What's Happening in ESE in February

February 12: 3rd 9 Weeks Progress Reports

February 21: Rodeo Day- No School

February 5th: Lunch and Learn hosted by Family Network on Disabilities at 11:30 AM via Zoom the topic will be "Transitioning to Kindergarten". "Transitioning to Kindergarten" addresses common questions and concerns that come along with this important step. This workshop will also help families understand their rights and responsibilities as active participants in the process. In order to attend this workshop, you must first register to receive the Zoom link. Use the following link to register...Lunch and Learn Zoom Registration Link

For additional information and workshop resources: https://secure.smore.com/n/31kp9

February 13: RESCHEDULED Lunch and Learn hosted by Family Network on Disabilities at 12:00 PM via Zoom. The topic will be the continuation of the IDEA Series from December covering "The Right of Students with Disabilities to an IEP and LRE". In order to receive a link to this event you will need to register using this link... Rescheduled Lunch an Learn Registration Link

February 19: Afternoon Insights hosted by Family Network on Disabilities, in-person event, at Denn John Middle School, 2001 Denn John Lane, Kissimmee, FL 34744at 4:30 PM. This workshop will include a presentation from Early Learning Coalition of Osceola. Light snacks and refreshment will be provided. This event will also be simulcast on Zoom. Please use this link to register/RSVP for this event: Afternoon Insights In-Person Registration Link

For additional information: https://secure.smore.com/n/pfebk

February 27th: An Evening with the Agencies at Gateway High School, 99 Panther Paws Way, Kissimmee, FL, 34744, from 5:00 PM-7:30 PM. An Evening with the Agencies is a chance to learn about community resources available for individuals with disabilities, financial aid, college, career training, supported living, and much more! See flyers below for additional information!

All workshops and events are open to all parents and families throughout the district!

Parent and Family Education Seminars

Tuesday February 19th, 6:30 PM Zoom: Visual Supports for Daily Routines

Learn how to use visual supports to help your child with ASD develop independence and avoid behavioral issues. We will cover a number of home routines that can help your child develop confidence and new skills. Register: https://visualSR.eventbrite.com

Thursday February 20th, 6:30 PM ZOOM: Creating Meaningful IEP Objectives

You know your child best and should be actively involved in creating the IEP objectives and goals for your child. Learn how to format objectives to bring your priorities to the table and present objectives that can be incorporated into the plan!

Register: https://iep225.eventbrite.com

Friday February 21 & Saturday February 22, 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM ZOOM: Transition Boot Camp

Our boot camp will feature presentations focused on: Agencies that support transition to work and life-long support; Diploma Options; What is Deferment and Why is it a Good Idea; Person Centered Planning; VR support for education and employment; Transition IEPs; LaunchIT and more. Find out what you need to know to move your teen toward a successful post-high school life.

Register for Friday: https://25TBootCamp.eventbrite.com

Register for Saturday: https://bootcampday2.eventbrite.com

Wednesday February 26th, 6:30 PM Zoom: Preparing for Adulthood

What do you know about the resources available for life after high school? This session will focus on central Florida resources for adult engagement and training. Register: https://Prep25.eventbrite.com

February 27th, 6:30 PM Zoom: For Grandparents: A resource summary

Are you a grandparent of someone who has ASD? Come join us for a presentation on what resources are available to you and how to provide the best support for your grandchild! Register: https://gp0227.eventbrite.com

Upcoming Parent Education Seminars

Saturday March 1 and March 8, 9:00 AM: Puberty and Romance: Special Sessions for Teens and Tweens

Children with ASD grow into young adults at the same time as their peers, but often lack exposure to and information about puberty, romance and feelings of attraction.

In this 2 part series, teens and tweens will learn about puberty (hygiene, development, emotional changes) and romance in a group where they are free to ask questions. Please click on the registration link for more information and see above for our parent overview to see if this is the right time for your tween/teen to dive deeper into understanding the changes they are experiencing. Register: https://pr25.eventbrite.com

Support Groups

Wednesday, March 5th, 6:30 PM ZOOM: Teen Transitions Support Group

Parents/ Caregivers will have the opportunity to discuss resources, strategies, and challenges all while supporting each other in this parenting journey with a tween/teen with ASD. Register: https://tt24.eventbrite.com

Tuesday, February 11th, 6:00 PM ZOOM: Just For Dads!

Fathering a child with ASD makes you part of a special group of dads. Gather with others who are "walking the walk" you walk. Fathers and grandfathers who are raising children or adults with ASD are welcome. Come with questions, stories, concerns and share personal experiences and meet other dads like you.

Register: https://jfd24-25.eventbrite.com

Wednesday, February 12th, 6:30 PM ZOOM: Support Group for Black Families of Individuals with ASD

Our goal is to provide support to black families who have a child or family member on the spectrum become more accepting, aware, and supportive in all communities. We share resources, provide insights, and assist one another.

*Black - of or relating to any of various population groups including, but not limited to, African American, Caribbean, Haitian, Nigerian, Kenyan.

Register: https://BFS25.eventbrite.com

Wednesday, February 12th, 6:00 PM 1101 John Young Parkway Orlando 32804:

Parents of Adults Face to Face Support Group Meeting

The Sunshine Spectrum Society is hosting a support group meeting with UCF CARD and PALS, sponsored by the 4Roots Farm. This will be a chance for parents to meet up with others for sharing information, successes, challenges and discussion.

Register now: https://febsss.eventbrite.com

Thursday February 13th, 6:00 PM ZOOM: Parents of Young Children with ASD Support Group

We meet monthly to share concerns and celebrations while managing life as parents of young children with ASD. We share resources, provide insights, and support one another. New participants come each time and are always welcome! This support group is for parents of 2-11 year old who are registered with UCF CARD. This can be a great place to ask the facilitator, or other parents, questions about how they are navigating this with their child, resources that have worked, and those that haven't worked. Some parents come to listen, others come to vent, and others come with questions - all are acceptable! We meet monthly via zoom on the second Thursday of each month and would love to have you join us!

Register: https://poycsgfebruary.eventbrite.com

Wednesday, February 19th, 6:30 PM ZOOM: Support Group for Caregivers of Adults with ASD

Free monthly resource and discussion group for parents of adults and late teens (16+) on the autism spectrum. Open forum for parents to discuss concerns, seek resources, and gain support in assisting their adult children.

Register: https://coa4654.eventbrite.com

EN ESPAÑOL

Monday, February 10th, 7:30 PM: LUPA

LUPA (Latinos Unidos Por el Autismo) es un grupo de apoyo en español para familias de individuos con autismo. Creado con el propósito de establecer red de conexión entre las familias, expresar inquietudes, recibir información relevante, empoderamiento y conversar con invitados especiales para discutir temas de interés en la comunidad TEA.

Register: https://LUPAfeb2025.eventbrite.com

Miercoles, 19 y 26 de Febrero, 6:30 PM Zoom: Entendiendo el Plan de Educacion Individualizado

¿Confundido sobre el Plan de Educación Individualizado y qué debería incluirse? Esta sesión revisa lo que está documentado dentro del plan y dónde se puede encontrar información importante.

Para registrarse: https://entendiendoiep25.eventbrite.com

Upcoming Events with PALS

Check out this link for a full calendar of PALS events for Feb/Mar! PALS events are open to UCF CARD constituents only.

Special Needs Screenings present movies in a sensory friendly with the lights up, the volume low, and moving around, talking, and even dancing in the aisles are welcome. Special Needs Screenings are shown on select Saturdays at 11:00am at all SMG locations unless noted otherwise. Tickets are available at the Box Office only as early as the Wednesday prior to these screenings. Tickets are free to all attendees and seating is first come, first served. Parental guidance is suggested.

This month's featured films are Dogman on February 8th and Paddington in Peru on February 22nd!