching, here are some signs to look for:

Trouble Staying Organized

Many students with executive functioning challenges find it difficult to create and maintain systems to keep track of their belongings and responsibilities. Maybe your child’s backpack is a mess of crumpled papers, or they frequently lose track of assignments. But organization struggles aren’t just about physical clutter. Your child might also have a hard time organizing their thoughts for writing assignments, solving multi-step math problems, or preparing a presentation.

Difficulty with Planning and Managing Time

Does your child procrastinate until the last minute or feel overwhelmed by long-term projects? This could be a sign they haven’t yet learned how to plan effectively. Children who struggle with executive functioning often need help breaking large tasks into smaller, more manageable steps, setting deadlines, and accurately estimating how long tasks will take.

Low Grades—Even When They're Capable

Some children with executive functioning difficulties understand classroom material well and perform fine on tests, but their grades don’t reflect their abilities. That’s often because they struggle to complete homework, forget to turn in assignments, or simply feel buried by the volume of schoolwork. If your child’s academic performance doesn’t match their potential, executive functioning challenges may be part of the picture.

Frequent Emotional Outbursts or Frustration with Tasks

Children with executive functioning challenges may become easily overwhelmed, frustrated, or emotional, especially when faced with complex or multi-step tasks. You might notice frequent meltdowns around homework, resistance to starting assignments, or a tendency to shut down when things feel “too hard.” These emotional responses often stem from struggles with planning, flexibility, or managing expectations and can be an important sign that support is needed.

Concerns from Teachers

Teachers work with many students and are often quick to recognize when a child’s struggles are more than just typical challenges or developmental bumps in the road.. If your child’s teacher has expressed concerns about their ability to manage time, complete assignments, stay organized, or regulate their emotions, it’s important to listen. They may be seeing consistent patterns that are hard to notice at home.

A Diagnosis of ADHD or Autism

While all children can experience executive functioning challenges, kids with ADHD, autism, or a history of brain injury are more likely to have significant difficulties in this area. If your child has one of these diagnoses, executive function coaching can offer the targeted support they need to build practical skills and confidence.

Executive functioning coaching is different from academic tutoring. It's targeted support that helps children build the critical thinking and organizational skills they need to succeed in school and in life. While academic tutoring typically focuses on subject areas like math or reading, executive function coaching focuses on how a student manages learning itself. That includes how they plan and start tasks, stay organized, manage their time, and respond when things don’t go as planned.

Executive functioning challenges show up in everyday situations: a child who forgets to bring home the right materials, puts off starting a project until the last minute, or feels overwhelmed trying to write an essay. These aren’t signs of laziness or lack of ability. They’re signs that a child hasn’t yet developed the strategies they need to manage complex tasks. That’s where our executive functioning tutors come in.

Some examples of how an executive functioning coach may support your child are:

Build organization systems for school materials, schedules, and assignments

• Develop routines that support consistent habits, like checking planners or organizing backpacks

• Practice time management, including estimating how long tasks will take and planning ahead

• Break down big assignments into smaller, doable steps with deadlines along the way

• Strengthen working memory by using checklists, note-taking strategies, or digital tools

• Improve emotional regulation by teaching coping strategies for stress, frustration, or task avoidance

• Boost self-awareness so students can better understand their own learning habits and challenges

What makes executive functioning coaching especially effective is that it's highly individualized. A good executive functioning tutor meets your child where they are, learns what motivates them, and builds skills gradually, often using real homework, projects, and day-to-day responsibilities as a foundation. Over time, your child doesn’t just “get through” their schoolwork. They learn how to approach it with confidence and independence.

For many children, this kind of coaching can be transformational. It reduces school-related stress, helps them feel more in control, and lays the groundwork for long-term success, not just in academics, but in daily life, relationships, and future work.

If your child is struggling to stay organized, manage time, start tasks, or keep up with schoolwork, the right kind of executive functioning support can make a life-changing difference. At Chicago Home Tutor, we specialize in working with students who learn differently, including children who need support with executive functioning skills. 

Our company was founded by a school psychologist with deep expertise in learning differences and child development. That foundation informs every part of our approach from how we select coaches to how we tailor sessions for each individual child. We know that executive functioning skills don’t develop the same way or at the same pace. For every student, our support is designed to meet your child exactly where they are.

Our team includes certified Learning Behavior Specialists and educators with extensive formal training and classroom experience. Many of our coaches have experience supporting students with ADHD, autism, anxiety, and other neurodiverse profiles. They’re not only knowledgeable. They’re patient, compassionate, and skilled at making coaching sessions engaging, practical, and relevant to real life.

We take your child’s safety and well-being seriously. All of our coaches undergo thorough background checks, reference screenings, and in-depth interviews to ensure they meet the highest standards.

And just like with our academic tutoring, we bring the coaching to you. Whether you’re located in Lincoln Park, Hyde Park, Oak Park, the North Shore, or anywhere in between, we offer in-person executive functioning coaching in the setting that works best for your family whether that’s your home, a local library, or another convenient location.

We take the guesswork out of finding the right support, so you can focus on helping your child grow into a more confident, capable, and independent learner.

When Should We Start Executive Functioning Coaching?

If your child is showing signs of difficulty with organization, time management, or completing schoolwork, the best time to begin support is now. Research shows that early intervention leads to stronger long-term outcomes. Starting executive functioning coaching early can prevent school stress from snowballing and give your child the tools, strategies, and confidence they need to succeed in and out of the classroom.

How Often Should Executive Functioning Coaching Sessions Happen?

The ideal frequency of executive functioning coaching depends on your child’s specific needs, goals, and your family’s schedule. We typically recommend starting with one to two sessions per week to build momentum and reinforce new strategies. For students with more significant challenges such as ADHD, autism, or frequent academic struggles two to three sessions per week may offer the strongest foundation. On the other hand, children needing lighter support or skill maintenance may thrive with just one session per week. During your free consultation, we’ll work with you to design a personalized plan that fits your child’s needs and your family’s routine.

How Long Until We See Progress?

Progress varies from child to child, but many families notice early improvements such as increased confidence or improved ability to start tasks within the first few weeks. More significant gains in organization, time management, and independent work habits typically develop over several months of consistent, personalized coaching and practice.

Who Are Your Executive Functioning Coaches?

Our executive functioning coaches are licensed educators, many holding Master’s degrees and specialized certifications in learning and behavior strategies. Each coach has advanced training in evidence-based executive functioning methods and supports students with a range of learning differences.

With extensive experience in both classroom and one-on-one settings, they know how to meet your child where they are and help them build practical skills to succeed. Plus, since our coaches live and work in the Chicagoland area, they understand the local school systems and expectations, ensuring tailored support that fits your child’s academic environment.

Can you provide other types of academic support like tutoring?

Yes, we do. We can also help with math, writing, and multi-sensory reading programs like Orton-Gillingham or Wilson Reading System. Our tutors are experienced in addressing multiple areas of need and can tailor sessions to meet your child’s specific goals.

We often see that students who face executive functioning challenges also struggle with subjects like math and writing. For example, writing involves many steps from brainstorming ideas and organizing thoughts to drafting and revising. That can feel overwhelming without strong planning and organizational skills. Executive functioning coaching paired with targeted writing support can help your child navigate this process more confidently. Similarly, in math, students might find it hard to keep track of multiple steps in word problems or organize their work neatly in multi-step calculations. Combining coaching with academic tutoring can provide a comprehensive approach, helping your child build the skills and strategies they need to succeed.

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If your child is struggling with organization, time management, or task completion, don’t wait to get the support they need. Our expert executive functioning coaches provide personalized, practical strategies that build independence, reduce stress, and boost confidence.

Schedule your free consultation today and take the first step toward helping your child learn how to learn, building skills that support them in school and beyond.

Empower your child today.

Our Chicago tutoring service begins with a free, 30-minute phone consultation with our Learning Behavior Specialist. We'll discuss your child's challenges and how Chicago Home Tutor can help.