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This meaningful gathering brings together families, community members, and health advocates to learn more about how to keep our brains healthy at every age.

🎤 Special Guest Speaker
The event will feature Dr. Jeheudi Vuai, who will share important insights about brain health, wellness, and practical ways to care for your brain in everyday life.

💡 What to Expect

* Easy to understand information about how the brain works.
* Tips for keeping your brain strong and healthy.
* Encouragement for families to build healthy habits together.
* A welcoming, community-centered environment.

🌱 Why It Matters
Our brains help us think, learn, feel, and grow. Events like this remind us that taking care of our brain is just as important as taking care of our bodies.

Whether you're a student, parent, or community member, this event is a great opportunity to learn, connect, and celebrate brain health together.

https://www.neuroluvforkids.org/

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M32 Movie Night with Youth & Sailing Community

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M32 Movie Night with Youth & Sailing Community

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Sign Up Here!

Join the world’s top SailGP and M32 sailors for a special Meet and Greet with a sailing film at Shake-A-Leg Miami, hosted by Connor Karr! Enjoy an unforgettable evening connecting with elite athletes, hearing their stories, and watching an inspiring sailing film together in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

We’re bringing together young sailors, families, mentors, and supporters for a relaxed and inspiring evening with pizza and popcorn. Together, we’ll enjoy a selection of exciting sailing documentaries that capture the spirit of adventure, teamwork, and life on the water.

The night will also include a live conversation with M32 sailors as they share their journeys, lessons from competition, and words of encouragement for the next generation of sailors.

Come connect, get inspired, and be part of the community.

The Shake-A-Leg Miami Community

Shake-A-Leg Miami, 2620 S Bayshore Dr, Miami, FL 33133

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Wrapping Up January with Support, Resources & Community

Hi NextSteps Families,

As we head into the final weekend of January, I wanted to share a few disability-focused events, along with helpful IEP resources to support you and your child as the school year continues.

Whether you’re looking for community, information, or answers about your child’s IEP—you’re in the right place.

From confusion to clarity—we deliver results.

IEP Resources to Boost Your Confidence

Whether you’re prepping for meetings or wanting strategies to support your child more effectively, here are solid tools you can use right now:

🔹 IEP Navigation & Advocacy

Wrightslaw Special Education Law and Advocacy — In-depth, parent-friendly legal & practical guidance for IDEA, IEPs, evaluations, and dispute resolution.

Understood.org — Step-by-step IEP guides, worksheets, and parent checklists.

🔹 Communication & Meeting Prep

Parent Advocacy Coaching by NextSteps — Personalized help for planning what to say, how to ask for goals, accommodations, and progress tracking.

🔹Downloadable E-Book Guide

If you haven’t yet checked out The Confident Parent’s IEP Playbook, it’s a practical guide built for parents by a parent-advocate — perfect for preparing, participating, and partnering with your child’s school.

Get your E-Book Today !

NextSteps Educational Consulting

View email in browser
NextSteps Educational Consulting LLC · 13640 N Kendall Dr PMB 1106 · Miami, FL 33186-1567 · USA

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APPLY TODAY

Documents Required to Process the Senior Accessibility Application:

Proof of Income (Your social security benefits, check stubs, any retirement statements, etc.)

Three (3) months of Personal Bank Statements

Copy of your Florida Driver's License

Please be aware that your application will not be processed until these documents are provided.

For More Information, Please Call: 305-960-4920

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A quick snapshot of Abby Care:

Pediatric home health services for children under 18 with skilled nursing needs

Support for family caregivers through HB 391 (Medicaid e.g. Sunshine Health/CMS)

Full coverage throughout Miami-Dade County with an office in Miami Gardens

Personalized guidance through training, onboarding, and ongoing case support

Destiny Witherspoon

Community Outreach Specialist

(954)-737-4829

abbycare.org

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The University of Miami, Linda Ray Intervention Center is one of six regional Florida Diagnostic & Learning Resources System (FDLRS) Multidisciplinary Educational Services Centers.  Our center provides diagnostic evaluation, consultation, technical assistance, and pre-service and in-service training to families, teachers, school district personnel, and community support providers concerning children and youth with complex medical, emotional, or behavioral problems.

The key elements of service include providing families, school systems, community stakeholders, and collaborative partners with service delivery, training, and informational products related to the identification, evaluation, and appropriate educational programming for early learners. The center’s goals align with the indicators within the BEESS Strategic Plan and the Florida Department of Education (FDOE) Strategic Performance Plan, aiming to prepare students with disabilities enrolled in public K-12 programs for high academic achievement and successful postsecondary outcomes.

The network of six regional FDLRS Multidisciplinary Education Services Centers across the state is part of a Florida statewide program of comprehensive services for children.

Linda Ray Intervention Center

750 NW 15th St

Miami, FL 33136

Phone: 305-243-0066

Email: lindaraycenter@miami.edu

https://www.lindaraycenter.miami.edu/fdlrs-um/index.html

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The UM Linda Ray Intervention Center Parenting Program is designed to help families explore their hopes and challenges and recognize opportunities for celebration.

The Nurturing Parenting Programs are trauma-informed, family-based programs designed for the prevention and treatment of child abuse and neglect. Parents and their children learn positive and caring nurturing skills as a family.  The center utilizes the evidence-based model, The Nurturing Program for Parents and their Children with Special Needs and Health Challenges ®.  The program recognizes that each family has a unique history, value system, cultural identity, and combination of strengths and challenges and is based on the conceptual framework for Nurturing Programs:

Appropriate Parental expectations

Empathetic awareness of the needs of children

Understanding and using empathetic, effective discipline strategies and behavior encouragement techniques

Understanding appropriate parent-child roles and responsibilities

Development of power and independence in children

There is no program cost to participating families, thanks to the generous funding of The Children’s Trust.

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Study Recruitment - Inclusive Postsecondary Program for Adults over 26

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Study Recruitment - Inclusive Postsecondary Program for Adults over 26

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The FIU Embrace Education Program, our postsecondary education program which serves young adults between the ages of 18-25 with intellectual disabilities (ID) and/or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is seeking to remove the age limit of the program. Often times, older individuals with these types of disabilities have challenges in enrolling in programs like ours. We are seeking your assistance in designing an education program that meets the specific needs of adults over the age of 25 with ID and/or ASD.

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NieCat Blessings Academy & Therapeutic Center

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NieCat Blessings Academy & Therapeutic Center

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Offering: Speech; Occupational, Physical & Behavior Therapies for Special Needs Preschool Children﻿

NieCat Blessings Academy: Empowers Young Minds, Nurtures Unique Abilities"

Website: www.niecatblessingsnfe.org

Email: niecat@niecatnfe.org

Phone: (833) 230-9666

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Offering: Speech; Occupational, Physical & Behavior Therapies for Special Needs Preschool Children﻿

NieCat Blessings Academy: Empowers Young Minds, Nurtures Unique Abilities"

Website: www.niecatblessingsnfe.org

Email: niecat@niecatnfe.org

Phone: (833) 230-9666

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The Moss Center presents fun and inclusive dance classes for youth

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The Moss Center presents fun and inclusive dance classes for youth

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Therapeutic Dance Classes for Child Development, dance classes for children with disabilities (i.e., ASD, ADHD, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, that combine dance & occupational therapy principles. For ages 7-12 & 13-16.

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Starts in January @PPA South Miami

Life Hacking Adult Group Program is a 4-Week Series (Ages 18-28) fun, hands-on program that helps young adults strengthen the everyday skills needed to build confidence, independence, and meaningful relationships. Each week focuses on practical life skills, including: managing finances & budgeting, cooking & finding easy, healthy recipes, navigating dating & relationships, scheduling social plans with friends, and building organization and independence.

Must have 6 members to run the program.

Have questions? Give our office a call! When you’re ready to join, just click below to fill out the registration form and book your free 15-minute consultation with the program facilitator.

Register Now!

(305) 936-1002  |  groups@mailppa.com  |  SouthFloridaTherapists.com

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The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program 

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The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program 

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The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program in Florida is continuing operations and benefits as usual at this time.

Families eligible for WIC can continue to apply and enroll in the program for food assistance. For eligibility information visit the WIC Website

We do not yet have definitive information regarding what may happen next week or beyond

We are monitoring the situation and will send an update next week (or sooner if more information becomes available).

Federal employees who have been furloughed and meet the WIC criteria (pregnant, recently postpartum, infant and children under 5) can apply for WIC benefits.

What our partners and networks can do now:

Please reassure clients/participants that all Florida WIC agencies are operational, and they can continue to attend their appointments and receive benefits.

Advise families to have contingency plans in place—especially those reliant on other assistance programs (SNAP, TANF, etc)—in case shutdown continues into November.

Share local resources for food pantries and community food distributions in the Miami Dade County area, so individuals/families have additional support where needed.

Local food assistance resources:

To date, the Buddy System has 10 community fridges in Miami-Dade County including two at the Homestead/Florida City WIC Center and Littler River WIC Center. Food is stocked weekly at most locations.

Free Food Distributions | Farm Share | Food Bank - Farm Share calendar lists all food distributions by area in Florida. People can scroll down to south Florida.

Feeding South Florida – The regional food bank serving Miami-Dade, Broward, Monroe and Palm Beach counties. You can access their distribution locator for current drive-thru and pantry sites.

The Salvation Army of Miami – At its Center of Hope in Allapattah, the organization distributes weekly grocery-bags of fresh produce and shelf-stable items.

Jewish Community Services South Florida (JCS) Kosher Food Bank – Serves families in Miami-Dade requiring kosher food, by appointment.

Overtown Food Distribution — Health in the Hood - Health in the Hood has a distribution in Overtown planned on 11/15

Village of Allapattah YMCA Family Center | YMCA OF SOUTH FLORIDA - Village of Allapatah has a pantry that is open daily

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Art Foundation for people with disabilities

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305 PINK PACK provides transportation, child care, and more at no cost, for local women in cancer treatment so they can focus on treatment and spend time with their families.

Office Hours by Appointment Only
145 Madeira Ave. #317
Coral Gables, FL 33134

Call or WhatsApp: 305-859-1224

https://www.305pinkpack.org/

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Committed to providing essential services to support children and adolescents in the community, CFCE offers: residential group care, in-home family counseling, and behavioral health services. Additionally, they now provide comprehensive care for both adults and children, encompassing general and sick care, OB/GYN, dental services, nutrition programs, and preventive services.

1825 NW 167th Street, Suite 102
Miami Gardens, FL 33056

Ph: 305-624-7450 (Main)

305-474-1800 (Health & Wellness Center)

305-474-1803 (Pediatrics)

https://www.cfcecares.org/

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Serving as the backbone organization to support anchoring community-based organizations to empower Overtown as a community where all children and youth reach their full potential.

1951 NW 7th Ave., Ste. 300
Miami, Fl, 33136

Ph: 786-373-5862

https://overtowncyc.org/events/

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As a leading epilepsy support organization in Florida, we understand the complexities and challenges of living with seizures and are here to help. At Epilepsy Alliance Florida, we stand with each person affected, offering resources, support, and hope.

Contact: Miami Office 7300 N Kendall Dr, Suite 760 Miami, FL 33156

Phone: 305-670-4949

https://epilepsyalliancefl.org/contact/

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Sant La offers information and referral services to the Haitian and Haitian American communities throughout South Florida. Clients receive guidance and care coordination as well as counseling and follow-up monitoring of services received.

Contact: SANT LA Haitian Neighborhood Center 13390 W Dixie Hwy North Miami, FL 33161 - Phone: 305-573-4871

Email: info@santla.org

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Miami Lighthouse for the Blind & Visually Impaired

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Miami Lighthouse for the Blind & Visually Impaired

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Through education, training, research and vision enhancement, Miami Lighthouse is a center for learning that provides hope, confidence, and independence to people of all ages, transforming the lives of over 90,000 blind and visually impaired people annually, from babies to seniors, and their families.

Contact:  601 SW 8th Ave Miami, FL 33130 Phone: 305-856-2288

https://www.miamilighthouse.org/ServicesAndPrograms.asp

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Dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities through the transformative power of the arts.

Offering Art-Based Rehabilitation and Inclusive Art programs, Community Engagement and Advocacy and Education.

10200 NW 25th Street, Suite B-203,

Doral FL. 33172

Ph: 305-330-1546 Ext. 416

https://artfoundation-x-pwd.com/

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Area Stage Company’s Inclusion Theatre Project (ITP) is a one-of-a-kind theater training program designed to empower students with developmental and intellectual disabilities.

The unique methodology is one of full inclusion focused solely on our student's progress, allowing instructors to tailor their approach based on each student's unique needs and abilities. This program serves as an important gateway to autonomy and independence, and ultimately to living a more productive and fulfilling life.

Contact: 5701 Sunset Dr Miami Fl, 33143 - Phone: 305-666-2078

Email: office@areastage.org

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Shake-a-Leg Miami’s mission through the power of sailing and watersports, aims to become the premier global community for people with disabilities, their families, and members of all ages and abilities to have fun, be inspired, develop friendships, and launch dreams. With a unique lineup of adaptive water sports, the organization offers adults and children with physical and intellectual disabilities many ways to be involved in their communities and many ways to show who they really are.

Contact:  2620 S Bayshore Dr Coconut Grove, FL – Phone: 305-858-5550

Email:  info@shakealegmiami.org

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GiGis Playhouse in Miami serves the community with free purposeful programs from newborns to adults with Down syndrome and the entire community. Individuals with Down syndrome will benefit from free tutoring in literacy and math, free therapeutic based programming, free career skills training and all the tools they need to succeed in life while our entire community gets a dedicated place to learn about the value of acceptance and how they can be a part of changing lives.

Contact:  16451 NW 67th Ave Miami Lakes, FL 33014 - Phone: 305-549-8800 - Email: miami@gigisplayhouse.org

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The mission of the Down Syndrome Association of Miami is to educate the Miami-Dade community about Down syndrome and to promote positive acceptance of individuals living with Down syndrome. Contact: 786-292-1967 - South Miami, FL – Email: info@dsaom.org

https://dsaom.org/programs/

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The Advocacy Network on Disabilities is the Agency that champions the rights of individuals with intellectual, developmental, and other disabilities by promoting inclusion, providing services, and advancing systems change. Providing help to: Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, Children with intellectual, developmental, sensory, physical, social-emotional, and other conditions; and Family members and professionals who are working with the children and adults described above.

Contact: 7990 SW 117th Ave, Suite 135 Miami, FL 33183 - Phone: 305-596-1160 ext 259 - Email: info@advocacynetwork.org

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The Children's Trust is a dedicated source of revenue established by voter referendum to improve the lives of all children and families in Miami-Dade County.

Contact: The Children's Trust | 3150 SW 3rd Avenue, 8th Floor, Miami, FL 33129 |

Phone: 305-571-5700

Click here to find a Program:

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Clinics Can Help connects people to safe, effective medical equipment in a supportive circle of care. Clinics Can Help maintains a large Lending Closet that includes a wide variety of Durable Medical Equipment (DME) that is available for short and long-term loan. We also maintain an ever-changing inventory of single-use medical supplies that may be appropriate for your needs.

Contact: 2560 Westgate Avenue West Palm Beach, FL 33409 - Phone: 561-640-2995

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Special Transportation Service (STS) offers door-to-door transportation service from the main entrance of pick-up to the main entrance of drop-off locations. The service operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and can be used throughout most of Miami-Dade County. The cost per trip is $3.50.

A Florida Licensed Physician must complete and sign the STS application. Send the STS application with all medical documentation to the STS certification office via: Email: paratransit@miamidade.gov, Fax 786-469-5033 or Mail: 701 NW 1ST Court, Suite 131, Miami, Florida 33136

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The Miami-Dade Public Library System offers free social services assistance and information at the following library locations: Main Library, Arcola Lakes Branch, Hispanic Branch, Miami Beach Regional, North Shore Branch. Contact: 786-988-6816

Email: socialservicesmail@mdpls.org

Appointments are available from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. weekly. Walk-in patrons are accepted on a limited basis.

https://mdpls.org/community-resources

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Farm Share distributes food to the community through its network of soup kitchens, food pantries, homeless shelters, churches and senior centers across the state of Florida, free of charge.

Contact: 14125 SW 320th St Homestead, FL 33033 - Phone: 305-246-3276

Email: information@farmshare.org

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Miami Diaper Bank is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit group that supports low-income families and babies with diaper need throughout South Florida. We collect, store and distribute free diapers and essentials to other nonprofits, family service agencies and shelters in the community.

Contact:  2699 West 79th Street, Unit 2, Hialeah FL 33016 – Phone (305) 926 - 3815 - Info@miamidiaperbank.com

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Miami-Dade WIC provides healthy food, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and family resources to around 73,000 women, infants, children (0-5), and families in Miami-Dade County

Call 786.336.1300 and schedule an appointment from 7:15 am to 5pm

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MyACCESS is a platform that helps Florida residents access government assistance programs, including:

Medicaid: Provides free or low-cost health coverage to eligible individuals and families.

SNAP: Provides food assistance, formerly known as Food Stamps.

TANF: Provides cash assistance to eligible individuals and families.

You can contact the Florida DCF ACCESS call center at (850) 300-4323 Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM.

You can also contact Florida Relay 711 or TTY at 1-800-955-8771

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Social Security Administration/ Supplemental Security Income

SSI provides monthly payments to people with disabilities and older adults who have little or no income or resources. You can apply in person or over the phone or get more information about SSI and this application process.

Toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213.

https://www.ssa.gov/apply

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New Horizons Community Mental Health Center offers a wide range of preventive, therapeutic, and supportive outpatient, and social/rehabilitative services, which include comprehensive substance abuse and mental health care, case management, crisis screening and intervention, psychosocial rehabilitation, and residential services to adults and children.

Contact:

1469 NW 36th St Miami, FL 33142

Phone: 305-635-7444

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The Village South

When experiencing a mental health or emotional crisis, The Mobile Response Team (MRT) will provide immediate, on-site behavioral health crisis intervention services to individuals of all ages in Miami-Dade County. MRTs will - Respond within 60 minutes to a call where crisis is occurring - Triage calls 24/7 to connect individuals with care and services

Phone: 1-800-435-7968

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Charlie Health is a leading provider of virtual mental health treatment for people in need of more than once-weekly therapy. Charlie Health’s Clinical Team is ready to help you start your healing journey today.

Phone: 866-721-0962

Click here to get started

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NAMI Family-to-Family is a Free, 8-session education program for family, friends, and significant others of adults with mental health conditions. The program provides information about anxiety, depressive disorders, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and other mental health conditions.

Contact:

NAMI Miami-Dade 299 Alhambra Circle, Suite 224 Coral Gables, FL 33134

Phone: 305-665-2540

Click here to register

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Child and & Adolescent Mood & Anxiety Treatment Program

Clinical research program that specializes in providing treatment to children and adolescents ages 6 to 17 who face emotional problems such as: anxiety, depression, irritability, OCD, tics, and more.   Contact:

Phone: 305-284-9852 ext 1 - Email: camatprogram@miami.edu

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Culturally Informed and Flexible Family-Based Treatment for Adolescents (CIFFTA)

A Free treatment that includes family therapy, individual therapy, and psycho-educational modules. The treatment includes a strong cultural component, is patient centered & responsive and is flexible/adaptive which allows it to be tailored to the child’s and family’s unique cultural and clinical profiles. Supports families with children 11 to 18. Virtual & in-person.

Phone: 305.284.3040

Email: kao43@miami.edu

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This Center offers clinical services and research programs that include early childhood services, individual and group programs for parents, group and home-based therapy for children, nationally acclaimed summer camps and video teleconferencing therapy. The Center helps families facing challenges related to ADHD; anxiety and fears; conduct and behavioral problems; family stress and parenting support; mood problems and depression; academics and social skills; and trauma.

Contact:
Florida International University
Modesto A. Maidique Campus
11200 SW 8th Street, AHC1 140
Miami, FL 33199
Tel: 305-348-0477

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Triple P is a 10 session in home free program designed for parents of children between the ages 2-12 that would like to learn to manage their child’s behavior. The curriculum is evidence based and provides parents with strategies to improve the parent and child relationship. There are no specific criteria other than the age of the child (3-12) and that parent’s consent to completing 10 sessions.

Registration is required

Phone: 305-796-1139

Email: Yurose.triplep@arcsofla.org

YWCA Intergenerational Center

3450 NW 199th St. Miami Gardens FL 33056

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PCIT is a 12-18 FREE session parenting program that teaches you to manage your child's difficult behaviors, while having fun and improving your child's good behaviors. PCIT can also help you reduce stress that you may be experiencing as a parent/caregiver.  Just call the following number for registration.

Phone: 305-243-0234 - Email: pcit@med.miami.edu

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Florida Elks Children’s Therapy Services provides in-home physical and occupational therapy to Florida children in need of such services. This rehabilitation is necessary to be rendered in the home because of the absence of these services locally or because of the patient being medically infirmed at home. Priority is given to children who do not have ready access to therapy as a result of financial considerations.

P.O. Box 49
Umatilla, FL 32784-0049

Email: cgallant@floridaelkscts.org
Phone: 800-523-1673 / 239-309-0209

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Act4me is a volunteer-led 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established in 2009 Miami-Dade County, Florida, focused to help local children with neurological and/or genetic disorders, resulting in developmental delays, get the therapy they need.  Families of children with special needs will be able to seek assistance from our organization by either: applying for a grant for Physical, Occupational or Speech Therapy, that will pay a portion of, or supplement their current care (the grant will be payable directly to the child’s provider) or apply for a grant for therapy supplies to support their home therapy needs:

https://act4me.org/grants

260 Crandon Blvd. Suite 32-222
Key Biscayne, FL 33149 U.S.A.

Phone: 786-822-0535

Email: Admin@Act4Me.org

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Center for Independent Living of South Florida provide a variety of services to peers in the disability community of Miami-Dade County such as Individual and Systems Advocacy, Peer Support, Independent Living Skills Training, Information and Referral, and Transitions: Community & Youth.

4770 Biscayne Blvd Suite 150 Miami, FL 33137

Phone: 305-751-8025 Videophone: 786-347-7318

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FIU Embrace has partnered with Citrus Health Network to provide primary care, gynecology and behavioral services for patients with developmental disorders such as Autism, intellectual disabilities, and other neurodevelopmental disorders.

Services provided: Psychiatry, Individual therapy, Primary Care and Gynecology, and Care Coordination.

Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m.  – 5 p.m.

Contact:  fiuembrace@fiu.edu

Phone: 786-209-2140.

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University of Miami Pediatric Mobile Clinic

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University of Miami Pediatric Mobile Clinic

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The University of Miami Pediatric Mobile Clinic offers free comprehensive medical care to local uninsured children. The clinic's bus parks near Miami-Dade public schools, houses of worship, and community centers, making medical services more accessible to all families. The mobile clinic offers the same services and quality of care provided in a traditional pediatrician’s office. The mobile care team can also connect you with free community-based resources for social and psychological services.

All Pediatric Mobile Clinic services are by appointment only 305-243-6407.

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Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) supports individuals with unique abilities and their families in living, learning and working within their communities by creating multiple pathways to possibilities. APD identifies the service needs of people with developmental disabilities, and those individuals may receive social, medical, behavioral, residential, and/or therapeutic services.

To apply for services from APD, submit an application to the APD office that serves your area either by mail or in person.

APD Southern Region Manager

Ms. Hillary Jackson

401 NW 2nd Ave Suite South 811

Miami, FL 33128

Phone: 305-349-1478

Email: hillary.jackson@apdcares.org

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Florida Kid Care is the state’s children’s health insurance program for uninsured children who meet the income eligibility requirements. Florida Healthy Kids and Title XXI compose the Children’s Health Insurance program CHIP. Health plan is operated by Sunshine Health and provides managed care services to Children under the age of 19, who are eligible for Florida Kid Care, and have special healthcare needs that require extensive, preventive, and ongoing care.

Visit Sunshine Health to view handbook.

Member Services: 1-888-540-5437 (Monday through Friday 8am to 8pm Eastern time).

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The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation serves as an employment resource for business and people with disabilities.

Services:

Students & Youth - Beginning at age 14, students with disabilities can connect with VR for Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS)

Education to Employment Academic success is attainable with VR support

Job Seekers. If you are a person with a disability looking to find, maintain or advance in a career, Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) may be able to help.

Vendors & Providers. Providers and Vendors bring services to persons with disabilities to help them find and/or maintain employment.

Unit 23 Miami-Dade - (G) Coral Gables

5835 Waterford District Drive, Suite 350

Miami 33126-2036

Phone: 305-643-7600 Fax: 305-643-7618

Unit 23 Miami-Dade - (B) North Miami

12000 Biscayne Blvd., Suite 204

Miami 33181-2742

Phone: 305-795-2285 Fax: 305-795-3488

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CMS Health Plan is a plan for children with serious, chronic conditions.

Children's Medical Services Health Plan, operated by Sunshine Health on behalf of the Florida Department of Health is specially designed to bring extra benefits to children and their families.

To enroll your child in Children’s Medical Services Health Plan, you can call 1-877-711-3662 (TTY 1-866-467-4970), Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-8 p.m., and Friday, 8 a.m.-7 p.m.

How to Enroll (Medicaid)

'We provide children in Florida’s Child Welfare system with unique healthcare coverage that is responsive to their needs and the needs of their caregivers. Learn more.

CMS Health Plan toll-free at 1-866-799-5321 (TTY 1-800-955-8770),

Monday - Thursday: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Friday: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

How to Enroll (Medicaid)

'We provide children in Florida’s Child Welfare system with unique healthcare coverage that is responsive to their needs and the needs of their caregivers. Learn more.'

www.sunshinehealth.com

CMS Health Plan toll-free at 1-866-799-5321 (TTY 1-800-955-8770),

Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

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Florida Deepartment of Children & Families

Essential Services

Find benefits and services in the state of Florida for children, families, seniors and people with disabilities.

To make an appointment:

https://myflfamiliesappt.cxmflow.com/

Miami Service Centers:

https://www.myflfamilies.com/miami-service-centers

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Florida Department of Children & Families

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Florida Department of Children & Families

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Essential Services

Find benefits and services in the state of Florida for children, families, seniors and people with disabilities.

To make an appointment:

https://myflfamiliesappt.cxmflow.com/

Miami Service Centers:

https://www.myflfamilies.com/miami-service-centers

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MyACCESS is a platform that helps Florida residents access government assistance programs, including Medicaid, SNAP, and TANF. Medicaid: Provides free or low-cost health coverage to eligible individuals and families. SNAP: Provides food assistance, formerly known as Food Stamps. TANF: Provides cash assistance to eligible individuals and families.

You can contact the Florida DCF ACCESS call center at (850) 300-4323

Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM.

You can also contact Florida Relay 711 or TTY at 1-800-955-8771

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Medicaid is the medical assistance program that provides access to health care for low-income families and individuals.  Medicaid also assists the elderly and people with disabilities with the costs of nursing facility care and other medical and long-term care expenses. In Florida, the Agency for Health Care Administration (Agency) is responsible for Medicaid.

Click here to apply:

https://members.flmedicaidmanagedcare.com/login?langCd=en

or speak with a choice counselor via phone at 1-877-711-3662. (TDD users ONLY call 1-866-467-4970)

Monday – Thursday 8:00am – 8:00pm at

Friday 8:00am – 7:00pm.

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Day Care programs for Adults with Disabilities:

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Day Care programs for Adults with Disabilities:

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The WOW Center Miami

The WOW Center provides quality programs and support to individuals with developmental disabilities for them to lead meaningful and productive lives, explore their potential, develop a sense of community and pursue independence and jobs case by case.

11450 SW 79th St

Miami, FL 33173

Ph: 305-279-7999

L.I.F.E. Developmental Center

LIFE is an activity-based learning environment. LIFE provides both life and vocational skills with training specializing in today’s technology-based world.

6700 SW 13th St

Pembroke Pines, FL 33023

Ph: 954-445-6797

BRITE Life Adult Training Program

The program offers music therapy, art activities, cooking instruction, real world situation training, animal therapy, an interactive game room, outdoor recreation and more!

829 NW 119th St

North Miami, FL 33168

Ph: 954-288-8625

Arc Broward - Adult Day Programs

Arc Broward offers a continuum of quality day services to adults with developmental disabilities. They currently operate three-day programs which provide individualized support for adults, including those with complex behavioral needs or those who are aging.

10250 NW 53rd St

Sunrise, FL 33351

Ph: 954-746-9400

Schott Communities

The Schott Adult Day Program is a daily enrichment program for adults with special needs. Participants enjoy a schedule of educational and leisure activities from 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM.

6591 S Flamingo Rd

Cooper City, FL 33330

Ph: 954-434-3306

Sunrise Community, Inc. of North Miami, Broward and Palm Beach Counties

Day Program m and Community Options give people access to the resources necessary for them to live valued lives in the community. Through this program, people can increase social skills, develop self-esteem and build relationships.

7720 NW 57th St

Doral, FL 33166

Ph: 305-436-0145

Email: Browardpb@SunriseGroup.org

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Starting in 2003, DIG worked with the Florida Bar to create a disability initiative to identify disability as an essential element to inclusion and diversity.  This included identifying how to remove attitudinal, communication, and architectural barriers to the legal profession, and drafting rules to ensure accommodations for all persons with disabilities to access the Florida court system.

Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 140850
Coral Gables, FL 33114-0850

Phone: 305-669-2822
Email: debbie@justdigit.org

If you have a disability legal question, you can contact Professor Matthew Dietz at the Disability Advocacy and Inclusion Law (DIAL) Clinic at Nova Southeastern University Law School. His email is mdietz@nova.edu.

If you have a disability education issue, such as an IEP or Exceptional Student Education, you can contact Stephanie Langer at Langer Law, PA.  Her email is helpline@langerlawpa.com.

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CABA Pro Bono Legal Services

2400 S Dixie Hwy #2

Miami, FL 33133

305-646-0046

https://www.cabaprobono.com/

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Aguila Law

9990 SW 77th Ave Suite #330

Miami, FL 33156

Phone: 305-967-8554

https://www.aguilalawfirm.com/

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Disability Rights Florida is a nonprofit organization that provides legal advocacy and rights protection for adults and children with a wide range of disabilities. Staff attorneys, advocates and investigators address civil rights violations, abuse and neglect, and discrimination specifically in these areas Medicaid eligibility including Protected Medicaid, Home & Community Based Services Waivers, and Medicare Savings Programs.

2473 Care Drive, Suite 200
Tallahassee, Florida 32308

Phone Numbers:

800-342-0823 Toll Free
850-488-9071
850-488-8640 Fax

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Best Buddies International is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, and inclusive living for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

Miami Office:
100 Southeast Second Street, Suite 2200
Miami, FL 33131
Email: miami@bestbuddies.org

Phone: 305.374.2233 | Fax: 305.374.5305

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CARD provides individualized consultation regarding the appropriate interventions needed to address the various challenges that an individual with autism and/or related disabilities may be experiencing. CARD Planning for Adulthood training includes the following topics: Paths After Exiting the School System (Post-Secondary, Volunteering/Employment, Adult Day Programs, Recreation and Leisure Programs), Decision-Making Options, Funding Programs, Housing, Transportation, and Safety.

CARD Padlets:

The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Transition and Adult Programs at CARD

https://padlet.com/djffumnsucard/groupsandevents

A website that includes the CARD flyers and information for our current adolescent, adult, and family groups, trainings, and events.

Family Resources:

Planning for Adulthood

https://padlet.com/djffumnsucard/CARDfamilyresourcesplanningforadulthood

A website that includes information and resources recommended for use in the planning for adulthood for neurodiverse individuals.

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FIU Embrace EDUCATION is a comprehensive and inclusive three-year post-secondary transitional program that allows students to gain a meaningful education while preparing for the workforce. Offering two programs for adults with developmental disabilities between the ages of 18 and 28: a) Non-degree seeking program, where students can earn micro-credentials in an area of specialization through select university courses and receive a certificate of completion. b)Degree-seeking program, where students work toward satisfying all requirements for their specific track and are awarded a degree upon completion.

Florida International University
Modesto A. Maidique Campus
MARC 140
11200 S.W. 8th Street
Miami, FL 33199

E-mail
fiuembrace@fiu.edu

Phone
(305) 348-5377

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MDCPS ESE - Transition services are a coordinated set of activities designed to improve the academic and functional achievement of a student with a disability to facilitate the movement from school to post-secondary settings, including post-secondary education, vocational education, integrated employment, continuing and adult education, adult services, independent living, and community participation.

Address: 1501 N.E. 2nd Avenue, Suite 407, Miami, Florida 33132

Phone: (305) 995-2037

Fax: (305) 995-2049

Email: ese@dadeschools.net

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Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care (PPEC)

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Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care (PPEC)

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A PPEC is a Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care Facility that offers childcare for children with disabilities and special medical needs. Generally, the Staff is comprised of a board-certified pediatrician, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, certified nursing assistants, and therapists (physical, occupational, speech, respiratory and behavioral). They provide non-residential short term, long term or intermittent medical care to children with medically complex conditions.  Here are some options in Miami-Dade:

123 Special Care Kids PPEC

14040 NW 7th Ave,

Miami FL 33168

Phone: 754-707-2250

https://123specialcarekidsppec.com

Little Giants Kids Services PPEC

1919 Ponce de Leon

Coral Gables, FL 33134

Phone: 786-558-5756

https://littlegiantsppec.com/

Lotus Pediatric Daycare PPEC

7900 NW 27th Ave Suite D5-A

Miami, FL 33147

Phone: 786-803-8737

https://www.lotuskidscare.com/

Happy Island PPEC

755 NE 130th St

North Miami, FL 33161

Phone: 786-508-5968

https://www.happyislandppec.com/

Specialized Pediatric Care

1601 NW 13th Court

Miami FL 33125

Teléfono: 305-545-2119

email: info@spcppec.com

https://www.specializedpediatriccare.com/

SOL Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care

2786 NW 79th Ave

Miami FL 33122

Phone: 305-960-7255

email: info@solppec.com

https://solppec.com/

Pedikidz of Florida

9301 SW 56th St,

Miami, FL 33165

Phone: 305-596-0188

email: info@pedikidz.com

https://www.pedikidz.com/

Glory to God PPEC Center

525 NW 27th Ave

Miami, FL 33125

Phone: 305-814-0872

email: info@gtgppec.com

https://gtgppec.com/

Kids "r" Kool PPEC

4148 W 12th Ave

Hialeah, FL 33012

Phone: 305-418-0336

Northstar PPEC

3521 W Broward Blvd,

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312

Phone: 954-530-9154

https://northstarppec.com/

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Schools for Children with Special Needs/Disabilities

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Schools for Children with Special Needs/Disabilities

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PRIVATE SCHOOLS:

Atlantis Academy

9600 SW 107th Ave

Miami, FL 33176

Phone: 305-271-9771

https://miami.atlantisacademy.com/

Our Pride Academy OPA

10100 SW 107th Ave

Miami, FL 33176

Phone: 305-271-2678

https://www.ourprideacademy.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=359369&type=d

Be Unique Academy Prep

11025 SW 84th St Cottage 16

Miami, FL 33173

Phone: 786-856-6217

http://www.beuacademy.net/

Carpe Diem Academy

11025 SW 84th St Cottage#8

Kendall, FL 33173

Phone: 305-971-1230

https://www.carpediemacademy.org/location/Kendall-Campus

Crystal Academy School

107 Antilla Avenue

Coral Gables, FL 33134

Phone: 305-567-5881

https://www.crystalacademycg.com/school/

Great Hights Academy

17200 SW 137th Ave

Miami, FL 33177

Phone: 786-773-2285

https://www.greatheightsacademy.com/

Marian Center School

15701 NW 37th Ave

Miami Gardens, FL 33054

Phone: 305-625-8354

https://www.mariancenterschool.org/programs

Miami Learning Experience School

5651 SW 82nd Ave Rd

Miami, FL 33143

Phone: 305-275-5900

https://www.mleschool.org/

South Florida School of Excellence

780 Fisherman St

City Hall Opa Locka, FL 33054 Floor 2

Phone: 754-204-3738

https://www.sfschoolofexcellence.com/

Vanguard School

3939 Main Hwy

Miami, FL 33133

Phone: 305-445-7992

https://www.greatschools.org/florida/miami/3316-Vanguard-School-Of-Coconut-Grove-Fl/

Beyond Expectations Academy

10920 SW 184th Street

Cutler Bay, FL 33157

Phone: (305) 378-5775

https://www.beyond-expectations.org/

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FAAST, or the Florida Alliance for Assistive Services and Technology, is a program designed to provide assistive technology to Floridians with disabilities and their loved ones. This program offers a range of activities, including device loans, demonstrations, reutilization, and training, to ensure Floridians have access to the latest in assistive technology.

Contact:

1601 NW 12th Ave, Room 2018

Miami FL 33136

Phone:305.243.5706

ANevares@Med.Miami.Edu

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Step Up For Students empowers families to pursue and engage in the most appropriate learning options for their children. Scholarship programs run by Step Up, such as the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship, New Worlds Scholarship, and the Family Empowerment Scholarship, constitute a vibrant part of Florida’s changing education landscape.

Contact:

877-735-7837

https://www.stepupforstudents.org/scholarships/

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Parent to Parent of Miami provides free services to families regarding the 504/IEP evaluation meeting and process at school and/or anything else related to setting, services, and accommodations in the classroom.

Contact:

7990 SW 117th Ave, Suite 200 Miami, FL 33183

305.271.9797 ext. 231

Email: dleys@ptopmiami.org

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Family Network on Disabilities (FND) is a family-driven grassroots organization for persons with disabilities and their families. FND was founded in 1985 by a group of parents of persons with disabilities who came together for mutual support and information-sharing. FND serves all persons with all disabilities and believes that everyone has intrinsic value and the inherent right to respect, independence, knowledge, freedom of choice, inclusion, quality of life, success, and equality.

311 South Missouri Ave

Clearwater, FL 33756

(727) 523-1130 or (800) 825-5736

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The Department of Exceptional Student Education serves children and families throughout the district by developing, coordinating and overseeing programs that support students with disabilities to ensure that curriculum, instructional and behavioral practices are tailored to meet their educational needs. Specific programs and services include early identification and intervention, psycho-educational evaluation and placement, transition support and truancy prevention.

Address: 1501 N.E. 2nd Avenue, Room 407, Miami, Florida 33132

Phone: (305) 995-2037

Fax: (305) 995-2049

Email: ese@dadeschools.net

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The identification process is initiated through a referral from Early Steps or by contacting the Child Find specialist at (305) 274-3501.  Your child will be given a screening evaluation to determine if further testing is needed.  If needed, the other evaluations will include hearing, vision, speech/language, psychological, and educational. Children participate in a variety of developmentally appropriate educational activities during the school day.

Main Office:

5555 SW 93rd Avenue

Miami, FL 33165

Phone: 305-271-5701

Email: prekese@dadeschools.net

Website: https://prekese.dadeschools.net/index.html

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The Florida Diagnostic and Learning Resources System (FDLRS) is an IDEA Funded State Project of the Florida Department of Education (FDOE), Bureau of Exceptional Education and Students Services (BEESS). The four central functions of each FDLRS Associate Centers are: Child Find, Parent Services, Human Resource Development, and Technology. FDLRS includes Associate Centers that serve all Florida's school districts. These centers collaborate with districts, agency and support personnel, administrators, and students with disabilities or exceptionalities.

FDLRS-South

6521 SW 62nd Ave

Miami, FL 33143

Phone: 305-274-3501

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The Head Start program provides intensive comprehensive child development and family support services to enrolled children, pregnant women and families.

Head Start serves families with children ages 3 to 5.

Early Head Start serves families with children under the age of 3 and pregnant women.

Eligible families include those experiencing homelessness, receiving public assistance (SNAP, TANF and SSI) and with incomes under the federal poverty guidelines. Children in foster care are also eligible.

Florida’s Head Start and Early Head Start programs are available through school districts, private providers, home-based programs, faith-based agencies, family childcare homes, capital action agencies and other locally developed programs. In addition, some Early Head Start programs provide weekly visits and socialization opportunities for enrolled families.

Services include:

Early learning and development

Health and nutrition

Family engagement and well being

Social services

Head Start / Early Head Start Miami Dade: 786-469-4622   headstartinfo@miamidade.gov

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The Early Learning Coalition of Miami-Dade/Monroe is a nonprofit organization established under Chapter 1002.83, Florida Statute.  The Coalition is committed to promoting high-quality early learning, advocating on behalf of children, and preparing every child for success in both school and life. The Coalition seeks to further the physical, social, emotional and intellectual development of Miami-Dade and Monroe County children with a priority toward the ages birth through age 5.

Main Office - Early Learning Coalition of Miami-Dade/Monroe

2555 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Suite 210

Coral Gables, FL 33134

Ph: 305-646-7220  (Fax) 786-433-3227

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Florida’s Early Steps Program provides early intervention services to eligible infants and toddlers, from birth to 36-months, with developmental delays, disabilities and at-risk conditions.

LOCATIONS

North Dade Early Steps

Counties Served: North Dade

University of Miami

1601 N.W. 12th Avenue

Miami, FL 33136

Phone: (305) 243-6660 Fax: (305) 243-3501

Southernmost Coast Early Steps

Counties Served: South Miami Dade, Monroe

Easter seals Florida

7990 SW 117 Ave, Suite 125

Miami, FL 33183

Phone: (305) 929-8705 Fax: (305) 600-3713

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What We Cost

This program is free for families because of a generous gift from The Taft Foundation.

Where we are located

Mailman Center for Child Development
1601 NW 12th Ave, Miami FL, 33136

To schedule an appointment (in-person or via Telehealth), please call 305-243-5330.

Email: mailmanfamilynavigator@med.miami.edu

Videos:

https://youtu.be/xxpejQRq0YQ

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What We Do

We understand that raising a child/adult with health care needs, special needs or disabilities can be difficult and frustrating due to the complexity of the health care system. This is why the Family Navigator Program guides families and helps them find the resources they need for their children.

Our Family Navigators will listen and learn about the family’s strengths and needs, connect them with appropriate resources, and answer any questions they may have.

Our Family Navigators can help families learn more about:

School issues

Intervention and therapies

Health insurance

Recreation and after-school programs

Legal services

Parent support

Housing

Nutrition and wellness

Transition to adulthood

We also provide a short-term intervention through our Clinical Social Worker when there are additional barriers identified for the family in the access to the needed resources and/or services.

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The Mailman Center for Child Development and other university programs offer a wide array of clinical, educational, and research services to aid families. Approximately 15,000 children receive clinical services per year through Mailman Center programs.

Family Navigators are parents of children with disabilities or special health care needs who have navigated through systems of care on behalf of their children. They are empathetic and supportive because they have walked the walk.