While this conversation was recorded during standardized testing season, the insights go far beyond a few high-stakes weeks in the spring. For adoptive, foster, and kinship care children, the same challenges that can make testing stressful—such as early trauma, attachment disruptions, and emotional regulation struggles—also impact their day-to-day school experience. Clinicians Caitlin Inman and Kelly Curry unpack the root causes of school-related anxiety, share practical strategies for supporting focus and confidence, and highlight how families can advocate for accommodations that truly help. You’ll also hear how The Adoption & Foster Care Clinic partners with parents and schools to create academic plans that honor the whole child—not just a test score. Whether it’s the first week of school or the days leading up to a big exam, this conversation will equip you to help your child feel safe, supported, and set up for success all year long.*This episode is sponsored by Show Hope, a movement to care for orphans by engaging the church and reducing barriers to adoption. Learn more at (www.showhope.org).

This podcast is produced by The Adoption & Foster Care Clinic, an independent nonprofit interdisciplinary medical and therapeutic clinic that provides trauma-informed comprehensive medical and ongoing therapeutic services for adoptive, foster and kinship care families (both pre and post adoption)—learn more at The Adoption and Foster Care Clinic .