Our Mission

Help children and young adults succeed in school - as well as in life - through a unique, individualized life-coaching program.

The Education Center of Developmental Resources is a counseling and referral center that provides a nontraditional form of counseling — life coaching — that helps children and teens gain self-confidence, independence and skills to last a lifetime. Through an individualized step-by-step approach of listening and mentoring, our participants overcome negative situations and influences, get on the right track in school and gain the self-esteem vital to realizing their dreams. We help kids understand that they are ultimately responsible for their lives, no matter what emotional hits they may have taken in the past, it's up to them to move forward.

Our services help children who may be facing the following challenges:

  • Failing Grades
  • Lack of Organization
  • Inability to Complete Assignments
  • Lack of Motivation
  • Underachievement at School
  • Poor Peer Relationships
  • Attention Deficit Disorder
  • Special Education Needs
  • Poor Auditory or Visual Processing skills
  • Other Situatiions Placing Your Child at Risk

OUR VISION is to help children discover their own strengths and dreams - and to pursue those dreams against all odds.

Founded in 1979, The Education Center of Developmental Resources was created as an Illinois not-for-profit organization to empower children who were dealing with a broad spectrum of problems. Thousands of children have been helped since then—from all social, cultural and economic backgrounds. No individual or family has ever been turned away for financial reasons. The Center is headquartered in Naperville, Illinois with services available throughout the Chicagoland area.

From its inception the Center has sought community involvement. Business and civic leaders have provided internships, mentoring and job opportunities. The sense of belonging that this engenders in a child goes far beyond traditional forms of counseling. Mentors have included the late Chicago Bears owner, George Halas; former Chicago Bear and broadcaster, Johnny Morris; former chief-of-staff for President Reagan, Sam Skinner; former U.S. Senator, Paul Simon; Illinois Secretary of State, Jesse White; newspaper columnist, Irv Kupcinet; and broadcasters, Joan Esposito and the late Tim Weigel.

Dr. Michael Litow is the founder and Executive Director of The Education Center of Developmental Resources. He was affiliated for 30 years with Chicago Public Schools as a teacher, coordinator, assistant principal and consultant.

A nationally acclaimed educator and counselor, he has been recognized by many institutions and organizations including the Chicago Jaycees, Chicago area law enforcement agencies, Illinois House of Representatives, Professional Women's Club, the Chicago field office of Phi Delta Kappa, the U.S. Department of Justice and the White House Conference on School Safety.

Dr. Litow's straightforward, no-nonsense approach can be seen through some his favorite statements, which have come to be known as "Litowisms."