How Evaluations Work: What Parents Should Expect
Parents often contact Mindful LEP because they are feeling unsure about whether their child needs an evaluation—or they may already know one is needed but feel overwhelmed by the process. Questions like “What does an evaluation involve?”, “Will this label my child?”, or “What happens after the testing?” are extremely common.
If you are considering an evaluation for your child, you are not alone. This blog is designed to walk you through what evaluations are, how they work, and what you can realistically expect at each step of the process.
Parents often contact Mindful LEP because they are feeling unsure about whether their child needs an evaluation—or they may already know one is needed but feel overwhelmed by the process. Questions like “What does an evaluation involve?”, “Will this label my child?”, or “What happens after the testing?” are extremely common.
If you are considering an evaluation for your child, you are not alone. This blog is designed to walk you through what evaluations are, how they work, and what you can realistically expect at each step of the process.
What Is an Evaluation?
An evaluation is a comprehensive assessment that looks at how your child learns, processes information, and functions academically, cognitively, and emotionally. The goal is understanding, not labeling.
Evaluations help answer questions such as:
● Why is learning hard for my child?
● Are there underlying learning differences?
● Is attention, memory, or processing speed a factor?
● What supports would help my child succeed at school?
An evaluation provides clarity and guidance so families and schools can move forward with the right supports.
Reasons Parents Seek Evaluations
Parents pursue evaluations for many different reasons, including:
● academic struggles despite effort
● concerns about attention or focus
● difficulties with reading, writing, or math
● executive functioning challenges (organization, planning, follow-through)
● anxiety or emotional regulation concerns
● inconsistent school performance
● questions about ADHD or learning differences
● need for school accommodations or services
There is no “wrong” reason to seek an evaluation—trusting your instincts as a parent is important.
What the Evaluation Process Typically Includes
While each child’s evaluation is individualized, most comprehensive evaluations include the following components:
1. Parent Intake and Background Information
This includes a detailed conversation and/or questionnaires about your child’s developmental, academic, and emotional history. Your insights are a critical part of the process.
2. Teacher Input
When appropriate, teachers are asked to complete rating scales or questionnaires to provide information about how your child functions in the classroom setting.
3. Standardized Testing
Testing may assess areas such as:
● cognitive abilities
● academic skills (reading, writing, math)
● attention and executive functioning
● memory and processing speed
● social-emotional functioning
Testing is conducted in a supportive, child-friendly environment with breaks as needed.
4. Behavioral Observations
How your child approaches tasks, handles frustration, and responds to challenges provides valuable information beyond test scores.
What an Evaluation Is Not
It’s important to clarify a few common misconceptions:
● An evaluation is not about labeling or limiting your child
● It does not define your child’s intelligence or potential
● It is not a judgment of parenting
● It is not only for children who are “failing”
Evaluations are tools for understanding and support.
What Happens After Testing Is Complete?
Once testing is complete, parents receive a comprehensive written report that includes:
● clear explanations of results
● identified strengths and challenges
● diagnostic conclusions (if applicable)
● individualized recommendations for home and school
A feedback meeting is held to review findings, answer questions, and discuss next steps in a clear, supportive way.
How Evaluations Help at School
Evaluation results can be used to support:
● classroom accommodations
● 504 Plans
● IEP eligibility consideration and goal development
● instructional strategies
● advocacy during school meetings
Even when a child does not qualify for formal services at school, an outside evaluation provides valuable insight that can guide effective support.
How Mindful LEP Can Help
At Mindful LEP, we conduct comprehensive, individualized evaluations designed to truly understand your child—not just generate scores. We take time to explain findings in plain language and help families feel confident about next steps.
We also offer advocacy services to help parents:
● understand evaluation results
● prepare for school meetings
● communicate concerns clearly
● navigate the IEP and 504 Plan process
Need an evaluation appointment?: Mindful LEP does not currently have a waitlist for assessments - book your evaluation appointment today! Not sure if your child needs an evaluation? Don’t stress! Schedule a FREE consultation with us, and we will address all of your concerns. Call us at (408) 797-5597 for more information!
Final Thoughts for Parents
Choosing to pursue an evaluation can feel like a big step, but it is often an empowering one. Understanding how your child learns allows you to support them more effectively—and helps schools do the same.
An evaluation is not about what is “wrong” with your child. It is about uncovering how to help them thrive.
As always, please do not hesitate to reach out to Mindful LEP for a FREE consultation. We would be happy to discuss how we can help your family with:
the academic assessment/evaluation process
therapy/counseling (in person and virtual)
art & play therapy (in person and virtual)
advocacy services (in person and virtual)
We would LOVE for you to share your ideas and thoughts on our next blog topic(s). What would you like us to focus on in the future? Let us know at: info@mindful-LEP.com
By: Corrina Schader, LEP
Owner of Mindful LEP
Website: www.mindful-LEP.com
Email: info@mindful-LEP.com
Phone: (408) 797-5597
🧩 Supporting Learning Differences During Summer Break
Part 3 is officially here - Supporting Learning Differences During Summer Break
What to expect next:
With ONE more post to go in this summer series, our hope is that you feel supported and equipped with practical tools to help strengthen the skills that matter most for your child. The new school year will be here before we know it, and we hope this summer series has helped you feel more confident and prepared for what’s ahead.
In the next (and final!) post, we will dive into getting back-to-school ready, and how you can use summer to help ease transitions and anxiety!
By: Corrina Schader, LEP
Owner of Mindful LEP
Website: www.mindful-LEP.com
Email: info@mindful-LEP.com
Phone: (408) 797-5597
For children with learning differences—like ADHD, dyslexia, autism, or auditory processing challenges—summer is more than just a break from school. It can be a chance to reset, rebuild confidence, and reinforce key skills without the daily pressures of the classroom. The trick is to strike the right balance between support and relaxation.
🧠 Why Summer Matters for Struggling Learners
Kids who face academic or social challenges during the year may feel drained or discouraged by June. A thoughtfully planned summer can:
Reinforce IEP or 504 goals in a more flexible setting
Provide space to strengthen weak skills without pressure
Help build confidence and motivation for the year ahead
🛠️ How to Support Without Overloading
🗓️ 1. Choose One or Two Focus Areas
You don’t need to “fix everything.” Pick 1–2 goals based on your child’s needs, such as:
Improving reading fluency
Practicing self-regulation strategies
Strengthening fine motor or handwriting skills
Mindful LEP Tip: Focused, short practice sessions (10–20 minutes) a few days a week are often more effective than long daily drills.
📘 2. Reinforce IEP Goals at Home
If your child has an IEP or 504 Plan, review the goals and think of ways to support them informally:
If the goal is reading comprehension → read a book together and discuss what’s happening
For emotional regulation → practice calming techniques or use a feelings chart
For working memory → try memory games, routines, or visual schedules
Optional: Keep a light “summer journal” of progress or notes—it’s helpful to bring to teachers in the fall.
🎯 3. Use Summer Services if Needed
Consider:
ESY (Extended School Year) services for qualifying IEP students
Private tutoring (ask for someone trained in multisensory methods or executive function coaching)
Did you know that Mindful LEP offers individualized executive functioning coaching with a mini EF assessment to identify executive functioning strength and weaknesses? Call us at (408) 797-5597 for more information!
Educational therapy or social skills groups tailored to neurodiverse learners
Mindful LEP also offers support for social skills and is neurodiversity affirming! We can also help connect you to the talented Occupational Therapist or Speech/Language Pathologist whose office we rent from. They have weekly groups that target these skills!
If cost is a concern, check with your district or local nonprofit organizations for free or low-cost programs.
🧩 4. Support Emotional & Social Growth
Academic work is important—but so is emotional development:
Practice social interactions through playdates or community activities
Model and role-play self-advocacy (e.g., asking for help)
Celebrate small wins to build confidence
* * * Mindful LEP provides play and art based therapy in person in Campbell, CA and virtually throughout California! We can also help connect to a qualified professional in your area if we can’t help. We have access to a large network of other professionals all over CA! Get a free consultation by calling (408) 797-5597
🌱 Progress, Not Perfection
Every child’s summer path is different. The goal isn’t to match grade-level benchmarks—it’s to make meaningful growth in ways that support your child’s learning style, emotional needs, and self-esteem.
Coming Next Week: “Back-to-School Ready: Using Summer to Ease Transitions and Anxiety”
Have questions about your child’s learning needs over the summer? Please feel free to contact me directly—I’m here to help!
Corrina Schader, LEP
Owner of Mindful LEP
Website: www.mindful-LEP.com
Email: info@mindful-LEP.com
Phone: (408) 797-5597
🧠 Executive Function in Action: Building Brain Skills Through Summer Activities
It all begins with an idea.
By: Corrina Schader, LEP
Owner of Mindful LEP
Website: www.mindful-LEP.com
Email: info@mindful-LEP.com
Phone: (408) 797-5597
Executive function skills are like the CEO of the brain - they help children plan, focus, remember instructions, manage time, and juggle multiple tasks. These skills are essential for school success, but they don’t develop automatically. The good news? Summer offers the perfect opportunity to help your child build them in fun, real-life ways… without a worksheet in sight!
🧠 What Is Executive Function?
Executive function includes three core areas:
Working Memory – Holding and manipulating information in the mind
Cognitive Flexibility – Shifting focus or adapting to change
Inhibitory Control – Thinking before acting or staying focused despite distractions
Children with ADHD, learning differences, or anxiety often struggle with these areas, but they’re teachable, especially with consistent practice!
🛠️ Real-Life Activities That Build Executive Function
📅 1. Let Kids Plan the Day
Have your child help create a daily schedule or choose their own summer activities.
Use calendars or visual schedules
Discuss time estimates and priorities
Reflect on what worked or didn’t each week
Mindful LEP Tip: This builds planning and time management—two key executive skills often overlooked.
🧑🍳 2. Cook or Bake Together
Cooking involves:
Following multi-step directions (working memory)
Measuring ingredients (attention to detail)
Cleaning up (task completion and sequencing)
Let your child lead a meal: from recipe selection, to shopping list, to cooking.
💸 3. Start a Mini Business
Lemonade stands, dog walking, or selling handmade crafts are great for:
Planning and goal-setting
Managing money
Problem-solving and flexibility
Bonus: It boosts confidence and independence, too!
🎯 4. Play Strategic Games
Board games and card games promote:
Focused attention
Impulse control
Decision-making
Try Games Like: Uno, Chess, Clue, Simon, Memory Match, or cooperative games such as "Outfoxed."
🧩 5. Chore Charts and Checklists
Introduce personal responsibility with daily or weekly checklists.
Break tasks into small steps
Use visual cues or timers
Praise effort, not just outcomes
🧘 Bonus: Include Mindfulness
Mindfulness helps strengthen the prefrontal cortex—the “executive” part of the brain. Try:
Breathing exercises
Body scans
“Mindful moments” before transitions or bedtime
Apps like Headspace for Kids or Smiling Mind are great, age-appropriate options.
🧠 Executive Function = Life Skills
By weaving executive function practice into your child’s summer routine, you’re doing more than preventing the summer slide—you’re helping them build the tools they’ll need for independence, confidence, and long-term success.
👩🏫 Want Extra Help with Executive Function?
Mindful LEP has you covered! Did you know that Mindful LEP offers virtual executive functioning coaching? Help your child develop the critical skills needed for academic success with personalized executive functioning coaching from Mindful LEP. Our expert coaches work one-on-one with students in grades 5-12 to build organization, time management, and focus skills that last a lifetime. Contact us for more information and pricing!
Coming Next Week: “Supporting Learning Differences During Summer Break”
Have questions about your child’s learning needs over the summer? Please feel free to contact me directly—I’m here to help!
Corrina Schader, LEP
Owner of Mindful LEP
Website: www.mindful-LEP.com
Email: info@mindful-LEP.com
Phone: (408) 797-5597
Summer Blog Series Just Released!
We are excited to kick off this 4-part blog series - Smart Summer: Learning Without the Burnout!
Part 1 is officially here - Avoiding the Summer Slide: A Parent’s Guide to Stress-Free Learning
Over the next few weeks, we will be sharing insights, tips, and tools to help you use summer as an opportunity to strengthen your child's skills that matter most. Each blog post is designed to be short, actionable, and genuinely helpful—starting with this first one!
What to expect next:
In the next post, we’ll dive into executive functioning, where you’ll learn how to help build your child's brain skills through summer activities!
If you have questions, or want to share your thoughts along the way, comment or contact us. We would love to hear from you!
Avoiding the Summer Slide: A Parent’s Guide to Stress-Free Learning
Summer is a time for rest, fun, and freedom—but for many students, it can also lead to something called the summer slide. This refers to the learning loss that can happen during long breaks from school, especially in reading and math. The good news? With just a little structure and creativity, you can help your child keep their skills sharp without making summer feel like school!
By: Corrina Schader, LEP
Owner of Mindful LEP
Website: www.mindful-LEP.com
Email: info@mindful-LEP.com
Phone: (408) 797-5597
Summer is a time for rest, fun, and freedom—but for many students, it can also lead to something called the summer slide. This refers to the learning loss that can happen during long breaks from school, especially in reading and math. The good news? With just a little structure and creativity, you can help your child keep their skills sharp without making summer feel like school!
What Is the Summer Slide?
Research shows that students can lose up to two months of academic progress over the summer if they don’t engage in educational activities. For children with learning differences, or those already struggling academically, the impact can be even more significant. The goal isn't to replace summer with a second school year—but to integrate learning into your child's everyday summer routine.
Simple Strategies to Keep Learning Fresh
1. Create a Gentle Daily (or Weekly!) Routine
Kids thrive with consistency—even during summer. Try a flexible schedule like: ● 20 minutes of reading
● 15–20 minutes of math practice or games
● Time for creative or hands-on activities
It doesn’t have to happen all at once. Spread it out throughout the day (or week!), and keep it positive and low-pressure.
2. Make Reading a Shared Experience
● Read together, even if your child is older.
● Let them choose books they’re actually interested in—even comics or graphic novels. ● Use audiobooks for car rides or quiet time.
Parent Pro Tip: Kids who read just 4–6 books over the summer can maintain their reading level!
3. Make Math Practical (and Fun!)
Math doesn’t have to be on a worksheet:
● Cooking (measuring ingredients)
● Shopping (calculating totals or discounts)
● Building projects (geometry, measurement)
● Math card games like “24” or “Uno with a Twist”
Try websites like Khan Academy (khanacademy.org) or apps like Prodigy or SplashLearn for game-based practice.
4. Incorporate Learning into Life
● Start a summer journal or scrapbook
● Plan a lemonade or baking stand (budgeting + marketing!)
● Track weather patterns or star constellations
● Visit museums, zoos, or science centers (many offer free days!)
Keep It Manageable, Not Rigid
The key is to build structure without rigidity. If your child resists, shift gears—try a new activity, let them choose, or take a break. Learning during summer should feel empowering, not exhausting.
Remember: Progress isn't just about academics. Use summer to nurture creativity, emotional intelligence, and independence, too.
Coming Next Week: “Executive Function in Action: Building Brain Skills Through Summer Activities”
Have questions about your child’s learning needs over the summer? Please feel free to contact me directly—I’m here to help!
Corrina Schader, LEP
Owner of Mindful LEP
Website: www.mindful-LEP.com
Email: info@mindful-LEP.com
Phone: (408) 797-5597