Parent Education Workshops for Families of Students with Disabilities

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1 August December 2016 SCHOOL CALENDAR Parent Education Workshops for Families of Students with Disabilities Issue 1 The ESE & Support Services Department in collaboration with FDLRS Parent services offers a variety of parent workshops and information for parents of students with disabilities: Ø behavior Ø learning Ø transition Ø evaluation Ø services Ø academics For more information: FDLRS Parent Services Workshops are held in the morning, evenings and weekends. Target audience for workshops parents of children ages birth to 22 years

2 ESE Advisory Council Meeting ESE Advisory Council offers many resources, assistance and information regarding ESE education. Parents are encouraged to attend monthly meetings. ESE Advisory Council welcomes parent participation. "Meet the Advisory Board" from 6:00-6:30 PM for evening meetings "Meet the Advisory Board" from 9:00-9:30 AM for morning meeting September 21, :30-9pm Piper High School October 19, :30-9pm Piper High School November 16, :30-9pm Piper High School December 14, :30-11:30am Arthur Ashe Campus January 18, :30-9pm Piper High School February 15, :30-9pm Whispering Pines School March 15, :30-9pm Piper High School April 19, :30-9pm Cross Creek School May 17, :30-9pm Piper High School June 14, :30-9pm Piper High School Locations: Piper High School (Media Center) 8000 NW 44 th Street, Sunrise, FL Arthur Ashe Campus 1701 NW 23 rd Avenue, Ft. Lauderdale, FL Whispering Pines School 3609 SW 89 th Avenue, Miramar, FL Cross Creek School 1010 NW 31 st Avenue, Pompano Beach, FL Financial Assistance for ESE Parent Conferences/Workshops Pending the availability of grant funds, financial support may be provided for families of students with disabilities to attend local, regional, state, or national conferences and workshops that will foster and promote collaborative educational partnerships. Parent requests for assistance are limited up to $1,000 per family within a school year. Request an application by contacting FDLRS Parent Services at or maryrose.kennedy@browardschools.com. Submit a completed application 30 days prior to the conference/workshop. Eligibility: High consideration will be given to those parents who have not previously accessed funds. Priority will also be given to those parents who are actively involved in one or more of the following activities: ESE Advisory Council, School Advisory Council, School Improvement Team, PTA/PTO, Local/State parent Support Group Organizations, and School Volunteers. Childcare: Childcare expenses may be reimbursed at a flat rate of $50 per day (or $8 per hour for a maximum of 6 hours; an original receipt must accompany the reimbursement request). Parents may apply for financial assistance from July 1, 2016 March 1, 2017 Respite Services (In-home support for parents) Parents may use respite services to attend a parent workshop, conference, support group, and/or any activity that provides needed alone time or time with other family members. Families of students with disabilities who receive respite services have the opportunity to get a much-needed break to relax, refresh and renew themselves. Respite services can be received in your home for up to 120 hours a year. Broward Children s Center also provides extended stat services at their facility. For more information contact: Broward 211 (24 Hours Crisis Helpline), Dial 211 or (954) This document was developed by the Florida Diagnostic & Learning Resources System (FDLRS), a special project funded by the Florida Department of Education, Division of Public Schools, Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services, through federal assistance under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Part B.

3 August 2016 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Family Fun Night! Hold a Family meeting, agenda is to share compliments! FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

4 September 2016 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday NO SCHOOL HOT DOCS (1) 9:30-11:30am Children s Diagnostic and Treatment Center Family Fun Night! Plan Family Meals! Take turns picking HOT DOCS (1) Sheridan Hills ES Active Parenting of Teens (1) 6:30-8:30pm Indian Ridge M.S. HOT DOCS (2) 9:30-11:30am Children s Diagnostic and Treatment Center Active Parenting PreK (1) Horizon ES 18 Family Fun Night! Bake Together! Take turns picking favorite recipes out of a cookbook and let the kids and dad join in on the fun Active Parenting of Teens (2) 6:30-8:30pm Indian Ridge M.S. Down Syndrome Committee Meeting 10:00am-12:00pm Davie Police Dept. Community Room ESE Advisory Council General Meeting 6:30-9:00pm Piper HS Active Parenting PreK (2) Horizon ES HOT DOCS (3) 9:30-11:30am Children s Diagnostic and Treatment Center Transition to Life Summit Mariott North 9am-3pm

5 HOT DOCS (2) Sheridan Hills ES Active Parenting PreK Spanish (1) 6:30-8:00pm Pines Lakes ES Active Parenting Now in Spanish (1) 6:30-8:30pm Coconut Palm El Active Parenting of Teens (3) 6:30-8:30pm Indian Ridge M.S. HOT DOCS (4) 9:30-11:30am Children s Diagnostic and Treatment Center HOT DOCS (3) Sheridan Hills ES Active Parenting PreK (3) Horizon ES

6 October 2016 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday ESE Parent Open House 9:00-11:00am Arthur Ashe Campus 1 FAMILY FUN NIGHT idea: Have a picnic, in the backyard or on the living room floor! 2 NO SCHOOL Active Parenting Now in Spanish (2) 6:30-8:30pm Coconut Palm El HOT DOCS (4) Sheridan Hills ES Active Parenting of Teens (4) 6:30-8:30pm Indian Ridge M.S. Active Parenting PreK Spanish (2) 6:30-8:00pm Pines Lakes ES HOT DOCS (5) 9:30-11:30am Children s Diagnostic and Treatment Center Active Parenting Now in Spanish (3) 6:30-8:30pm Coconut Palm El NO SCHOOL HOT DOCS (5) Sheridan Hills ES HOT DOCS (6) 9:30-11:30am Children s Diagnostic and Treatment Center Active Parenting of Teens (5) 6:30-8:30pm Indian Ridge M.S.

7 16 Family Fun Night! Pick a book to read together! WEBINAR: The Family Meeting: How it can enhance relationships in your family 6:00-7:00pm Down Syndrome Committee Meeting 10:00am-12:00pm Davie Police Dept. Community Room HOT DOCS (6) Sheridan Hills ES Active Parenting Now in Spanish (1) 6:30-8:30pm Coconut Palm El Active Parenting of Teens (6) 6:30-8:30pm Indian Ridge M.S HOT DOCS (7) 9:30-11:30am Children s Diagnostic and Treatment Center The Expo Nova Southeastern University Alfred Sherman Library Room am-4pm ESE Advisory Council General Meeting 6:30-9:00pm Piper HS Active Parenting PreK Spanish (3) 6:30-8:00pm Pines Lakes ES NO SCHOOL TEACHER PLANNING HOT DOCS (7) Sheridan Hills ES Happy Halloween! The Family Meeting WEBINAR:

8 November 2016 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Active Parenting Now in Spanish (2) 6:30-8:30pm Coconut Palm El Active Parenting PreK (1) Silver Ridge ES NO SCHOOL TEACHER PLANNING Active Parenting PreK (2) Silver Ridge ES Veteran s Day FAMILY FUN NIGHT: Have a family movie night, create tickets and make popcorn! Active Parenting Now in Spanish (3) 6:30-8:30pm Coconut Palm El Down Syndrome Committee Meeting 10:00am-12:00pm Davie Police Dept. Community Room ESE Advisory Council General Meeting 6:30-9:00pm Piper HS Active Parenting PreK (3) Silver Ridge ES WEBINAR: Self Determination for Parents 4:00-5:00pm

9 20 Family Fun Night! Bake Together! Take turns picking favorite cookie recipes out of a cookbook and let the kids and dad join in on the fun Thanksgiving Break Thanksgiving Break Thanksgiving Break 30 Self Determination for Parents login after 3:00pm WEBINAR: 26

10 December 2016 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Family Fun Night! Create Holiday Cards to give to family and friends! FAMILY FUN NIGHT: Plan ways to help others for the holidays gift baskets for shelter animals, nursing home staff, anything goes! ESE Advisory Council General Meeting 9:30-11:30am Arthur Ashe Campus

11 Down Syndrome Committee Meeting 10:00am-12:00pm Davie Police Dept. Community Room 25 Winter Break 26 Winter Break 27 Winter Break 28 Winter Break 29 Winter Break Family Fun Night! Create Arts & Crafts Projects with old gift wrap paper!

12 The Expo Main Event! This event provides an amazing opportunity to have fun and also learn about services, resources, products and information for persons of all ages with any disability! Saturday's Main Event is FREE and open to the public! Time: 10am-4pm

13 Weekend with the Experts Saturday, October 22, 2016 The Nova Southestern University, Alvin Sherman Library 10:00-11:30am Creative Relaxation Presenter: Gigi McIntire Purpose of the class: Parents and children are invited to have fun; to stretch, strengthen and improve balance; to develop body-awareness and self-control; to improve social interaction; to learn techniques for relaxation. Please bring a yoga mat or a towel. 1:00-2:30pm Behavioral Strategies for Everyday Situations: Perspectives from Both Sides Presenter: Brian Roselione Participants will learn strategies and techniques for everyday behavioral challenges from the perspective of professionals and individuals with disabilities. Participants will learn the importance of "contextual fit" when creating interventions as well as the importance of looking from multiple perspectives. This Expo is FREE and open to the public! Hours 9:00am-4:00pm Saturday, September 24, 2016 Teen s Transition to Life the Mariott North 9:00-3:00pm Keynote Speaker: Lixon Nelson Lixon Nelson is the Founder of Alliance Community and Employment Services (ACES) and online support website An informative day for youth with special needs who are interested in college, vocational education & other options in life after high school. The day also includes workshops intended for parents and family members supporting youth transitioning to adulthood. * Breakfast & Lunch * Parent & Youth Training * Activities & Entertainment * New Behavioral Health Track Youth After Party with a DJ!!! Registration opens September 1st, please visit To arrange for an American Sign Language Interpreter, please contact Carol M. Beitler at carol.beitler@browardschools.com

14 Workshop Descriptions Active Parenting PreK (Parenting Children Ages 1 to 4) Presenters: Karen Britton, Lisa Hess, Gigi McIntire, Kimberly DiLuzio, Nadia Seignon-Flambert Learn all about developmental stages of preschool aged children, Distinguish three styles of parenting: too hard, too soft, and just right, and learn the importance of building a parent/child bond, while emphasizing play. Session I: Understand the importance of parent self-care and begin developing a self-care plan. Learn about child development in the preschool years. Session II: Preventing Problems/Define discipline, Understand the importance of choices with young children to prevent misbehavior, learn the ACT model for redirecting misbehavior, using rules consistently, and the importance of routines and expressing affection. Session III: Encouraging positive behavior/understand choices and consequences as a discipline method, handling tantrums, build awareness of how to encourage children, and practice methods of encouragement. Active Parenting NOW! (For Parents of Children Ages 5-12) Presenters: Ted Davis, Victor Mora (Spanish) This six session Active Parenting series will provide parents with guidance and support to transform the challenges of raising their children into opportunities for growth. Participants will learn: Styles of parenting; Positive skills for clear, honest communication; Respectful basic and advanced discipline techniques to teach your child to make better choices resulting in appropriate behavior; Using the Think-Feel-Do Cycle and BANK method to intervene and build self-esteem; Concrete strategies to prevent risky behavior and help your child to resist peer pressure; Problem solving methods including using family meetings and the Feelings Limits Alternatives, Consequences (FLAC) method; four (4) goals of your child's behavior; decreasing power struggles; and handling anger. Learn how to become an encouraging parent... and much more, including important issues such as alcohol and other drugs. Join us at the next session and see the difference... as you make positive and realistic changes in your family's daily routine to gain greater happiness in your home! Optional: An online Active Parenting class is also available and allows you 24/7 access for six weeks to all online activities (cost: $ 49.95). Contact FDLRS parent Services for a financial assistance application, if needed. Join us in cyberspace to receive excellent advice and parenting techniques, access to online resources and videos, and the ability to discuss parenting with other adults around the country. More info available at: Active Parenting for Step Families Presenter: Lisa Hess Getting married is the easy part! When a stepfamily is formed, everyone needs to learn new rules: Mom and Dad need to learn how to work together as a team. Children and teens must adapt to changes. Everyone needs to build good relationships with new family members. Active Parenting for Stepfamilies is here to help! Use this new video-based discussion program to help couples work together to raise children in the challenging stepfamily environment. With this program, you will also learn how to use powerful communication and negotiation skills to strengthen marriage and family. Designed both for parents and stepparents, Active Parenting for Stepfamilies is also useful for foster parents, adoptive parents, single parents and others affected by loss and change. Active Parenting of Teens (For Parents of Children Ages 12-18) Presenter: Emily Gonzalez-Abreu This six session series will provide parents with guidance and support to transform the challenges of raising a teenager into opportunities for growth. Participants will learn: styles of parenting; positive skills for clear, honest communication; respectful basic and advanced discipline techniques to teach your child to make better choices resulting in appropriate behavior; using the Think-Feel- Do Cycle to intervene and build self-esteem; concrete strategies to prevent risky behavior and help your child resist peer pressure; problem solving methods including using family meetings and the FLAC method; five goals of teen behavior; decreasing power struggles; handling anger; how to become an encouraging parent... and much more, including important issues such as teens online, bullying, alcohol and other drugs, and depression. Join us at the next session and see the difference... as you make positive and realistic changes in your family's daily routine to gain greater happiness in your home! Educational Surrogate Parent Training Presenters: Carol Beitler, Kimberly DiLuzio, Debbie Winters This free training will certify you to become a volunteer surrogate parent, and act as an educational advocate for a child who requires exceptional sudent education (ESE) services. Surrogate Parents are needed to safeguard the rights of students with disabilities. The position requires making informed decisions about the child's educational needs, attending meetings, and monitoring programs much like a parent or guardian would. We are looking for volunteers to become surrogate parents - school board employees are exempt.

15 Workshop Descriptions (cont.) HOT DOCS (Helping Our Toddlers, Developing Our Children s Skills Presenters: Maria Robles, Liz McGettigan, Adrianna Liuzzi, Kimberly DiLuzio A seven (7)-week training for parents of children ages 2-5 years, developed by the University of South Florida Pediatrics Department. This program teaches a problem-solving method to figure out the function or the why of kids problem behaviors. Learn specific prevention strategies and techniques for modifying your child s behavior. The skills we teach in HOT DOCS are applicable to people of all ages, but the examples, stories and videos used focus on children up to five years old. It is recommended that parents attend all seven workshops in sequence, because each workshop builds on skills from previous workshops; however, parents may attend any of the workshops in the series. Procedural Safeguards for Parents Presenters: Felicia Starke This training will focus on the rights of parents. These rights are guaranteed to all parents of students with disabilities, and are required to be understood, explained, and implemented at the school level. Within the presentation, the audience will be given an overview of the Notice of Procedural Safeguards, school responsibilities for provision of these rights, and examples on how the process works for specific dispute resolution requests filed by parents. Case studies and scenarios will be explored for parents to better understand expected possible outcomes when filing a complaint. Self-Determination for Parents: Webinar Presenters: Carol Beitler, FDLRS Families can provide support for their young adults with disabilities in the development of self-determination skills. In this seminar, parents will learn how to help prepare their children with disabilities by giving them a growing number of opportunities to make their own decisions. There will be an overview of self-determination, a demonstration of social principals, and helping your child with selfadvocacy. Login after 3:40 The Family Meeting: Webinar Series Presenter: Carol Beitler, FDLRS One of the best ways to prepare your children for success in a democratic society is to teach them the give and take that comes with cooperative problems solving or decision making. One excellent way to do this is through Family Meetings. In this webinar, learn effective ways to improve communication with your children (and children will learn communication techniques with parents). Practical tips will also be provided to guide you in further enhancing the relationship with your child (or with your parents). No matter what the age or level of the child, everyone can be active participants in the family meeting!

16 Online Resources FDLRS Parent Services provides information and links to a variety of resources and organizations. To access the Parent Resources list, go to: A Parent s Introduction to Exceptional Student Education in Florida (2012) Active Parenting Online Video Library: Enhance Your Parenting Skills from the Comfort of Your Home Here's how to start your free tour of the Active Parenting Now Online Video Library. You will have free access to the OVL! Go to and Enter the password BCS (Passwords are case sensitive.). Select the specific video you would like to watch by clicking on it. There may be multiple pages of videos available so be sure to explore all the options. It s that simple! We hope you enjoy this program and learn some effective parenting skills that will last a lifetime. If you have any problem accessing the Active Parenting videos, please call Leigh Hammond X 138 or Cathy Daughtridge X 115 at Active Parenting. Autism Committee of ESE (ACE) Advisory Council ACE is a sub-committee of Exceptional Student Education Advisory Council of Broward County that operates under School Board Policy ACE is a parent-driven group that meets regularly with school administrators to support autism programming in Broward County Public Schools. By working collaboratively at the school and district level, we pledge to promote reasonable student-teacher ratios and proven teaching techniques so that each child on the autistic spectrum may demonstrate continual progress in an effort to reach his or her potential. Website: Building Inclusive Schools Building Inclusive Schools is an on-demand, elearning module that provides an overview of effective inclusive practices for students with disabilities. The module is comprised of five separate learning sessions that can be viewed or reviewed at any time that is convenient for you! Simply click For more information, please contact our local FIN facilitator at: barbara.krakower@browardschools.com. Disability History and Awareness Weeks During the first two weeks of October schools promote awareness of disability history and contributions of individuals with disabilities. Schools are provided with resources to support instructional activities in recognition of this celebration. Information and resources are available, including a bibliography of disability-related children's books, on the website at and FDLRS Media Center (contact Gladys Martinez at or gladysmartinez@browardschools.com). Encouraging the Involvement of Parents of Children with Disabilities: Online Training Modules for Parents This four-part series was created through a partnership between the Florida Department of Education s Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services, the State Personnel Development Grant at Florida Gulf Coast University and parents at the Central Florida Parent Center. Each module takes about 15 minutes to complete. To access the modules, go to: Module 1: Why Parent Involvement? Module 2: High-Quality Parent Involvement Module 3: Evidence-Based Best Practices Module 4: What Parents Have to Say on the Subject Family Cafe The Family Cafe provides information, networking opportunities, and an annual conference for individuals with disabilities and their families. For information on useful web sites, go to:

17 Online Resources (cont.) Family Development Guide The guide provides information on child development, parenting, tools/tips/supports for parents and caregivers and national/state/local resources for family support at (also available in Spanish and Creole). Family Network on Disabilities (FND) Online Tutorials Take a web-based workshop (24 hours per day/7 days per week) on your own computer from the comfort of your own home. Just like attending a Family Network on Disabilities (FND) workshop only from the comfort of your own home! Go to the FND of Florida website ( Viewing each workshop takes about 30 minutes but go at your own pace! There are 29 tutorials including a variety of topics: Exceptional Student Education (IDEA/Individuals with Disabilities Education Act), Conflict Resolution, IEP, FSA Accommodations, Collaborative Communication, Related Services, Juvenile Justice and IDEA, Evaluation, Positive Behavior Supports, 504 Plans, Rights and Responsibilities, Self-Determination); Transition from School to Community (Transition, Olmstead disability civil rights term/person s right to choose where they live, From IEP to IPE/Individualized Plan for Employment, Rehabilitation Act, Assistive Technology, Why the Arts/Career in the Arts/Career interests); Trusts and Special Needs Planning (Tools for Independence, Involve the Whole Family), and Parent Involvement (Bullying, Helping with Homework, Impact on Family and Community, Father s Involvement, A Compact for Reading, Understanding Your Child s Learning Styles, Effective Parent Conferences, Family Literacy). The Family Network on Disabilities (FND) of Broward County may be reached at (754) (fndbroward@hotmail.com). Florida Parental Information and Resource Center (PIRC) The Florida PIRC at the University of South Florida provides information to increase parents knowledge, skills, and confidence in becoming engaged in their children s education. Tip Sheets provide information about a variety of topics related to the important role parents play in their children s academic achievement (also available in Creole and Spanish). Learn the Signs. Act Early It s time to change how we view a child s growth. Her first tooth! And she s babbling! It s natural to measure your child s height and weight. But you should measure other ways your child is growing, too. From birth to five (5) years, there are milestones your child should reach in terms of how she plays, learns, speaks, and acts. A delay in any of these areas could be a sign of a developmental problem, even autism. The good news is, the earlier it s recognized the more you can do to help your child reach her full potential. Talk with a doctor, nurse or teacher about your child s total development. For more information call CDC-INFO or go to In Broward County, call Child Find at for FREE screenings for children birth to age 5. Little Kids, Big Questions: A Parenting Podcast Series From ZERO TO THREE ZERO TO THREE s podcast series on Early Childhood Development, Little Kids, Big Questions, addresses some of the most common (and challenging) issues facing parents of babies and toddlers, such as: helping a baby learn to sleep through the night; dealing with a picky eater; and learning to set limits on children s behavior. These questions and more are covered in this series of 12 podcasts. Each podcast features an interview with an expert that focuses on how to apply the research of early childhood development to your daily interactions with your baby or toddler. Parent Involvement: Exceptional Student Education in Florida Learn more about being an involved parent by gaining knowledge of the process, this includes a glossary of terms and development milestones so you can be an informed parent. Temper Tantrums: Guidelines for Parents The National Association for School Psychologists provides a variety of resources for families to help children achieve in school, at home and in life. For information on temper tantrums, go to: Tumblebooks TumbleBooks Library is an online collection of animated, talking picture books which teach young children the joys of reading in a format they will love. Free access via Username: bcs Password: reads Select Submit button Special Ed Connection Special Ed Connection is a web-based resource that parents can use to gain an understanding of what special education is and how it works, as their child enters, progresses through and exits the world of special education requirements. From legal rights to practical application and from student referrals to IEPs, Special Ed Connection explains specific procedures and provides real-world application strategies so parents can learn the complexities surrounding special education supports and services. To sign up for this FREE resource, contact Carol Beitler, FDLRS Reach Program Specialist via carol.beitler@browardschools.com or call

18 About the Presenters Carol Beitler Carol has worked for Broward County Schools since She moved here from the Chicago Area, where she had been a special education teacher. Since working for Broward schools, she has been an ESE Teacher, ESE Specialist, then worked for the ESE Area Office as an Autism Specialist, Reading Specialist, and Assistive Technology Specialist. Carol is bilingual and has a Bachelor s degree in Special Education, and a Master s degree in Education Leadership. Kathy Carroll, M.S., CCC/SLP, Kathy has been practicing as a Speech Language Pathologist for over 30 years. Currently Kathy is a Manager with the Broward County Early Steps program at Children s Diagnostic & Treatment Center where she is responsible for ASD related services including lead on the Clinic Multidisciplinary Assessment Eligibility Team. Additionally, she over sees the Specialty Service Coordination Team which involves ensuring services for children with autism, vision and hearing disorders, and children with medically complex issues, including those who are significantly premature. Her clinical interests include children with language delays, ASD, and other behavioral challenges. Ted Davis, B.S. Marine Biology. Ted is a certified high school science teacher with 35 years of experience. Currently he is the Maritime/Marine Science Magnet Coordinator at South Broward High School. With many responsibilities running the magnet program, Ted also provides guidance and counseling services to parents and students attending the magnet. He also co-taught Active Parenting with Katherine Davis last year at Park Springs Elementary School. Kimberly DiLuzio Kimberly has been employed by Broward County Public Schools since She is a FDLRS Child Find Program Specialist and provides intake for new referrals and case manages children (birth to age 2) transitioning from the Early Steps/Part C program to Part B public preschool services. Previously she worked as the FDLRS Parent Services Program Specialist. She is licensed by the Florida Department of Education in School Psychology, ESE Specialist, School Social Worker, Prekindergarten/Primary Education (age 3 - Grade 3), Preschool Education (birth - Age 4) and Educational Leadership. Ms. DiLuzio has worked in various positions as a school administrator, school psychologist, teacher and social worker at the local, state and international level in the Philippines and Thailand. She has worked previously in Pennsylvania, Colorado, Ohio and for the West Virginia Governor s Cabinet on Children and Families coordinating various initiatives, including Starting Points Family Resource Centers for young children and their families. She is a Nationally Certified Active Parenting Trainer of Trainers. Joseph Eppy Joseph is the President of the Eppy Group, located in the heart of Las Olas in downtown Fort Lauderdale Florida, is a distinctly-established financial firm, based in Broward County since The Eppy Group s fundamental approach revolves around client education; which facilitates our clients ability to make well informed decisions. We believe growing wealth should be accompanied by a strong defensive plan. We are passionate in our pursuit to provide excellence in service and advising. Emily Gonzalez-Abreu Emily has over 18 years of experience in Dade and Broward county, treating emotional and behavioral problems in children/adolescents and their parents. She has been an Exceptional Student Education (ESE) Family Counselor in Broward County for the past 10 years. Ms. Gonzalez-Abreu holds a Bachelor s of Science degree in Psychology from Florida International University and a Masters in Family Therapy from Nova Southeastern University. She is a Registered Marriage & Family Therapist Intern in the State of Florida. Ms. Gonzalez-Abreu has been conducting parent training workshops in the Active Parenting Modality for the past three years at Millennium Middle School. Having an adolescent daughter with Spina Bifida, she is well aware of the challenges of children with special needs. Ms. Gonzalez-Abreu is a local and national advocate for Spina Bifida and has been featured in numerous articles in local and national newspapers (Miami Herald, Sun-Sentinel, and Spina Bifida Association of America). Ms. Gonzalez-Abreu is a Certified Active Parenting Leader. Lisa Hess Lisa is a PreK Staff Specialist. She has a Bachelor s of Science/Special Education K-12 from Lock Haven University, Pennsylvania and a Master s of Education from University of Miami in Early Childhood Special Education. Also, she has a National Board Certified Teacher/Endorsement in PreK Disabilities & ESOL, Certification Age three (3) to Grade three (3). Stacey Hoaglund Stacy is a disability advocate, author, editor, trainer/consultant and parent. She has been with Family Network on Disabilities for fifteen years. Through a vast array of community and statewide committee involvements Stacey has been able to promote, enhance and advocate for programs for people with disabilities from birth to adulthood. Above all else, Stacey is the mom to two wonderful boys; the younger of whom has autism. It is through his diagnosis and her passion for her children that she finds joy in her profession. Kimberly Johnson Kimberly has been a educator for the past 24 years and was Nationally Board Certified in 1998 and As a licensed Brain Gym instructor and consultant, Kimberly has been successfully using Brain Gym in the classroom for several years. The mother of two exceptional education children, Kimberly has tutored children with disabilities privately and assisted parents in dealing with school issues. She has also worked with home school parents and students, their curriculum and yearly assessments.

19 About the Presenters (cont.) Barbara Krakower Barbara has worked in Broward county 28 years as a Speech Language Pathologist, ESE Specialist, District Reading Specialist for ESE Department. She currently has worked for the past eight years as a facilitator with the Florida Inclusion Network. Gigi McIntire Gigi graduated from Washington University in St. Louis with a Bachelor s degree in preschool/primary education in She later earned a Masters degree in gifted education and a guidance and counseling certification from Nova Southeastern University. In addition to over 30 years of experience in education, she holds a national board certification in guidance and counseling. Mrs. McIntire has been a Certified Active Parenting Leader since 2003 and has taught several parenting classes at Mirror Lake Elementary. Victor Mora Victor is a school social worker in the south area part of the county. He has worked for the school board for the last 10 years. Mr. Mora provides crisis intervention, group therapy, family counseling and individual therapy to students in need of services. He addresses academic concerns and behavioral issues that affect the student's performance. Mr. Mora has a Master s degree in Social Work from Florida International University and has been licensed since Mr. Mora is a Certified Active Parenting Leader. Nadia Seignon-Flambert Nadia is a certified school psychologist who has been employed by the Broward County Public Schools since She has been working as a bilingual (Haitian Creole) school psychologist, for all grade levels (prekindergarten to 12 grades). For the past two years, Nadia has been working directly with preschoolers and their families as part of the Preschool Diagnostics Evaluation Teams. Nadia holds a Masters degree in Early Childhood special education. She previously worked as an independent contractor providing special instruction to infants and toddlers. Felicia Starke Mrs. Felicia Starke is one of the Districtís Due Process Coordinators since June of Prior to taking her current position, Mrs. Starke was the District s School-Parent Liaison, assisting families and schools in resolving local conflicts at the school level regarding their student with a disability. As a primary function of Mrs. Starke s daily responsibilities, she provides support and training in building capacity at the school level to comply with IDEA and the Notice of Procedural Safeguards. She provides supervision to the Compliance Program Specialists and ESE Specialist Field Coaches who ensure that schools are complying with federal, state and local statutes, rules, policies and procedures.

20 Davie Police Department Community Room 1230 S. Nob Hill Road Davie, FL Directions: Take I-595 to Nob Hill Road Exit. Turn South onto S Nob Hill Rd. Indian Ridge Middle School is on the corner Make a U-turn at SW 101st Rd onto South Nob Hill Rd. If you reach SW 13th St you've gone about 0.1 miles too far 1230 S NOB HILL RD is on the right. Your destination is just past S Nob Hill Rd If you reach W State Road 84 you've gone a little too far

21 Children Services Council 6600 W. Commercial Blvd Lauderhill, FL Nova Southeastern University Alvin Sherman Library 3100 Ray Ferrero Jr. Blvd Ft. Lauderdale, FL Directions: Take I-95 to I-595 West. Exit College Avenue in Davie. Drive to SW 75 Avenue to Ray Ferrero Jr. Blvd. (in Nova Southeastern University) Take I-95 to Commercial Blvd. West to 6600 W. Commercial Blvd. Mariott Hotel North 6650 North Andrews Avenue Fort Lauderdale, FL Directions: Take ramp left for I-95 N At exit 33B, take ramp right and follow signs for West Cypress Creek Rd Turn right onto N Andrews Ave Arrive at N Andrews Ave The last intersection is NW 66th St If you reach NW 67th St, you've gone too far

22 Exceptional Student Education & Support Services Quick Reference Directory (754) Main Line (754) Child Find (754) Local Parent Resolution Office Executive Director, ESE & Support Services Dr. Antoine Hickman Vacant, Secretary Director, Exceptional Student Education Sonja Clay Candace Moncrieffe, Secretary Director, Support Services Dr. Mary Claire Mucenic Maryann Pecnik, Secretary Deaf/Hard of Hearing/Visually Impaired, Private Schools, Hospital/Homebound ESE Preschool Donna McCann, Coordinator Psychological Services Emily Goldstein, Coordinator Terry Spurlock, Supervisor Rhonda Said, Coordinator FDLRS/FIN Easy IEP/McKay Gwen Lipscomb, Coordinator SEDNET/Family Counseling Tara Rodger, Manager Charlene Grecsek, Coordinator Local Parent Resolution Office ESE Curriculum & Instruction Andrea Ciotti, Supervisor Felicia Starke, Coordinator Sarah Samuels, Coordinator Speech/Language/ Physically Impaired Debra Harrington, Supervisor Gary Grigull, Supervisor Janice Koblick, Supervisor Child Find Services Transition Services Brian Norris, Supervisor Devon Klapholz 3-5 yrs Lou Ruccolo, Specialist Beth Williams, Supervisor Kimberly DiLuzio 0-2 yrs Medicaid/504 Deneen Gorassini, Coordinator ESE Preschool & Child Find Services 1211 NW 33 Terrace Ft. Lauderdale, FL ESE & Support Services Arthur Ashe Jr. Campus 1701 NW 23 Avenue Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33311

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