When Should You Get a Psychoeducational Evaluation for SAT, LSAT, MCAT College Accommodations?

Our children deserve the best. Whether at home, socially, through extracurricular activities, or in the classroom, every child should have the opportunity to succeed.

For a child who have experienced trauma, that opportunity depends even more on whether they feel safe, understood, and supported at school.

Trauma affects how children learn, regulate emotions, and respond to authority. When classrooms are not designed with this in mind, behaviors are often misunderstood and discipline becomes reactive rather than helpful.

Developing a trauma informed educational approach goes hand in hand with compassion. When a child feels seen, heard, safe, and represented, learning becomes possible. Creating compassionate classrooms is one of the most powerful ways teachers can support all students, especially those carrying invisible burdens.

Below is a practical guide for educators who want to begin implementing trauma informed practices in their classrooms.

REFRAME YOUR THINKING ABOUT BEHAVIOR

At the heart of a compassionate classroom is a shift in perspective.

Traditional discipline asks,
“Why is this student behaving this way?”

Trauma informed practice asks,
“What might have happened to this child?”

This shift allows educators to respond to the root of behavior rather than just the behavior itself. It promotes empathy, understanding, and meaningful support.

Traditional Response

Behavior
A child frequently interrupts the class and refuses to follow instructions.

Teacher’s Thought
“This student is trying to disrupt the class.”

Action
The student is sent out of the room or given detention.

Trauma Informed Response

Behavior
The same student frequently interrupts and struggles to follow instructions.

Teacher’s Thought
“What might this child be trying to communicate? Are they overwhelmed or anxious?”

Action
The teacher speaks privately with the child and learns they are dealing with anxiety related to instability at home. Together, they create a plan that includes regular check ins, a calm down space, and positive reinforcement.

When teachers reframe behavior this way, discipline becomes support instead of punishment.

USING POSITIVE LANGUAGE TO CREATE SAFETY

Language plays a powerful role in shaping how safe children feel.

When a child feels safe, they feel protected.
When they feel protected, they are more open, engaged, and confident.

Positive language builds trust and reinforces a sense of belonging.

Example Scenario

Damian has been struggling to complete assignments on time.

Traditional Approach

Teacher’s Response
“Why can’t you ever finish your work? You are always behind.”

Assumption
Damian is lazy or not trying.

Outcome
Punishment or lowered grades.

Trauma Informed Approach

Teacher’s Thought
“What might be making it hard for Damian to complete his work?”

Assumption
Damian may be dealing with stressors outside of school.

Response
The teacher uses supportive language, checks in privately, and collaborates with Damian to identify obstacles and solutions.

This approach protects dignity while still holding children accountable.

TEACH EMOTIONAL REGULATION SKILLS

Emotional regulation is a critical life skill, especially for children who have experienced trauma.

When educators explicitly teach emotional regulation, classrooms become calmer, more focused, and more supportive.

Strategies for Emotional Regulation

Calm Down Spaces
Create a quiet area where children can reset when overwhelmed. Include calming tools like stress balls, coloring pages, or soft seating. Visual cues can help students recognize when they need a break.

Mindful Moments
Build short mindfulness practices into the day. This might include breathing exercises, guided relaxation, or grounding activities during transitions.

Emotion Check Ins
Give children regular opportunities to express how they are feeling through journals, emotion charts, or simple hand signals.

Teaching these skills empowers a child to cope with stress now and throughout their lives.

PRACTICE POSITIVE DISCIPLINE

Positive discipline focuses on growth, accountability, and respect rather than punishment.

When kids feel valued, they are more motivated to learn and participate. This approach also teaches life skills that extend beyond the classroom.

Trauma Informed Discipline Tools

Behavior Reflection Sheets
Instead of punishment, students reflect on what happened, what they felt, and what they can do differently next time.

Emotion Regulation Plans
Work with students to create personalized plans outlining coping strategies and trusted adults they can turn to when overwhelmed.

These tools help students learn from mistakes rather than feel defined by them.

BUILD STRONG, TRUSTING RELATIONSHIPS

For some students, a teacher may be the only stable and healthy adult in their life.

Strong relationships create safety. Safety creates learning.

When a child feels connected to their teacher and peers, they are more engaged, confident, and willing to take academic risks. Feeling seen and celebrated allows students to thrive in ways they otherwise could not.

BE FLEXIBLE AND ADAPT TO CHILDREN’S NEEDS

Trauma disrupts emotional regulation, attention, and resilience. Flexibility is not lowering standards. It is removing unnecessary barriers.

Effective adaptations may include:

Flexible assignment timelines
Scheduled breaks for rest and regulation
Alternative ways to demonstrate learning

When classrooms adapt to student needs, learning becomes more accessible for everyone.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND TRAUMA INFORMED TRAINING

Supporting a child also means supporting educators.

At The Mind Center LLC, we offer a trauma informed wellness program for schools and a trauma informed certification course for educators. These programs focus on classroom management, IEP development, lesson planning, and staff self care.

Trauma informed education helps prevent burnout while improving outcomes for children.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Schools that embrace trauma informed education become leaders in compassion, inclusion, and resilience.

By building safe spaces rooted in trust, flexibility, and understanding, educators give every child a chance to succeed, regardless of their background or experiences.

At The Mind Center, we believe children thrive when adults are equipped with the right tools and support. Through training, collaboration, and relationship building, schools can create environments where both students and staff grow.

When classrooms are compassionate, learning becomes possible for everyone.

Searching for ADHD testing, dyslexia evaluations, gifted assessments, psychoeducational testing, or college accommodations testing for the SAT, LSAT, or MCAT?

The Mind Center provides evidence-based psychoeducational evaluations across Washington, DC; Northern Virginia (including Fairfax and Alexandria Counties); Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties in Maryland; and South Florida, including Broward County, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, and Palm Beach County.

Both in-person and virtual testing options are available. PsyPact-authorized telehealth services are offered where eligible.

At The Mind Center, we help children access accommodations that reflect how they actually perform under testing conditions, not just what a diagnosis says on paper. For many children, that includes extended time, testing over multiple days, and additional breaks.

To see how the right documentation led to approval, read our Success Story.

If you are navigating accommodations for college entrance or standardized exams, our College Testing page explains what testing agencies look for and how families can prepare.

When testing clearly shows functional impact, accommodations can open the door to fair access and real opportunity.

The Mind Center, LLC is a thought leadership mental health brand dedicated to helping parents, their kids, and the schools they attend.   At The Mind Center LLC, we specialize in psycho-educational evaluations and offer a range of services to support children. Contact us today.