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Your Questions About Autism, Answered - SPARK for Autism

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You or your child has just been diagnosed with autism. You have questions. SPARK has answers.

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How to Talk to Your Doctor (Haitian-Creole)

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How to Talk to Your Doctor (Haitian-Creole)

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Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University

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Brain-Building Through Play: Activities for Infants, Toddlers, and Children - Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University

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From infancy on, play is an important part of a child’s life. For babies and toddlers, simple, playful interactions with adults help develop sturdy brain architecture, the foundations of lifelong health, and the building blocks of resilience. Through games and playful activities, children can practice and strengthen important executive function skills that will help […]

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Sample Advocacy Letters - Family Resource Network 

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Sample Advocacy Letters - Family Resource Network 

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The Family Resource Network is dedicated to supporting families through provision of information and support. We accomplish this through trainings, our library and sample letters that may be used to request a particular service or evaluation.

Documenting Your Attempts to Reach an Administrator, Teacher, or Staff Member by Phone

Date

Name
Address

Re: (Child's name, d.o.b.)

Dear _________________,

I have made ________(#) of attempts to reach you by phone on ______, ________, ______ (dates you called and left messages) none of which have been successful. I would like to speak to you regarding my ___________(son/daughter's)
____________________________________________________________________(issue).

Please contact me as soon as possible using the contact information below.

Sincerely,

Cc: (The supervisor of the person who has not been returning your calls)

Sample Letter Provided by Family Resource Network, Inc.

Sample FOIA Request Letter

Date

Pursuant to the Michigan Freedom of Information Act, please provide me with the following information, in whatever form and wherever stored:

Policies describing or discussing the (name of school) District's provision of educational services in settings other than the regular or special education classroom or building.

Complete descriptions of services provided within the last three school years in alternative educational settings, including but not limited to, private schools, community locations and private homes.

Policies describing or discussing (Name of School) District criteria and implementation of providing special education services to students in alternative (non-classroom) settings.

Any other written or recorded information discussing or implementing non-classroom educational services of any type within the last three school years, including number of students served and identifying the service venue, without identifying individual students.

Pursuant to the fee waiver provisions of FOIA, I request that the fee for fulfilling this request be waived because the material requested is of interest to the general public; and the information will be used for the benefit of the public. If fees are not waived please advise me of any anticipated costs exceeding $50.00 so that payment arrangements can be made pending appeal of the waiver denial.

Very truly yours,

Sample Letter Provided by Family Resource Network, Inc.

Sample Letter of Understanding

Date

Re: (Child's name, d.o.b.)

Dear ___________________________,

On ________________________ (date of meeting) a meeting was held to discuss my ___________(son or daughter), _________________(child's name). It is my understanding that _____________________________________________________(please outline the decisions made, follow up what was committed to, disagreements with any decisions made, restate any dates that were committed to i.e. any issues that were either resolved or not resolved)

Thank you for your time. If I do not hear back from you I will assume that my understanding is accurate. If your understanding differs from mine, please contact me using the information provided below.

Sincerely,

Sample Letter Provided by Family Resource Network, Inc.

Sample Letter Requesting an Assistive Technology Evaluation

Sample Letter Requesting an AT Evaluation
________________________________________
LETTER REQUESTING AN ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY EVALUATION
(Name of Special Education Director)
(Name of School District)
(Address of School)
Dear (Name of Special Education Director):

Because of my ( son/daughter, Child's name)'s history and diagnosis of (relevant diagnosis) I would like to request an Assistive Technology Evaluation. This request is to determine, if any, the assistive technology (Child's name) may benefit from.

I believe that (Child's name) may benefit from the use of assistive technology in the following educational areas:

We understand that with your help in addressing this matter we can put together the most appropriate educational program for (Child's name) to assist ( him/her) in reaching ( his/her) full potential. I am sure you are as concerned as we are to see him/her serviced properly.

Sincerely,
(Parent's Name Typed)
Sample Letter Provided by Family Resource Network, Inc.

Sample Letter Requesting an Autism Spectrum Disorder Evaluation

Date

(Name of Special Education Director)
(Name of School District)
(Address of School)

Dear (Name of Special Education Director):

My child, (child's name), (date of birth) attends (school name). I suspect that my child has an Autism Spectrum Disorder due to the following signs and symptoms that are consistent with ASD:
(List observed signs and symptoms consistent with ASD that have prompted you to initiate this request)

I am requesting that you evaluate my child in the area related to the suspected disability by a specialist with knowledge in diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorders. I believe this information is needed to plan an appropriate educational program for my child.

Please inform me in writing within seven days whether you intend to honor my request.

Thank you and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,

(Your name)
(Your address)
(Your telephone number)

Sample Letter Provided by Family Resource Network, Inc.

Sample Letter Requesting Change in Child's Records

Date

(Name of Special Education Director)
(Name of School District)
(Address of School)

Dear (Name of Special Education Director):

My child, (child's name) [date of birth] attends (school name). There is a statement in (child's name) (give name of record. For example, "physical therapy evaluation, performed by Ms. Wormwood on June 5, 1999)" that I believe is ("misleading", "inaccurate", and or "in violation of my child's rights") because (give your reasons).

I request that you change (child's name) (name of record) records so they will no longer be ("misleading", "inaccurate", and or "in violation of my child's rights") because (give your reasons).

I look forward to your prompt response to this letter.

Sincerely,

(Your name)
(Your address)
(Your telephone number)

Sample Letter Provided by Family Resource Network, Inc.

Sample Letter Requesting Extended School Year

Date

(Name of Special Education Director)
(Name of School District)
(Address of School)

Dear (Name of Special Education Director):

As I promised, I have enclosed some material, which will be helpful to you in explaining to __________ IEP Team why it is critical that ________ receive summer services at the district's expense.

As we discussed, it is likely that the district will focus on the regression/recoupment standard based upon their belief that this is the only standard utilized in determining whether extended school year services are justifiable. However, as you will read in the attachment, regression is not the only factor that can be relied upon in the ESY decision. Courts have identified six factors that may be relied upon to make this determination.

While regression/recoupment is an important consideration, the Team must also consider:

- degree of progress towards IEP goals and objectives;
- emerging skills or breakthrough opportunities that will be lost over the long summer months;
- any behavior that would interfere with your child's ability to benefit from special education.
- the nature and severity of the disability; and
- the child's ability to benefit from special education.

Because _______'s needs are extensive, based upon his diagnosis of autism, it is critical that he receive consistent instruction 12 months a year without interruption. _______'s future independence is wholly based upon his ability to effectively communicate. His speech and language deficits unquestionably necessitate summer instruction, so that he not only maintains the skills that he has acquired during the school year, but continues to progress in an effort to catch up to his typical peers.

Sample Letter Provided by Family Resource Network, Inc.

Sample Letter Requesting an IEP Team Meeting

Date

(Name of Special Education Director)
(Name of School District)
(Address of School)

Dear (Name of Special Education Director):

My child, (child's name) (date of birth) attends (school name). My child's IEP Team has not yet met for this year. Please schedule an IEP Team meeting as soon as possible to write my child's IEP. Please contact me so that the meeting can be scheduled at a mutually agreeable time and place. Before the meeting, please send me a copy of the school's IEP form.

Thank you for your help. I look forward to hearing from you soon on this matter.

Sincerely,

(Your name)
(Your address)
(Your telephone number)

Sample Letter Provided by Family Resource Network, Inc.

Sample Letter Requesting Medical Records

Date

Re: Child's name and date of birth

Dear

My son, (child's name), is your patient. We realize that (child's name) medical needs are on-going, and that we as his parents have an on-going obligation to be sure that he receives the best care available, regardless of where we live or work. In order for us to be best prepared to help (child's name), we need to maintain a set of his medical records and to compile a medical resume for use with his various professional specialists, care providers and teachers.

Would you please provide us with copies of all medical records you have concerning (child's name), from your first date of treatment to the present? We also would like to arrange that we receive copies of on-going medical records at least once every three months. What do we need to do to arrange that with you?

Thank you for understanding the need for our request and for your prompt response.

Sincerely

Sample Letter Provided by Family Resource Network, Inc.

Sample Letter Requesting a Neuropsychological Evaluation

Date

(Name of Special Education Director)
(Name of School District)
(Address of School)

Dear (Name of Special Education Director):

I appreciated the opportunity to meet with you on (date of meeting).

I was pleased that you agreed to my request for an Independent Educational Evaluation for my child, (child's name).

Because of my child's neurological history (a copy of his most recent EEG is enclosed) and his continuing Phenytoin therapy, I am requesting a psychological evaluation by a practitioner with a background in neurological disorders. I would like the evaluation to detect the presence of an organic brain dysfunction, the nature of the problem, the extent of the problem and how it impacts my child's educational performance.

I believe it is important to attempt to isolate the problem area and develop compensatory strategies to bypass the problem. We want to know why there is such a disparity between his school psychological evaluation and his report card, and specifically, why he is so poorly organized.

I request testing to measure his thinking ability, memory ability, speech and language ability, motor ability, sensory and perceptual ability and personality testing. I would like the evaluation to specifically include the Halstead-Reitan test battery which I am sure you are aware, is a series of memory tests, language-based tests, visual-memory based tests and tactile memory tests, as well as the Speech Sounds Perception test battery, which zeros in on phenic ability.

As you requested of me at our meeting, here are the names of three acceptable evaluators:

To avoid confusion, please send me the criteria regarding credentials for qualified examiners. I am anxious to receive your list of suggested sources and locations, procedures for reimbursement, as well as to arrange a reasonable, expected cost. I am looking forward to receiving the above requested information and I am aware that I am not restricted to your suggested sources but will, of course, inform you as soon as I make my decision.

We are most anxious to move forward with this plan so that we can put together the most appropriate educational program for our child to assist him in reaching his full potential. I am sure you are as concerned as we are to see him serviced properly.

Sincerely,

Sample Letter Provided by Family Resource Network, Inc.

Sample Letter Requesting Prior Written Notice

Dear _____,

As the minutes of (name of child) CSE meeting on (date) of this year should show, I requested written Prior Notice of the district's refusal to provide ________,

As stated in part 200.5 (Due process procedures) of the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education, "written prior notice of a change in services must be given in a reasonable time before the school district proposes to or refuses to initiate or change the identification, evaluation, educational placement of the student or the provision of a free appropriate public education."

This notice must include:
(i) a description of the action proposed or refused by the district;
(ii) an explanation of why the district proposes or refuses to take the action;
(iii) a description of any other options that the district considered and the reasons why those options were rejected;
(iv) a description of each evaluation procedure, test, record, or report the district used as a basis for the proposed or refused action;
(v) a description of any other factors that are relevant to the district's proposal or refusal;
(vi) a statement that the parents of a student with a disability have protection under the procedural safeguards of this part, and the means by which a copy of a description of the procedural; safeguards can be obtained;
and
(vii) sources for parents to contact to obtain assistance in understanding the provisions in this part.

I believe that the district has had ample time to respond to my request, and would appreciate hearing from your office on this matter within 48 hours from receipt of this communication.

Thank you,

____________

Sample Letter Provided by Family Resource Network, Inc.

Sample Letter Requesting Re-Evaluation

Date

(Name of Special Education Director)
(Name of School District)
(Address of School)

Dear (Name of Special Education Director):

My child, (child's name) (date of birth) attends (school name). I recently reviewed my child's evaluation and it is (out-of-date, incomplete, inappropriate due to change in seizure control, time for a three year evaluation). I request that my child be re-evaluated. Please tell me in writing who will be doing the evaluation and when it will be scheduled.

Thank you for your help. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,

(Your name)
(Your address)
(Your telephone number)

Sample Letter Provided by Family Resource Network, Inc.

Sample Letter Requesting Records From School District

Date

(Name of Special Education Director)
(Name of School District)
(Address of School)

Dear (Name of Special Education Director):

My child, (child's name) [date of birth] receives special education services at (school name). Please provide me with a complete list of all education records you have on my child. Please tell me where those records are kept, and whom I should contact so I can look at them and have copies made.

If (name of schools district) has produced any written material about access to student records pursuant to the federal Family Education Rights and Privacy Act, I would request that you send me a copy of that as well.

Thank you for your help. I look forward to your prompt response.

Sincerely,

(Your name)
(Your address)
(Your telephone number)

Sample Letter Provided by Family Resource Network, Inc.

Sample Letter Requesting Sensory Integration

DATE

Dear

We are the parents of (child's name) and believe that he might have unidentified disabilities. We suspect that (child's name) may suffer from a neural disorder that causes the nervous system to receive incoming information, via the senses, in an inefficient manner. The following difficulties support our concern: (child's name) is oversensitive to touch; unusual level of activity; impulsive; lacking in self-control; inability to unwind or calm himself; delay in academic achievement; behavioral challenges and poor self-concept.

"In the classroom a student is easily distracted by all the extraneous sounds, lights, and the confusion of many people doing different things. His brain is over stimulated and it responds with a lot of excessive activity. If he is standing in line and someone accidentally bumps into him, he may become angry or strike back. The anger and hitting have nothing to do with interpersonal relationships; they are automatic reactions to sensations the child cannot tolerate." Sears, Carol J., "The Tactilely Defensive Child," in Academic Therapy, May 1991

We request a complete educational evaluation and an evaluation to detect if a sensory integrative disorder exists and if related services are necessary. Please schedule these evaluations in compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Educations Act [IDEA] and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Please consider this letter my consent to evaluate (child's name) for special education needs and services. Obviously (child's name), the school district and we will feel much better once we have an understanding of what is going on with (child's name), so we would appreciate it if you would schedule the evaluations as quickly as possible. Please call me at home to arrange times and places. I will need my copies of all evaluations at least three school days before the IEPC meeting, and will advise you of my IEPC availability dates by separate letter.

Thank you for giving this letter your immediate attention. I will work with you to address and achieve (child's name) educational goals.

Sincerely,

Sample Letter Provided by Family Resource Network, Inc.

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Sample Advocacy Letters - Family Resource Network

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The Family Resource Network provides sample advocacy letters you can use to request services, eqvaluations and more.

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Sample Letters to Support Families in their Advocacy 

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Sample Letters to Support Families in their Advocacy 

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State Disability Advocacy Toolkit - Autism Society

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State Disability Advocacy Toolkit - Autism Society

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Family ECHO: Autism - a virtual learning program for families and caregivers raising children with autism. 

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Family ECHO: Autism - a virtual learning program for families and caregivers raising children with autism. 

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Family ECHO: Autism is a virtual learning program for families and caregivers raising children with autism. This series is designed to educate families so that parents and caregivers can learn to better support and care for their child with autism.

From navigating a diagnosis to learning about new therapies, parents and caregivers of children with autism need an immense amount of knowledge and support to provide the best care for their loved ones. This information can be difficult to access - so Family ECHO: Autism is here to help.

As a collaborative environment, Family ECHO: Autism connects families with an interdisciplinary panel of experts. The series is designed to increase autism knowledge, build leadership skills for managing interdisciplinary care teams and provide strategies that can be applied for families and their teams. In a series of 75-minute sessions, you will learn, engage and build skills around four major topics:

Understanding and managing challenging behaviors

Building support for your family

Anxiety and autism

Transitioning out of pediatrics

So far, the results have been impactful - 91% of past participants say the program has improved their knowledge and ability to care for children with developmental disabilities, including autism.

Upcoming Sessions:

What Can You Expect?

In each session, presenters will share a case study and best practices that will deepen your understanding of autism and help you better advocate for your child with autism.

Eligible participants will register to participate in several 75-minute virtual sessions. Each session will include:

A presentation from subject matter experts about critical topics and best practices related to autism.

An interactive discussion about a clinical case study.

A Q&A with the presenter and an opportunity to provide feedback.

Families are connected to relevant resources to continue their learning journey.

Who is Eligible for Family ECHO?

To be eligible to participate in a Family ECHO session, you must fall into one of these groups:

Parent/caregiver of someone with autism or other developmental disabilities

Parent professional, or parent/caregiver of someone with autism who works in the autism field

Professional who works directly with families coordinating services and resources

Professional who provides counseling and support to families of children with autism and other developmental disabilities

For questions, email AutismCareNetwork@NationwideChildrens.org.

Registration for Family ECHO is now closed. To be contacted for the next series, complete this survey.

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Family ECHO is a virtual learning program that brings clinical professional and subject matter experts right to your screen. It provides information for parents and caregivers of children with autism to navigate a diagnosis, learn about new therapies and more.

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Information about the Individualized Educational Plan (IEP)

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Information about the Individualized Educational Plan (IEP)

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Information about Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

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Information about Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

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10 Things Every Child with Autism Wishes You Knew

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10 Things Every Child with Autism Wishes You Knew

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10 things your child with autism wishes you knew

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Introduction to Speech and Language Development

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Introduction to Speech and Language Development

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Pathways Speech and Language Development

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Step Up Scholarship for Special Needs Quick Guide

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Step Up Scholarship for Special Needs Quick Guide

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The Ultimate Guide to Transitioning From a Bottle to a Cup – Speech Sisters

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Entendiendo el espectro del autismo Spanish version _ The Art of Autism

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Coaching for Parents on Social Communication 

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Coaching for Parents on Social Communication 

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¿Qué es el Parent Club?

Es una serie de talleres organizados por "The Children's Trust" en colaboración con agencias locales. Los talleres abarcan temas claves para ayudar a padres a criar niños exitosos, sanos y felices. Cada taller tiene una duración de 90 minutos, los padres recibirán cuidado gratuito de niños entre los 3 y los 12 años de edad, una merienda y la oportunidad de participar en una rifa si completan una pequeña encuesta al final del taller.

Los talleres se ofrecerán en inglés, español y creole en horarios flexibles incluyendo tardes, de noche y fines de semana en ubicaciones convenientes. El objetivo del Parent Club es beneficiar el mayor número de padres a través de la información proveída en los talleres.

¡ATENCIÓN! Seguimos los lineamientos de los Centros de Control de Enfermedades (CDC), del Departamento de Salud de Florida y distanciamiento social, durante todos los talleres del Parent Club de tipo presencial. Te invitamos a que te inscribas en los nuevos talleres virtuales y que visites nuestra página de recursos de COVID-19 a fin de obtener consejos y actualizaciones sobre cómo enfrentar este virus.

Talleres Disponibles

Los padres que desean participar no tienen que asistir a todos los talleres. Pueden asistir a uno solo taller o a todos si así lo desea. Cada taller tiene una duración de aproximadamente 90 minutos y están diseñados para ofrecer una breve introducción interactiva a estrategias efectivas de crianza para el hogar. A continuación, pueden encontrar la lista de temas de estos talleres, agroupados por la edad de tus niños:

Niños hasta los 12 Años de Edad

Crianza Positiva
En este taller podrán aprender como la crianza positiva les ayudarán a ser mejores padres y mejorar la relación con sus hijos. Estos principios son:

Criando Niños Seguros y Competentes
En este taller aprenderán componentes básicos que le ayudaran a sus hijos a obtener mayor confianza y sean exitosos tanto en la escuela como en la vida. Durante el taller aprenderán como su hijo puede:

Criando Niños Resilientes
Este taller presentará los componentes básicos que ayudarán a sus hijos a manejar sus emociones y a desarrollar resiliencia al lidiar con el estrés de la vida. Los componentes son:

Los Componentes Básicos de la Crianza Positiva
En este taller se presentan los cinco principios claves que forman la base de la crianza positiva. Estos son:

Los Componentes Básicos del Buen Comportamiento
En este taller se presentará los seis componentes básicos del manejo efectivo de la conducta infantil para que los niños tengan confianza, sean exitosos en la escuela y en su vida diaria. Estos son:

Los Componentes Básicos del Desarrollo Infantil
En este taller se les presentará a los padres las cinco áreas centrales en el desarrollo infantil y se les guiará para saber cuándo buscar apoyo adicional. Estos son:

Adolescentes hasta los 16 Años de Edad

La serie de talleres que "The Children's Trust Parent Club" ofrece para padres de adolescentes consta de tres temas. Los padres que desean participar no tienen que asistir a todos los talleres. Pueden asistir a uno o a todos los talleres. Cada taller tiene una duración aproximadamente de 90 minutos. Los talleres están diseñados a ofrecer una breve introducción interactiva a estrategias efectivas de crianza para probar en casa con los adolescentes. A continuación, pueden encontrar la lista de temas de los talleres y sus descripciones:

Criando Adolescentes Responsables
En este taller se presentará los seis elementos claves para que los adolescentes sean responsables. También se darán ideas específicas sobre cómo enseñar y fomentar cada una de las siguientes habilidades:

Criando Adolescentes Competentes
En este taller se les presentarán los seis los aspectos de la confianza y el éxito de los adolescentes en la escuela y en la comunidad. Los padres recibrán ideas específicas para enseñar y fomentar lo siguiente:

Conectando a los Adolescentes
En este taller se les presentará los diferentes aspectos para desarrollar amistades duraderas, motivarlos a participar en grupos sociales y comunitarios. Además, recibirán consejos sobre la mejor forma de mostrarle a sus hijos acerca de las siguientes habilidades:

Niños de Todas las Edades

Mejorando La Salud Emocional
En este taller, se presenta a los padres los siete elementos clave para volverse emocionalmente saludables. Ideas sobre cómo enseñar y fomentar la salud emocional:

Reconocer emociones

Expresar nuestros sentimientos

Reconocer los problemas

Centrarse en las soluciones

Promover relaciones positivas

Mantener una vida equilibrada

Aprenda a relajarse

Crianza Durante una Pandemia
En este taller se les presentara a los padres cinco principios claves de la Crianza Durante una Pandemia. Estos principios son:

¡Hablemos de Tecnología!
Este taller es para padres o cuidadores interesados en promover hábitos saludables de tecnología y medios digitales en niños de todas las edades, desde niños pequeños hasta adolescentes. En este taller, se les presentara a los padres los cinco principios claves de cómo hablar sobre la tecnología con los hijos, les ayudara a formar un uso saludable de los medios digitales. Estos principios son:

Cómo Solicitar un Taller

Si no puedes encontrar un taller que se acomode a tus necesidades en el calendario y te gustaría organizar un taller o todos los talleres para un grupo de 15 o más padres, haz clic aquí donde podrás accesar al formulario de solicitud. Una de las agencias encargadas se comunicará contigo en dos días hábiles.

Ten en cuenta que se aplican ciertos requisitos y no se otorgarán todas las solicitudes para organizar un taller. A continuación se detallan algunos de los requisitos, pero pueden aplicarse otras restricciones.
Requisitos para el espacio designado para el taller:

Debe tener capacidad para recibir por lo menos a 15 padres.

El lugar debe tener conexión eléctrica para conectar una computadora portátil, un proyector y / o un altavoz, así como la configuración de un proyector de pantalla que mire hacia la audiencia.

Requisitos para los padres:

Inscibirse en línea para el taller

Quedarse los 90 minutos de duración del taller

Completar una breve encuesta al final del taller

Más Programas
Haz clíc aquí para encontrar más programas financiados por The Children's Trust.

Contacto
Para preguntas sobre el The Children's Trust Parent Club, por favor, envía tus preguntas a nuestro correo electrónico parentclub@thechildrenstrust.org.

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¿Qué es el Parent Club? Es una serie de talleres organizados por "The Children's Trust" en colaboración con agencias locales. Los talleres abarcan temas claves para ayudar a padres a criar niños exitosos, sanos y felices.

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UPDATE! Due to the coronavirus pandemic, The Children's Trust and its partners are offering free Parent Club workshops online. To register for a virtual workshop, click Register for Workshop Near You below, check dates and connect through the link at the appropriate day and time.

What is the Parent Club?

The Children's Trust has partnered with local parenting experts and Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) to offer FREE, countywide workshops on relevant topics about raising children that are successful, healthy, and happy.  At each 90-minute workshop, caregivers may receive free childcare for children 3-12 years old, a snack, and entry into a raffle drawing with the completion of a short post-workshop survey.

Workshops are available in English, Spanish, and Creole, during flexible hours, including afternoon, evening and weekends, as well as in convenient locations. The goal of The Parent Club is to maximize reach to large groups of parents who could benefit from the parenting information that is based on the latest research.

Please note: Following the CDC, Florida Department of Health and Social Distancing guidelines, all live Parent Club workshops have been canceled until further notice. We invite you to register for our new virtual workshops and visit our COVID-19 resource page for tips and updates on how to battle this virus.

Available Workshops

Parents or Caregivers with Children up to 12 Years

The Children's Trust Parent Club workshop series for parents of children up to 12 years old consists of six topics. Workshops do not need to be attended in sequential order and parents may attend one or all the topics offered. Each workshop lasts approximately 90 minutes. They are designed to be an interactive brief introduction to effective parenting strategies to try at home. Below is the list of workshop topics and descriptions:

Positive Parenting
In this workshop, parents are introduced to the five key principles of positive parenting that form the basis of Triple P. These principles are:

Ensuring a safe engaging environment

Creating a positive learning environment

Using assertive discipline

Having reasonable expectations

Looking after yourself as a parent

Raising Confident, Competent Children
In this workshop, parents are introduced to six core building blocks for children to become confident and successful at school and beyond. These competencies are:

Raising Resilient Children
In this workshop, parents are introduced to six core building blocks for children to manage their feelings and become resilient in dealing with life stress. These competencies are:

The Building Blocks of Positive Parenting
In this workshop, parents are introduced to the five key principles of positive parenting that form the basis of Positive Parenting. These are:

Daily play-time with your child

Letting your child lead the play

Catching your child being good

Letting go of the little things

Having reasonable expectations

The Building Blocks of Good Behavior
In this workshop, parents are introduced to the six core building blocks of calm and effective child behavior management for children to become confident and successful at school and beyond. These are:

The Building Blocks of Child Development
In this workshop, parents are introduced to five core areas for child development and when to seek additional support. These are:

Learning and Problem Solving

Social and Emotional Development (Friends and Feelings)

Speech and Language Development (Talking and Understanding)

Physical Development (Motor Skills)

Learn the Signs and Act Early!

Parents or Caregivers with Teenagers up to 16 Years

The Children's Trust Parent Club workshop series for parents of teens consists of three topics. Workshops do not need to be attended in sequential order and parents may attend one or all the topics offered. Each workshop lasts approximately 90 minutes. They are designed to be an interactive brief introduction to effective parenting strategies to try at home. See below a list of topics:

Raising Responsible Teenagers
In this workshop, parents are introduced to the six key elements of teenagers becoming responsible and specific ideas about how to teach and encourage each of the following skills:

Raising Competent Teenagers
In this workshop, parents are introduced to six aspects of teenagers becoming confident and successful in school and the community. Parents are given specific ideas to teach and encourage the following:

Getting Teenagers Connected
In this workshop, parents are introduced to different aspects of teaching their teenagers to develop supportive friendships and become engaged in appropriate social and recreational groups and activities in the wider community. Parents are given specific ideas about teaching their teenagers the following skills:

Request a Workshop

If you couldn't find a convenient time or location in the workshop calendar and would like to host a workshop topic or series for a group of 15 or more parents, click here to submit a workshop request form. You will be contacted within 2 business days from your submission by the designated partner agency.

Please be aware that certain requirements apply and not all requests to host a workshop will be granted. Below are some of the requirements but other restrictions may apply.
Room accommodations:

Seating, for the number of parents expected which must exceed 15, must be provided.

Layout must allow for connecting a laptop, projector, and/or speaker, as well as set up of a projector screen facing the audience.

Parents must agree to:

register online

stay for the full 90-minute workshop

complete a brief post workshop survey

More Programs
Click here for additional Trust-funded programs.

Contact
For questions about The Children's Trust Parent Club, email parentclub@thechildrenstrust.org.

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UPDATE! Due to the coronavirus pandemic, The Children's Trust and its partners are offering free Parent Club workshops online. To register for a virtual workshop, click Register for Workshop Near You below, check dates and connect through the link at the appropriate day and time. What is the Parent Club?

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Parent to Parent of Miami is a community resource specializing in providing families of children and adults with disabilities or special needs with information, education and emotional support.

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Parent to Parent of Miami

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Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD)

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Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD)

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Why Become a Client | UM-NSU CARD | University of Miami

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Why Become a Client? All you need to do is call one of our offices to schedule an intake. During the intake process you will meet with one of our case managers to help you access resources in our community that will be the most helpful to you, your child and your entire family…

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Programa de Recursos para la Familia de UM

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Programa de Recursos para la Familia de UM

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Program Contact Information

Phone: 305-243-5330
Email: mailmanfamilynavigator@med.miami.edu

Who we are

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.

To extend our family-centered care practices and expand access for families to a broad scope of services, the Family Navigator program was developed to help families make needed connections and assist with questions they may have.

Funded through a gift from the TAFT Foundation, the goals of this program are to empower, support and educate families by implementing a system of care where Family Navigators work with families to help them get services for their children.

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.

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

Who we serve

Families of children and adults with special needs, chronic health care needs and disabilities.

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

We also provide services via secure video connection (Telehealth)

Arranging an Appointment

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

Video en Español - Video an Kréyol

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Phone: 305-243-5330 Email: mailmanfamilynavigator@med.miami.edu The Mailman Center for Child Development and other university programs offer a wide array of clinical, educational, and research services to aid families.

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Programa de Prekinder Voluntario con Servicios Especiales

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Programa de Prekinder Voluntario con Servicios Especiales

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Guía sobre el Análisis Aplicado de la Conducta (ABA)

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Guía sobre el Análisis Aplicado de la Conducta (ABA)

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For more information about the scholarships available, click on the links above.

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VPK Specialized Instructional Services (SIS)

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VPK Specialized Instructional Services (SIS)

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We offer a variety of services across home, school, and peer settings:

Consultation to teachers in classroom management interventions

Establishing Home-School Daily Report Cards (English/Español) for school-related difficulties

Help for parents in navigating 504s, IEPs, and other school-based supports

Individual and group-based organizational skills training (ages 12 & up)

The SUCCESS Program

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Florida International University - Digital Communications

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The ADHD and Behavior Disorders Clinic at the FIU Center for Children and Families offers a variety of evidence-based interventions for children and adolescents (ages 6-17) with attention and behavior concerns. Our goal is to create a treatment plan that is based on the latest scientific evidence and tailored to your family's needs.

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Terapia de Interacción Entre Padre e Hijo (PCIT)

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Terapia de Interacción Entre Padre e Hijo (PCIT)

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Guide to Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

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Guide to Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

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Beneficios por incapacidad | Administración del Seguro Social

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Solicite por internet los beneficios por incapacidad.

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Lista de Hitos de Desarrollo CDC Revisada_Span

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Miami-Dade Preschool Programs for Children with Disabilities

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Miami-Dade Preschool Programs for Children with Disabilities

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Prekindergarten Program for Children with Disabilities

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Miami-Dade County Public Schools site for the PreK ESE Department

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Entrenamiento para Padres Sobre Conductas Problemáticas

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Entrenamiento para Padres Sobre Conductas Problemáticas

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Los indicadores del desarrollo y los consejos para padres de los CDC han sido actualizados y se han agregado nuevas edades a las listas de verificación (15 y 30 meses). Debido al COVID-19, las fotos y los videos actualizados no están disponibles todavía, pero se agregarán a esta página en el futuro. Para más información sobre los actualizaciones más recientes de los indicadores del desarrollo de CDC, por favor revisa los artículos de la revista de Pediatría y estos puntos claves importantes.

Dar los primeros pasos, sonreír por primera vez y decir "adiós" con la mano son destrezas a las que se denomina indicadores del desarrollo. Los niños alcanzan estos indicadores en la forma en que juegan, aprenden, hablan, actúan y se mueven.

Sepa por qué es importante reconocer los indicadores del desarrollo y qué hacer si hay algo que le preocupa sobre el desarrollo de su hijo.

Vea y descargue las herramientas gratuitas para hacer el seguimiento de los indicadores del desarrollo:

- Listas de verificación
- Folleto
- Cuadernillo
- Tabla de crecimiento
- Y más...

Hágale seguimiento al progreso en el desarrollo de su hijo al fijarse en importantes indicadores usando la app gratis de los CDC App Sigamos el Desarollo.

Queremos agradecer especialmente a los expertos en la materia y a las demás personas que contribuyeron con la revisión de los datos y la selección de los indicadores del desarrollo que se incluyeron en este material, en particular a Paul H. Lipkin, MD, Michelle M. Macias, MD, Julie F. Pajek, PhD, Judith S. Shaw, EdD, MPH, RN, Karnesha Slaughter, MPH, Jane K. Squires, PhD, Toni M. Whitaker, MD, Lisa D. Wiggins, PhD, y Jennifer M. Zubler, MD. Un sincero agradecimiento a Natalia Benza, MD y a José O. Rodríguez, MD, MBA por su cuidadosa revisión de la traducción al idioma español de estos indicadores del Desarrollo.

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sonreír por primera vez y decir “adiós” con la mano son destrezas a las que se denomina indicadores del desarrollo. los niños alcanzan estos indicadores en la forma en que juegan

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Dar los primeros pasos, sonreír por primera vez y decir "adiós" con la mano son destrezas a las que se denomina indicadores del desarrollo. Los niños alcanzan estos indicadores en la forma en que juegan, aprenden, hablan, actúan y se mueven (como gatear, caminar, etc.).

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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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Skills such as taking a first step, smiling for the first time, and waving "bye bye" are called developmental milestones. Children reach milestones in how they play, learn, speak, act, and move.

Click on the age of your child to see the milestones:

"Learn the Signs. Act Early." materials are not a substitute for standardized, validated developmental screening tools.

Special acknowledgments to the subject matter experts and others who contributed to the review of data and selection of developmental milestones, especially Paul H. Lipkin, MD, Michelle M. Macias, MD, Julie F. Pajek, PhD, Judith S. Shaw, EdD, MPH, RN, Karnesha Slaughter, MPH, Jane K. Squires, PhD, Toni M. Whitaker, MD, Lisa D. Wiggins, PhD, and Jennifer M. Zubler, MD.
Sincere gratitude to Natalia Benza, MD and José O. Rodríguez, MD, MBA for their thoughtful review of the Spanish-language translation of these milestones.

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“learn the signs. act early.” milestones

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Developmental milestones are things most children can do by a certain age. Track your child's milestones and talk with your child's doctor at every visit about the milestones your child has reached

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Eligibility for the McKay Scholarship
Find out if your child could qualify for the McKay Scholarship Program.

Apply for a McKay Scholarship - Attention: Applications for the 2021-22 school year are now being accepted.

This application process also conducts an initial eligibility screening.

If you are applying for a foster child that was not enrolled in Florida public school during the October and February attendance surveys, then click here.
Check Student Intent Status
The public school district office completes the eligibility screening process and enters an eligibility determination for each student intent filed.

Now What? (PDF)

This handy brochure is provided to each parent/guardian who files intent for a McKay Scholarship.
McKay Parent Responsibilities
Parents, private schools, and school districts each have specific responsibilities under the McKay Scholarship Program.
McKay Scholarship Payment Deadlines
Intent and enrollment deadlines for McKay Scholarship payments to private schools.

Parent Affidavit form (PDF)

This form must be completed by the parent or guardian of a McKay student enrolled in a participating private school.
Participating Parent Login
Once your McKay student is enrolled in a participating private school, use this secure login to view the school's fee schedule and to keep your contact information up to date.
McKay Scholarship Program FAQs

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Eligibility for the McKay Scholarship Find out if your child could qualify for the McKay Scholarship Program. Apply for a McKay Scholarship - Attention: Applications for the 2021-22 school year are now being accepted. This application process also conducts an initial eligibility screening.

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Step Up for Students Scholarships Online Application

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Step Up for Students Scholarships Online Application

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Every Student Deserves A Choice

Step Up For Students supports students and families in building a stronger future through an education that fits their needs. Our scholarships open doors with tuition, transportation, and educational resources. Find out more about how our programs can make a difference for you.

Scholarships for Educational Options

The Florida Tax Credit Scholarship (FTC) and the Family Empowerment Scholarship for Educational Options (FES-EO)

Give your child access to the education that best meets their needs. These scholarships provide financial assistance for private school tuition and related costs, public school transportation and more.

Quick facts:

Available to Florida residents, regardless of household income, who are eligible to attend a K-12 public school.*

The scholarship will first pay for the cost of private school tuition and related fees or public school transportation.

$7,800 average amount awarded for private school scholarships for the 2023-24 school year

$750 minimum awarded for transportation scholarships

Florida students who are not full-time private nor full-time public school students now have access to the Personalized Education Program (PEP) through the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program.

*Priority will be given to families whose household income is 400% of poverty or below as outlined in the income priority guidelines.

Download the FTC Handbook Download the FES-EO Handbook

Scholarships for Students with Unique Abilities

The Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities (FES-UA)

Personalize the education of your child with unique abilities. This scholarship is delivered as an education savings account (ESA) that you can direct toward a combination of programs and approved providers. This includes schools, therapists, specialists, curriculum, technology, a college savings account and more.

Quick facts:

Available to students age 3 through grade 12 or age 22, whichever comes first, who have a specific diagnosis

$10,000 average award for an FES-UA scholarship

Funds may be used for tuition and fees for a private school, homeschooling options, therapies, tutoring and more

Download the FES-UA Handbook

Hope Scholarship

These scholarships provide financial assistance for private school tuition and related costs or for public transportation. The Hope Scholarship is available to K-12 grade public school students who have experienced bullying, assault, threats or other violent acts.

Quick facts:

Available to K-12th students with a qualifying incident

$7,800 average award for private school scholarships

$750 minimum for transportation scholarships

Includes private school tuition and related fees or public school transportation

Eligibility based on reported and documented incidents

Download the Hope Handbook

New Worlds Scholarship

New Worlds Reading Scholarship Accounts support your struggling K-5th grade child in becoming a stronger reader. This scholarship can be used for fees related to tutoring and literacy programs along with reading instructional materials, curriculum and more. Financial assistance is provided through a $500 education savings account (ESA).

Quick facts:

Funds may be used for part-time tutoring, summer and after-school literacy programs, instructional materials, curriculum and more

Available to K-5th grade students

$500 education savings account

Eligibility based on the student's performance on the English Language Arts (ELA) test during the prior year

Download the New Worlds Reading Handbook

Personalized Education Program

Florida students who are not full-time private or public school students can access the Personalized Education Program (PEP) through the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program. This scholarship provides an educational savings account (ESA) to fund the educational needs of eligible students.

Quick facts:

Open to K-12 Florida residents not enrolled in full-time private or public school regardless of household income.

Students must be at least age 5 by Sept 1, of the school year in which they wish to enroll.

Provides access to an education savings account (ESA) that functions like a bank account.

The program will serve 20,000 students in the 2023-24 school year and grow by 40,000 annually.

Download the PEP Handbook

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Step Up For Students supports students and families in building a stronger future through an education that fits their needs. Our scholarships open doors with tuition, transportation, and educational resources. Find out more about how our programs can make a difference for you.

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Guide to Individualized Educational Plan (IEP)

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Guide to Individualized Educational Plan (IEP)

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Copy of Spanish 100 dias Autism Speaks.pdf

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Copy of Establishing Positive Sleep Patterns from Autism Society.pdfGuide to better sleep

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Copy of Establishing Positive Sleep Patterns from Autism Society.pdf