1. education

Exceptional Student Education & Support Services
Fall/
Winter
2014
Exceptional
Student Education
& Support Services
Corey Chang, Grade 7
Plantation Middle School
Marianna Troccoli, Grade 4
Sawgrass Elementary
Kimberly DiLuzio
Gwen Lipscomb
To create a framework upon
which schools and families
can build a collaborative
structure of support services
that promotes academic
achievement and encourages
personal growth in students
with disabilities.
Robert Morisseau, Grade 5
Maplewood Elementary School
Table of Contents
District News...................4-6
Disability History &
Awareness.....................7-10
School News ...............11-17
Parent News................18-20
Professional
Development...............21-22
Over the past 18 years, Brian G.
Kingsley has served his students
and communities as a passionate
and effective educational leader.
Mr. Kingsley began his journey
in education when he earned his
Bachelor of Science in Elementary
Education from Pennsylvania State
University in 1998. He received a
Master of Education with a major in
Educational Leadership in 2003 from Florida Atlantic University. Over the past four years, Mr.
Kingsley has served as the proud principal of Gulfstream Middle School in Hallandale Beach,
Florida. During his time at Gulfstream Middle, Mr. Kingsley showcased his unique leadership
abilities by not only fostering a safe and engaging learning environment for students but
also by building a place that the entire community could call home.
Due to his leadership and the hard work of his staff, students, and parents, Mr. Kingsley was
honored with the title of Principal of the year in Broward County in 2013 and with the title of
Florida Middle School Principal of the Year in 2014. Mr. Kingsley is currently the Acting Chief
Academic Officer for Broward County Public Schools and is humbled and honored to serve
the ESE & Support Services community and looks forward to providing more opportunities
for our students and families to reach their full potential.
Lori Benvenisty joined the ESE Pre-K Support Services Department
as a Program Specialist in September of 2014. She received her
Masters in Special Education from Long Island University in New York
and began her career at the Genesis School in Plainview, Long Island.
Lori relocated to South Florida in 2004 and began her tenure with the
School Board of Broward County as an Autism Coach at Meadowbrook
Elementary School. She was also a Program Specialist for behavior. Lori
lives in Cooper City with her husband. Her son and daughter are both
pursuing graduate degrees at the Florida State University.
Diana Cruz is the newly appointed Due Process Coordinator in the
ESE and Support Services Division. After graduating from the University
of Miami with her Bachelor’s and Master’s degree, Diana spent the
majority of her career working with students with disabilities in a variety
of counties in Florida including Miami-Dade, Osceola, and Broward.
Diana comes to us with a background in compliance and working with
students with Autism. She is very excited to work in her new role, and
to support students and families in Broward County.
Maria Jewell joined the ESE and Support Services Department as the
ESE Specialist for Transportation in July 2014. Maria has also served as
a general Program Specialist and Specialized Varying Exceptionalities
teacher in Broward County. She began her teaching career in Orlando,
FL as an Exceptional Student Education teacher at both the middle
school and high school levels. In 2003, Maria earned her Master’s of
Science and Bachelor’s of Science in Emotional Handicaps and Specific
Learning Disabilities from the Florida State University. Maria looks
forward to continuing to serve the schools, families and students of
Broward County.
Wendy Merrill joined the ESE and Support Services Department as a Speech-Language
Program Specialist in April 2014. She has worked for Broward schools for 22 years. Wendy
began her career as a Speech-Language Pathologist at North Lauderdale Elementary in
1990 and transitioned to the ESE Specialist position at Westchester Elementary in 1999.
She has both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Speech-Language Pathology from
Fall/Winter 2014
Exceptional Student Education & Support Services
2
Florida State University. Mrs. Merrill lives
in Boynton Beach and has two sons. She
is excited to have the opportunity to use
her background in speech pathology and
compliance to enhance programming for
the students of Broward County.
for 5 years. Dawn has been a Sign Language Interpreter for
video relay service, church services, and other community
assignments. Her brother and husband are deaf. Dawn earned
a Bachelor’s in Deaf Education and Elementary Education from
Flagler College. She lives in Margate with her husband and
two sons.
Silvia Place joined the ESE and Support
Services and Bilingual/ESOL Departments
in June 2014 as a Research Specialist.
Prior to joining Broward County Public
Schools, she was an adjunct professor
and research assistant at the Language
Development Lab at Florida Atlantic
University. She earned her Doctorate
in Psychology at FAU. In her graduate
studies, she conducted research on
the influence of language environment
on bilingual language development in
toddlers.
Julie Goodman joined the ESE and
Support Services Department as an
ESE Specialist Field Coach in August
2014, after spending 17 years as an ESE
Specialist and Speech Pathologist in the
Broward County, Florida and Mecklenburg
County, North Carolina School systems.
She has both a Bachelor’s and Master’s
degree in Speech Language Pathology.
Julie is looking forward to her new role as part of the ESE
Compliance team supporting the ESE Specialists and families
throughout the District.
Donna Pleasants joined the ESE
and Support Services Department as a
Preschool Staffing Specialist in September
2014. Donna has been with Broward
County Public Schools for 24 years.
Prior to her new role, she has served
as a general education teacher, special
education teacher and ESE Specialist.
She has also collaborated with other
educators from Broward County to
publish and present action research studies at both the
Mid-South Education Research Association and the American
Education Research Association’s annual conferences at various
universities around the country. Donna earned a Bachelor’s
degree in communication from the University of Miami and a
Master’s degree in Education from Florida Atlantic University.
She is excited to continue to work with families and to assist
our youngest students.
Dawn Zamot joined the ESE and Support
Services Department as a Lead Teacher/
Sign Language Interpreter in August
2014. Her goal is to provide guidance,
training, and support to staff interpreters
to ensure access to the curriculum and
other school activities for deaf and hard
of hearing students throughout the
district. Dawn earned the 2008 Disability
Awareness Award: Teacher of the Year and is currently working
towards national certification in interpreting from the Registry
of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID).
Stacy Milrot joined the ESE and Support
Services Department as an ESE Specialist
Field Coach in August 2014. She has
a Bachelor’s and a Master’s Degree in
Special Education from the University
of Florida. She has worked in Broward
County for over 13 years as an ESE
Teacher, Curriculum Facilitator, and an ESE
Specialist. She is excited about her new
role and looks forward to working with ESE Specialists across
the District, as well as students and families.
Nicole Sawicki is originally from Ansonia,
Connecticut. She joined the ESE and
Support Services Department as an ESE
Specialist Field Coach in August 2014.
She has a Bachelor’s Degree in PreK
Primary/Elementary Education from
Florida Southern College and a Master’s
Degree in Reading from Nova Southeastern
University. She has worked in Broward
County for 12 years as a Kindergarten Teacher, 5th Grade
Teacher, Reading Coach, ESE Support Facilitator, and an ESE
Specialist. Nicole is very excited to start this new adventure as
an ESE Specialist Field Coach.
Janet Uccello joined the ESE & Support
Services Department as an ESE Specialist
Field Coach in August 2014. She has a
Bachelor’s and Master’s degree. She
began her career in Connecticut as
a special education teacher in a day
treatment center. She has worked in
Previously she was a Teacher for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Broward County for 25 years as an ESE
(DHH) at Pasadena Lakes Elementary for 10 years, an Itinerant
Teacher, and an ESE Specialist. She is
DHH Teacher for 1 year and served families with deaf children
excited about her new position and looks forward to working
through the Alliance for Families with Deaf Children (AFDC)
with ESE Specialists across the District, as well as, students
and families.
3
Fall/Winter 2014
Exceptional Student Education & Support Services
District News
Congratulations Lori Sugar!
Secondary Student Support
Model
Submitted by: Amy Cohen, Behavior Program
Specialist, Exceptional Student Education
& Support Services
A Registered Behavior Technician and Positive Behavior
Supports district training was held September 18-22,
2014 at the Rock Island Professional Development
Center for 25 newly-hired and returning Behavior
Technicians. The staff will support students with
disabilities who are included in the general education
setting at middle schools.
Pictured from left to right are: Gilbert Marte, Tony Jones,
Patricia Dede, Chad Walker, Wayne Harden, Tricia Pierce,
Jordan Striggles, Pete Gordon, Krystle Wright, Jean Paul
Pericles, Alicia Armstrong, Sean Currey, Christopher
Coffee, Sarah Harrington, Kevin Oscar, Laughton Droze,
Dominique Thomas, Kelli Wolff, Diana Castellanos, Mike
Florent, Kenneth McKenzie, Megan Delburn, LaTanya
Fondren, and Brenon Brown.
ESE Parent Open House
The ESE & Support Services Department held
an ESE Parent Open House on August 2, 2014
for parents of students with disabilities new to
special education. The purpose of this meeting
was to introduce the ESE & Support Services
administrative team, provide an overview of
programs and services, and familiarize families
with resources and support services within the
Broward County community. Brian Kingsley,
Chief Academic Officer shared remarks during
this event. Parents were afforded an opportunity
to participate in a general question and answer
session as well as speak to district staff regarding
individual concerns. A variety of community
agencies displayed exhibits and resources
available to families. Approximately 130 persons
participated in this event.
Fall/Winter 2014
Lori Sugar, PreK ESE Program Specialist, is studying
Applied Behavior Analysis through Florida Institute
of Technology (FIT) and accumulating required
supervision hours to meet the requirement to sit
for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
examination. Lori recently passed the BCaBA
exam, which is a level below BCBA and allows her
to offer ABA therapy to individuals and families.
For additional information about BCBA go to
http://www.fit.edu/bst/ and http://www.bacb.com/.
Florida School Psychologist
of the Year, Dr. Gary Matloff
Dr. Gary Matloff is the winner of this year’s Florida
Association of School Psychologists’ (FASP) School
Psychologist of the Year award, which seeks
to recognize outstanding representatives who
exemplify responsibility, growth, and leadership.
Dr. Matloff has been a school psychologist with
Broward County Public Schools since 2001, having
maintained his assignments with Westpine Middle
and Welleby Elementary schools from the start. Dr. Matloff is widely
known for the varied range of psychological and consultative services
he provides on behalf of students, their families, school faculty, and the
community. He is especially proud of his counseling and advocacy work
on behalf of middle school students who have been retained, which was
written up in the NASP (National Association of School Psychologists)
Communiqué http://www.readperiodicals.com/201203/2664514911.
html. Dr. Matloff also has supervised numerous school psychology
interns who are now successfully working in the field around the
country.
Dr. Matloff is a proud father of two sons, who he adopted from Brazil
when they were nine and twelve-years old. He detailed the first two
years of his parenting adventures in a book, See You Tomorrow...
Reclaiming the Beacon of Hope http://psyched4kids.com/see-youtomorrow. His book is a story about the journey of a lifetime for a
pair of brothers and their new father against the sometimes all too
uncompromising realities of international adoption and adoption of
older children. He is actively involved in advocating the adoption of
older children http://www.drgarytheadoptiveparent.blogspot.com.
His parenting approach is the featured article in November’s National
Council for Adoption’s Adoption Advocate, http://www.adoptioncouncil.
org/publications/2014/11/adoption-advocate-no-77.
Exceptional Student Education & Support Services
4
District News
Foundations of Teaching Exceptional Students:
Florida League of Middle Schools Region VII Conference
Submitted by: Michele Bonsanti, ESE Specialist, Silver Trail Middle School
Silver Trail Middle School hosted the Florida League of Middle
Schools (FLMS) Region VII Conference on October 24, 2014.
This year’s topic focused on Inclusive Education-Foundations
of Teaching Exceptional Students. The Florida League of
Middle Schools target audience is educators from 5th through
9th Grade, and over two hundred participants attended this
year’s conference.
The conference began with keynote speaker Susan Hentz,
renowned consultant, author, and teacher. Susan spoke about
how students with learning differences need to gain access
to grade level curriculum to achieve academic success. Susan
shared many research based strategies and resources to ignite
student enthusiasm for learning.
After the keynote speaker, there were several breakout sessions.
Teachers from schools throughout the county were able to
choose from the many sessions offered (i.e., Transition, Positive
Behavior Intervention Plans & Best Practices, Florida Standards
and the ESE Student, Understanding Trauma and the Impact on
Fall/Winter 2014
Student Success, Engaging Students in the Inclusive Classroom,
Marzano: Strategies to Develop Classroom Practice, District
Support & Resources, Instructional & Classroom Management,
Why Parents Hire Educational Attorneys and Advocates, Least
Restricted Environment and the “At A Glance” Monitoring Tool).
The FLMS Conference presenters were members of the Broward
County Exceptional Student Education & Support Services
Department which included: Kathrine Francis, Andrea Ciotti,
Amy Cohen, Marian Klinger, Charlene Grecsek, Janice Koblick,
Barbara Krakower, Dr. Justin Jackson, Sunrise Middle School
Assistant Principal, and educational attorneys, Ann Siegel and
Rochelle Marcus. Liliana L. Salazar, Miami Dade District ESE
Director, and Rosalia F. Gallo, Miami Dade District Instructional
Supervisor were also presenters.
Feedback from the participants was very positive. The results
of the survey show it was informative and worth attending. We
look forward to next year’s FLMS conference to be even more
successful than this year and expect to have an even greater
turnout.
Exceptional Student Education & Support Services
5
District News
Child Find and Preschool Services Open House a Big Success
Submitted by: Donna McCann, Supervisor, ESE Preschool, Wingate Oaks Center
Child Find and Preschool Services held our first Open House on
Friday, October 3, 2014 from 8:30am-10:30am. Community
members, community organizations, Baby SNAC (Special Needs
Advisory Council), Early Steps, preschool contracted agencies,
and School Board employees were invited to stop by and tour
our wonderful facility. We want to thank everyone who was
able to stop by and visit our home. We are very proud of our
accomplishments and what we are able to provide our preschool
families in one central location.
addition to these wonderful services, we now complete on site
registration and transportation requests for our families for
children who are eligible to receive services. This allows for
minimal paperwork for parents to complete when their child
registers at the designated school. We have also added several
new staff members to our preschool team this year. Joining us
this year are: two new assessment teams; three new Community
Liaisons; one Health Technician; one Behavior Technician; an
additional Staffing Specialist; and a Program Specialist.
Last August, we relocated all of our Preschool Assessment
teams, Child Find staff and Staffing Specialists to the Wingate
Oaks facility. Since this transition, we have managed to create a
one-stop shop for our preschool families. Families are now able
to contact Child Find at Wingate for an evaluation appointment,
receive an evaluation (including audiological screening) and
attend the eligibility staffing all in the same location. In
All of these steps and procedures have been put in to place to
ensure that our preschool children will receive early intervention
in a timely fashion. We are looking forward to continuing to
provide high quality services and opportunities to the preschool
children and families of Broward County. To reach one of our
staff or for services for a child, contact Wingate Oaks Child Find
and Preschool Services at 754-321-7200.
Fall/Winter 2014
Exceptional Student Education & Support Services
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Disability History & Awareness
Disability History & Awareness
FDLRS and FIN staff from the ESE & Support Services
Department participated in the 2014 disABILITIES EXPO held on
October 11, 2014 at the Nova Southeastern University. Parent
education workshops and a resource table of information were
provided at the disABILITIES EXPO. Visitors to the KC Wright
building were greeted with an extensive display of the 16th
Annual “Just Do It … I Did!” Awards Ceremony presented by
the ESE & Support Services Department. Schools received an
eye-catching poster and ideas for acknowledging Disabilities
History and Awareness Weeks within their school community.
Peer Counselor Ambassadors
Submitted by: Anna S. Rivera, ESE Specialist,
Tequesta Trace Middle School
Mrs. Sikorski’s Peer Counseling classes at Tequesta Trace Middle
School are working on a project for Disability Awareness month,
which is October. The ESE staff is helping the Peer Counselors
create posters about well-known people with disabilities. The
students will place their posters around campus as well as
present them on the morning TV announcements.
The Peer Counselors are researching famous people with
disabilities such as vision and hearing impairments, learning
disabilities, autism, down syndrome and mental illness. Their
posters will contain definitions of the disability, but focus mostly
on the achievements these famous people have accomplished.
Media Center
Free educational resources available
on loan for: teachers, parents,
students… all in one location.
Arthur Ashe Campus (Atlantic Technical College)
1701 N.W. 23 Avenue Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33311
Phone: 754-321-3428
[email protected]
Hours of operation: Monday-Friday: 8:00 am-noon &
1:00-4:00 pm
Fall/Winter 2014
Mrs. Winter, an ESE Support Facilitator and Ms. Rivera, the ESE
Specialist have partnered with the Peer Counselors, asking them
to be ambassadors to advocate for students with disabilities
at the school. With heightened awareness, the students will
champion and speak up for those students, helping others to
see that they sometimes work twice as hard to accomplish the
same tasks.
Exceptional Student Education & Support Services
7
Disability History & Awareness
Students with Disabilities
Recognized for Exemplary
Achievements at the
“Just Do It... I Did” 16th Annual
Awards Program
The “Just Do It…I Did It!” Student Awards Program
is a Districtwide celebration recognizing
students with disabilities as part of Disability
and History Awareness Weeks, which are
the first two weeks of October. During the
awards ceremony, 164 Broward County
Public Schools preschool through adult
education students with disabilities were
honored for their accomplishments at an
awards event in their honor on October 15,
2014, at 9 a.m. at Atlantic Technical College
at Arthur Ashe Jr. Campus in Fort Lauderdale.
Students were recognized for showing significant
improvement or exemplary achievement in a variety of
areas. In addition, five students were honored as “Recognized
Recipients” for earning the highest scores in their grade level
category: preschool, elementary school, middle school, high
school and adult (age 19-22). Approximately 450 guests
attended the special awards ceremony including students’
families, school staffs and special guests, including Broward
Schools Acting Chief Academic Officer, Brian Kingsley and School
Board members. The Dillard High School ROTC Color Guard and
Program, as well as the Dillard Center for the Performing Arts
Jazz Ensemble performed at the awards ceremony.
Special thanks to our
“Just Do It... I Did!” sponsors:
BUILDING A BETTER FUTURE
In addition to the “Just Do It…I Did It!” Student Awards Program,
a special presentation honoring this year’s award recipients was
held during the October 21, 2014, School Board Meeting, which
took place at the Kathleen C. Wright Administration Center,
located at 600 S.E. Third Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301.
The team of eleven 2014 Principal Judges include:
Flamingo Elementary Janice Crosby, Principal
Harbordale Elementary Theresa Bucolo, Principal
Maplewood Elementary Sherry Bees, Principal
Oakland Park Elementary Michelle Garcia, Principal
Parkway Middle School Bradford Mattair, Principal
Park Springs Elementary Arlene Klaasen,Principal
Sandpiper Elementary Dr. Deloris Johnson, Principal
Sheridan Park Elementary Maria Calzadilla,Principal
Stoneman Douglas High School Ty Thompson, Principal
The Quest Center Leo Nesmith, Principal
Wingate Oaks Center Sarah Hausman, Principal
Fall/Winter 2014
Special thanks to:
Major Samuel Love & Sergeant Peter Pender
Dillard High School ROTC Color Guard and ROTC Program
Dillard Center for the Performing Arts Jazz Ensemble
The District Just Do It Planning Committee plans the annual
event each year. Interested sponsors and principals who would
like to serve as a principal judge next school year may contact
Kimberly DiLuzio, FDLRS Child Find at 754- 321-7200 or on CAB
at [email protected].
Exceptional Student Education & Support Services
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Fall/Winter 2014
Exceptional Student Education & Support Services
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Fall/Winter 2014
Exceptional Student Education & Support Services
10
Best Practices
InD Special Programs
Classrooms - Implementing
Focus on STEM Curriculum
Submitted by: Andrea Ciotti, InD Curriculum Supervisor
Special Program classrooms for students with intellectual
disabilities across Broward County have enjoyed using a new
inquiry based learning STEM curriculum. Students are practicing
literacy skills while gaining background knowledge in Science,
Technology, Engineering, and Math. Focus on STEM is aligned
to the Florida State Standards Access Points and is scaffolded
to three levels to ensure engagement for all students. Classes
are enjoying applying learned skills with real-life math and
science content.
The first quarter theme has been “things that grow” and
“counting in the city”. Data from student based work samples,
pre/post assessments, and targeted teacher feedback is
showing student learning gains in awareness of: concepts of
print, literary engagement, literacy interest, science and math
vocabulary usage, and on task behavior.
Diary of a
Spider
Submitted by: Suzanne
Barnard, DHH Teacher,
Tamarac Elementary
School
Students who are deaf
and hard of hearing at
Tamarac Elementary
demonstrate their
understanding of spiders
through this hands-on
assessment after reading
Diary of a Spider by
Doreen Cronin.
Fall/Winter 2014
School News
Nook Tablets
Submitted by Nicole Hicks, ESE Department Chair/SVE
Teacher, Cooper City High School
Cooper City High School is excited to announce the daily use
of Nook tablets. The Nook tablet is a tablet e-reader/media
player that is marketed by Barnes & Noble. These interactive
tablets connect to our in-class interactive white board (Mimeo)
and allow all our SVE (Supporting Varying Exceptionality)/PASS
(Post-graduate Alternatives for Secondary Students) students
to be actively engaged in daily learning/activities. Our students
are reading, practicing math drills, and playing academic games,
while increasing independence through the ongoing use of
technology. Focusing on technology and education, students
are learning valuable skills such as math, reading, spelling and
comprehension in a current age appropriate manner. Interactive
learning is a fun, exciting way to allow students to learn at
their own individual level. Students are eager to share with us
how much they are enjoying the daily use of their tablets with
the interactive white board. Students are beginning to identify
which application or activity is most meaningful to them. With
personalization of each Nook tablet, students are making the
nook tablet a meaningful resource and are now truly active
participants in their own learning.
11
Exceptional Student Education & Support Services
School News
This is How We Do It at
Sawgrass Elementary!
Submitted by: Carrietta Gaudio, ESE Specialist,
Sawgrass Elementary School
The Heritage of the Hartage:
David becomes center for the
DBMS Basketball Team!
Submitted by: Steve Ben-Canaan, ESE
Specialist, Deerfield Beach Middle
School
David is a member of Deerfield Beach
Middle boy’s basketball team and his
position on the team is center. He works
very hard in practice at perfecting the
skill set needed to be effective at the
position. He would like to continue his
playing basketball in high school.
At Sawgrass Elementary, Marianna Troccoli is the perfect picture
of a student who has “just done it” over the 6 years she has
been here. Meeting her now as a fourth grader, you would
never know the struggles she has overcome in such a short
life. Being born with cerebral palsy, Marianna has endured
several difficult surgeries on her hips, legs, ankles, and feet to
increase her range of motion for walking. Even when placed
on hospital homebound services, Marianna continued to come
visit her friends and teachers at dismissal in her wheelchair,
with a huge smile on her face. Her previous teacher referred
to her orthotics as turbo jets, and often told Marianna to “fire
up her jets and get walking!” From a preschooler who would
refuse to walk, sit on the ground, and cry, Marianna is now a
confident young girl who walks in the front gate each morning
very conscious of her appearance and always matching her
outfit and hair accessories. She has truly grown into who she
is and is comfortable with the life she has been blessed with.
It is an honor that she was chosen as this year’s elementary
recognized recipient for all her hard work and determination.
Volunteers Needed for
United Cerebral Palsy Early
Beginnings Program
United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) Early Beginnings program is
looking for volunteers in our preschool and K-1st program.
We provide specialized instruction to young children with
special needs in a caring and nurturing environment. You
can impact the life of a young child with special needs by
volunteering a couple of hours a week in our program. You
would be working in a classroom of up to 12 children, a
teacher and two aides. Our volunteers assist the teachers
in working individually with children under the teacher’s
guidance. They provide much needed one on one time as
well as the opportunity to form special relationships. We
also welcome any special talents that you could bring to
our program! We are located at 3117 SW 13th Court, Ft.
Lauderdale, FL. 33312. For more information contact:
Ana M. Fraga, Physical Therapist 954-315-4068 or ana.
[email protected].
I am important!
Submitted by: Madela Matei, ESE Teacher
Horizon Elementary School
Justin Hicks is proud for designing and coloring the artistic
design for the autism shirts used to represent our school at the
Dan Marino 2014 Autism Walk. The teachers and principal are
very proud of Justin’s accomplishment and everyone is wearing
the shirt. This was possible because teachers, principal and staff
at Horizon enable all children to realize their full potential and
be proud of who they are. Justin was nominated by his school
and received the 2014 Just Do It … I Did! Award.
Fall/Winter 2014
Exceptional Student Education & Support Services
12
School News
A True Princess!
Submitted by: Andrea Protentis, Post-Graduate Alternatives for Secondary Students/Transition Program Teacher,
Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School
A fairytale came true...
My precious student won
Homecoming Queen on
October 11, 2014. It will be
a night that her family and
I will never forget. Here’s
a quote from my student,
“It’s been my dream to be a
princess.” Her dream came
true. Keep dreaming!!!
M y s t u d e n t ’s p a r e n t s ,
family and friends would
like to extend their sincerest
thanks and gratitude to Ms.
Andrea Protentis and the
wonderful students at Stoneman Douglas for making their
daughter feel so welcome, and for helping fulfill her dream of
becoming Homecoming Queen. They would especially like to
thank her friend, Alex, and peer counselor, for her help getting
her nominated, Natasha for asking for her votes to be given
to her, the members of Best Buddies Club, the football team
member, Brett, and everyone else who aided in getting her
crowned. The entire family and her teacher are truly touched
beyond words by the selflessness, grace and maturity of these
amazing young men and women.
Some of the Homecoming Queen’s challenges are heart surgery,
significant hearing loss, and intellectual disability. However,
her family doesn’t dwell on those things. They are usually just
amazed at how happy and cooperative she is in spite of it all.
When the Homecoming Queen was about three years old she
had the first of her ear tube surgeries. Her parents worried
during the surgeries because of the complications kids with
down syndrome have with anesthesia and heart complications.
When she was wheeled out of the operating room, they
were expecting her to be semi conscious, but she came out
sitting straight up, and waving like she was on a parade float.
Foreshadowing!
My Amazing Experience
Submitted by: Rachel Alexander, 7th Grader and , Lisa Bandman, ESE Specialist/ESE Content Leader,
Falcon Cove Middle School
Hi, I’m Rachel Alexander, and
I am in the peer counseling
program at Falcon Cove. I am in
7th grade and I definitely have
a passion for working with kids
that have special needs and
disabilities. The main reason
I have this passion is because
my brother Justin has Autism.
He is in Ms. Glincher’s class,
and is currently learning how
to type. I truly understand him,
and I love how he never gives
up no matter what! He is so
sweet, loving, smart, and is
always smiling or laughing!! Yes, he might be different but he
isn’t less than anyone else. He inspired me to work with other
kids that have special needs. My sister Hailey and I both love
him unconditionally.
Fall/Winter 2014
The child that I work with the most is George, and I love
working with him! I usually help him with math, telling time,
games, or I ask him questions on flash cards and he answers
back. I give George lots of methods when I work with him!
One time when I was leaving George said “bye miss Rachel’’.
Whenever I do math with him, I make up and down arrows so
he knows whether to add or subtract. I also play bingo with
him and the other kids; when George won he had the biggest
smile on his face! I also remember one of the first times I met
him, Ms. Glincher asked him what he liked about me; he said
that he liked my hair.
Whenever I work with Ms. Glincher’s class, it makes me so
happy knowing that I am helping them. Each and every one of
them are amazing, and I always look forward to working with
them! Every Monday and Wednesday I go to help. The students
usually watch a video until 2:30, and then they split up into
centers. They do all sorts of things all day long! When they
smile or laugh, I smile because it makes me happy knowing
they are happy. I am so honored Mrs. Dempsey gave me the
opportunity to work with them!
Exceptional Student Education & Support Services
13
School News
Wingate Oaks Accepts the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge
Submitted by: Sarah Hausman, Principal, Wingate Oaks Center
ALS or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, often
referred to as “Lou Gehrig’s Disease,” is a
progressive disease that affects nerve cells in
the brain and the spinal cord.
awesome Wingate Oaks faculty & staff uses with
our students with special needs.
We, at Wingate Oaks Center in Broward County,
accepted the ice bucket challenge….. and we
nominated our sister schools, The Quest &
Bright Horizons and our amazing director Dr.
Wanza to take the ice bucket challenge to
promote awareness and encourage donations
for research.
While there is not a cure as of today, there are
significant devices and therapies that can manage
the symptoms of ALS, that help people maintain
as much independence and communication as
possible… so very similar to the strategies our
Wingate Oaks’ Transition Program
Submitted by: Ruthanne Newell, Autism/Curriculum Specialist, Wingate Oaks Center
You might want to ask your self, “What is trending in
transition at Wingate?” Hmmm, trending, to emerge
as popular. What does that mean for us as a team of
Supervisors teaching our team members?
Our Transition Program defines our mission statement,
Teaching the Skills for Life, Opening a World of
Possibilities. We focus our instruction within the
areas our students will require once graduated.
Our classrooms are set up in zones that focus on
specific skill sets. To the right you will find a list of
our instructional zones.
Domestic
Retail
Leisure
Laundry
Coupons
Fitness
Discounts
Inventory
Gardening
P a r t y
planning
Meal/snack
preparation
D i s
washing
h
Pricing
Cost
S t o r e
Selection
Daily
Living
OJT
Clerical
CBI
Communication
P h o t o
Copies
Use of $
Pragmatics
IHop
Filing
Counting
change
Turn Taking
Computer
sites
Odd Lots
Sorting
M a l l
shopping
Appropriate
language
Music and
Applebee’s
Organizing
L u n c h
w i t h
friends
Face time with
Friends
Pantry
Broward
Ta s k
of
Magazines
Our team continues to plan, perform, research, and
modify all that we do each and everyday to meet the
individual needs of each student in our program. If
you have any questions or suggestions please feel
free to contact us at 754-321-6850.
Fall/Winter 2014
Exceptional Student Education & Support Services
14
School News
Manatee Bay Elementary
“Buddies Up” And Then Some
Submitted by Kristina Podsada, InD Teacher,
Manatee Bay Elementary School
There’s good news at Manatee Bay Elementary! This year
a new inclusion program has been initiated at Manatee Bay
Elementary called Bay Buddies. Teachers Sara Hartwell (ESE),
Kaitlyn Marshall (general education), and Lara Haley (general
education) attended a training during the summer months, and
together with Kristina Podsada (ESE) were ready to roll into
action at the beginning of the new year. Through this program,
students are paired with a student with disabilities (students
from the InD cluster), to participate in teacher-directed activities
to promote social and work skills.
The Bay Buddies program includes training sessions, in which
interested students learn about the characteristics of intellectual
disabilities. These training and play/work sessions are scheduled
in cooperation with classroom teachers so as not to negatively
impact the children’s studies.
Technology, Engineering, Math) program specially designed for
students with an intellectual disability. Training was scheduled
and kits provided. All subject areas are taught through thematic
units of study. Teachers are encouraged to bring their own
creativity and ingenuity to the table
with this format
Finally, parents of students with
disabilities and general education
students have identified a need for
a renovated playground. Our goal is
to restructure an existing playground
converting it to a universal access
playground. This play area would
be open to students of all levels of
abilities, promoting social integration and increasing physical
activities for all who play here. Amongst the current obstacles
of the existing playground are that the surfaces are largely sand
covered, and there is a lack of universal equipment. A committee
has been formed to organize this campaign. We look forward
to playing on a newly renovated playground.
Planting Seeds of Wisdom Into
the Minds of SVE Students
Submitted by: Bridget Cavari-Madero, ESE Teacher,
Crystal Lake Middle School
My outstanding students have been learning some fantastic
things in Science. We have been studying about living and
non-living things and how to describe, compare and contrast
between the two. My students are able to explain what a
plant requires in order to survive. As an outcome of the
lesson, my students are able to name the different plant
parts, the function of each part, tell what a plant needs in
order to stay alive, and make observations of how a plant
changes as it grows. Everyone carried out a simple
experiment, in which, they planted green beans and pea
seeds to visually observe how a seed grows into a plant with
proper care. The class is looking forward to harvesting
vegetables and preparing them in healthy meals.
Manatee Bay is very proud of our new Bay Buddies program.
This program encourages awareness and acceptance of people
who are “differently-abled”. Helping peers promotes selfesteem and sensitivity towards others. This initiative begins
on a small scale with just a handful of teachers and staff
involved. However, it is fully expected to be a great success
and to expand over the coming years.
On another note, the InD cluster program has been fortunate
enough to be included as a part of a new STEM (Science,
Fall/Winter 2014
Exceptional Student Education & Support Services
15
School News
Steven Ticktin Brings Home the Gold!
Submitted by: Jean Bailey, VE Teacher, Gator Run Elementary School and Kim Goldmintz, Mother
Meet Steven Ticktin, a
5th grade student at
Gator Run Elementary. He
entered Gator Run as a
happy kindergartener and
now walks the halls as a
confident, comfortable fifth
grader! It seems everyone
Steven comes in contact with
falls in love with him. Steven
is very kind, respectful and
always puts forth his best
effort. He is polite, wellmannered, honest, and
cooperative. Best of all,
Steven is always happy and smiling! But Steven faces many
challenges throughout the school day. He is a student who
has been diagnosed with autism. He deals with academic
challenges and social difficulties. He has sensitivity to touch
and sounds. He struggles with expressing himself and handling
changes in routine. Steven has risen to these challenges
with the support of his school! He is working hard with his
academics, interacting more, and knows the majority of the staff
and student body. Steven has also been given the opportunity
to assist with monitoring the hallways as a member of Safety
Patrol. He enjoys helping teachers and greets his classmates
throughout the day. Given the opportunity to assist others,
Exceptional
Student
Parent
Education
Workshops
www.broward.k12.fl.us/studentsupport/
ese/html/ workshop.htm
or call 754-321-3400
Scan for a complete list of workshops and events.
generated at BeQRious.com
Fall/Winter 2014
Steven rises to the task and performs with pride! While he
struggles to participate verbally in conversation with his peers,
he joins the group and tries his best. Students are eager
to work with Steven because of his happy disposition. His
teachers in the resource room have been working with Steven
for approximately five years. They have enjoyed working with
him and watching him grow into such a fine student. He is a
pleasure to work with and a wonderful addition to the group.
Steven has overcome many obstacles and inspires all to be the
best one can be! Ask Steven what he likes most about Gator Run and he’ll tell
you,” In the morning, I like to say hi to everyone. Ms. Davis lets
me do projects on the computer. I read Great Leaps with Mrs.
Bailey and Mrs. Iscovitz. My favorite special is Media because I
can check out books.” Outside of school, Steven enjoys karate.
He currently has a green belt and is working toward his black
belt.
Kim Goldmintz, Steven’s mother, described their experience
when Steven was chosen as Gator Run’s winner of the “Just Do
It! I Did!” award. “It was challenging for Steven to participate
in the ceremony. He’s comfortable in his school setting, but
getting up and walking in front of a crowd is not easy for him.
Steven overcame his initial fear with a smile on his face just as
he does with any challenging task. We should all be like him.”
Educational We are looking for
to become
Surrogate volunteers
Surrogate Parents for
students with
Parents disabilities
who need
assistance in making
Needed decisions regarding their
education. School Board
Employees are exempt.
Call 754-321-3400
Exceptional Student Education & Support Services
16
School News
You’ve Got the Magic in You!
Submitted by: Joni Hale, ESE Teacher,
Hunt Elementary School
The theme of my classroom is
“you’ve got the magic in you”.
When the students come in the
first day of school, I have this crazy
glitter hat that I put on each of
them and take their picture. I hang
the pictures on the wall. Before I
put the hat on them, I give them
a little pep talk and tell them that
the hat is magic and once it’s on
them the magic goes from the hat
and into each of them. I will even
go so far as to ask them if they are
prepared for such strong magic,
that sometimes it’s so strong it
could knock their socks off (one
student said, “Wait, my shoes
aren’t tied very tight! They might
come off”). By the time the hat is
actually on their head, they will,
invariably, tell me that they can feel
the power going into them.
Each day as we enter my classroom,
I ask them if they have the magic
in them or do they need to put the
hat on to re-energize the magic again. As we go through the
skills on which we are working, if they do well I reinforce with
them that they DO have the magic in them that day!! If they
are not doing well, I will ask them if they are sure that they
don’t want me to go get the hat and put the hat back on them
and let’s get that magic going again. Then we talk about what
the problem is with whatever it is that they have had problems
with, where there are mistakes, and after I put the hat back on
their head, we rework the issues that they had.
The idea of the hat and the magic helping them, makes the
correction much less threatening. They are also under the
impression that my pencils are magic and that it helps get the
magic from the hat and their head into their hands and onto
the paper. It’s been a very positive process and it seems to
make them feel empowered. I continually drive home the idea
to them that if they think they can, they can.
Fall/Winter 2014
Broward Early Steps Program
Submitted by Ellie Schrot,
Broward County Early Steps Director
I think the best way to introduce
you to the Broward Early Steps
Program, administered by
the Children’s Diagnostic &
Treatment Center, is to share
a family story. When Damien
was almost two years old his
parents had concerns about his
development and brought them
up to his doctor. Damien was not
speaking nor was he responding
to his name. He just cried
when he needed something.
His doctor recommended Early
Steps for a developmental
evaluation and early intervention services. The Early Steps
evaluation found that Damien was severely delayed in
communication and mildly delayed in his gross motor skills.
An Individualized Family Support Plan was written and the
family decided to start by helping Damien better communicate
his needs by pointing and gesturing. His intervention team
included a Speech Language Pathologist and an Occupational
Therapist. Damien was shy at first but now loves his therapists.
Damien showed tremendous improvement – first by pointing
and gesturing, imitating words and saying his name. He is now
putting two word phrases together and his parents could not
be happier.
Each child grows at an individual pace, but research shows
that a child’s first three years are the most important time for
learning. Getting help early puts children on the right path
to learn and develop to their full potential. The Florida Early
Steps Program serves infants and toddlers from birth to 36
months of age with developmental disabilities and handicapping
conditions. Early intervention services are provided to eligible
families and their children where they live, learn and play.
The goal is to enable the family to implement developmentally
appropriate learning opportunities during everyday activities
and routines. There is no income criteria for referral and no
out-of-pocket expenses.
Early Steps enjoys a close working relationship with Broward
County Public Schools. FDLRS Child Find at 754-321-7200 takes
all community referrals for Early Steps and children transition
to the Pre-K ESE program at age three with parental consent.
For more information visit the Children’s Diagnostic & Treatment
Center website at childrensdiagnostic.org or call 954-728-1090
for more information.
Exceptional Student Education & Support Services
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Feeling lost? We can help!
The Florida Diagnostic and Learning Resources
System (FDLRS) is pleased to announce the launch
of the new Parent Involvement Website.
The site is designed specifically to assist parents as
they navigate the exceptional student education
(ESE) process, from Pre-K through transition to
college and/or career. This helpful site provides
valuable information and resources related to ESE
services and students with disabilities.
On the site you’ll find success stories; information
geared to various grade levels; contact lists
for school districts, parent centers, and related
agencies; a glossary of terms; and more!
Success Stories
Glossary
Resources
• Pre-K
• K-12
• High School
• After High
School
forparents.florida-ese.org
Questions? Please contact
Aimee Mallini at FDOE
850-245-0916
[email protected]
Fall/Winter 2014
Exceptional Student Education & Support Services
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Parent News
A Letter to My Teacher
Submitted by: Charlie’s Parents
Our son Charlie just turned four
years old. He is a very smart, funny
and an amazing little boy. Charlie
was diagnosed with mild range
Selective Mutism (social anxiety) a
few months ago. He will talk to other
children but has a hard time talking
to adults outside of his immediate
family. Charlie is a highly sensitive
boy. His feelings get hurt easily and
our parenting style with him has
been more flexible because of this. He does not respond well
to punishments or “time out” time. Instead, he responds very
well to gentle redirection and encouragement. He is a very
perceptive little boy and can easily pick up on whether someone
is happy, sad, angry, frustrated, etc. Reprimanding and strict
authoritative approaches will just make him crawl back into his
“shell.” It is very important that he does not get bribed into
“talking” with toys or activities. He feels very bad about this.
We do not punish him or use bribery for not talking, as this will
increase his anxiety.
Charlie also has some mild sensory processing difficulties,
especially with oral sensitivities and touch. He is a very picky
eater and usually avoids most multi-textured foods. We don’t
force feed him because we know his food aversions are sensoryrelated. He does not like tight clothing, and most of the time will
take off his socks. He prefers boxers to briefs and dislikes tags
on his clothes. Clipping his nails is the only thing that makes
him have a tantrum since he perceives it as painful. Usually I
have to wait until the very last minute to avoid this.
Charlie is a very well behaved little boy and he knows how to
follow instructions. When he is in a comfortable setting he loves
to have fun and laugh. His absolute favorite thing in the world
is dinosaurs! He knows every dinosaur name and loves playing
with them. His last struggle is that of using the potty. He is
completely potty trained; however, he has a fear of using other
bathrooms besides the ones in our home. He does not let others
know that he has to use the potty. It is important that he gets
asked often if he has to go to the “toilet” which is the word he
knows. He needs to know that he can go straight to the toilet
without having to ask because he may be afraid to ask. Most
of the time, he will not want someone in the bathroom with
him as this may give him anxiety. We are so happy that he will
be starting preschool and are looking forward to an exciting
new year! We have faith that he will do very well with his new
teachers and new classmates!
Fall/Winter 2014
Wish Upon a Rising Star
Submitted By: Christopher Birks, proud father of Caressa Birks
Dr. Gloria Chang, of Joe DiMaggio
Children’s Hospital, referred our
family to the Child Find program,
of which she believed would be
beneficial to our specific situation.
Although not accepted into the
program, ironically for positive
reasons, our initial meeting with the
“Child Find” staff and throughout
the entire evaluation stage can be
categorized as very informative and
professional.
Caressa was born on November 30,
2009 and since early infancy she
has struggled with achieving the
milestones that are demonstrated
in normal physical behavior of
toddlers her age. As she grew older
and her struggles progressed, she
began to have more noticeable
difficulties that began to affect her
walking and balance. In August
2013, Caressa was diagnosed with
an “unknown” tumor in the spine
that was considered life threatening
due to its size and location. Caressa
underwent successful neurosurgery
at Joe DiMaggio by Dr. Dean Hertzler
II (who has a heart-felt story on Help
Me Howard of a similar nature). There are too many doctors to
name that have been instrumental in her recovery, but we thank
them all. Since September of 2013, Caressa has received intense
physical therapy that began with “little to no” feeling in her
lower extremities. We were given no time tables as to whether
or not she would gain her sense of feeling and ability to stand
or walk but always maintained hope. Today, we are blessed to
say that through determination, sacrifice, the professionalism
of her therapist and the power of prayer, she has demonstrated
truly remarkable success in her physical abilities. She has quickly
become a leader in her classroom at the “Little Me Preschool”
while pressing on to keep up with classmates physically as she
sees no obstacles. She recently enjoyed a magical trip to Disney
thanks to “Make a Wish of Southern Florida” and “Give Kids the
World” organizations. Caressa’s inner strength and faith propels
her to surpass all reasonable goals as she continues her quest
(as she puts it), “I just want to run like the other kids.”
Exceptional Student Education & Support Services
19
Parent News
Active Parenting of Teens
Submitted by: David Negron, Father of 15 year old
daughter (West Broward High School) and 13 year old son
(Franklin Academy in Cooper City)
I would like to take
this opportunity to
acknowledge a course
I completed last week
on Active Parenting
of Teens. This free
course was facilitated
by Emily GonzalezAbreu (ESE Family
Counselor), at Indian
Ridge Middle School
for the last couple of weeks. I came upon knowing this by
my daughter’s school website (West Broward High School). I
especially found this course to be extremely important being
a divorced dad with two teen aged kids. In today’s society, its
imperative that parents get involved as much as possible in their
daily lives whether being a single parent or a married household. My take aways has been an eye opener in many areas but
most importantly was learning various “KEY” methods in
communicating with my kids more effectively. (Thanks Dr.
Michael Popkin, author of the Active Parenting Curriculum ). I
encourage all parents to take this course especially “Dads”, to
set aside their pride and become ‘INVOLVED’ in their kids lives...
(its ok to admit help is needed). Emily did an outstanding job
in making us ‘interact’ with other parents at these classes to
make us feel and see what our kids are up against daily.
I wanted to share my experience to increase the awareness
throughout the school system and Broward community of this
valuable course, so I sent a letter to the School Board Members.
I hope others in the school district will increase awareness for
parents via social media, counselors, teachers and parent and
teacher organizations in the future to get a bigger turn out. I
believe this course will be given next January 2015. A wide variety of parent workshops and resources
are provided by FDLRS (Florida Diagnostic & Learning
Resources System) Parent Services, including Active
Parenting workshops for parents of preschool children,
elementary-age students or teenagers. Go to http://
www.broward.k12.fl.us/studentsupport/ese/html/
WORKSHOP.htm
An Active Parenting Online Video Library is also available
for Broward County parents at http://vimeopro.com/
activeparenting/broward-county enter the password
BCS121114 (passwords are case sensitive).
Child Find/
Preschool Services
R i k i n a G a r d e n e r,
Community Liaison
consults with a mother
and her three triplet
boys at the Child Find/
Preschool Services
“ Pa r e n t Re s o u r c e
Center” located at
the Wingate Oaks
Center. Information
was shared regarding
preschool services and a variety of resources and parent
workshops available through FDLRS (Florida Diagnostic
& Learning Resources System) Parent Services at http://
www.broward.k12.fl.us/studentsupport/ese/html/
WORKSHOP.htm. All parents are welcome to attend the
parent workshops (no cost, no registration required).
For the latest ESE news and information,
visit our wesite at
http://www.broward.k12.fl.us/studentsupport/ese/
To help increase local and national public awareness,
Mr. Negron was interviewed and featured in a SunSentinel article about the class in the Fall 2014. He
was also interviewed via Skype by Dr. Michael Popkin’s
staff (Active Parenting Publishing Company in Georgia)
about the Active Parenting program.
Fall/Winter 2014
Exceptional Student Education & Support Services
20
Professional Development
Professional Development Alternatives www.fl-­‐pda.org Available statewide and free to Florida educators. High-­‐quality online content and activities. Classroom-­‐related assessment tasks. Designed to assist educators with responding to the various instructional and behavioral needs of each individual learner in order to maximize achievement for all students. Facilitated modules provide ongoing collaboration with colleagues and expert facilitators. Many of these online professional learning modules support the new recertification requirements when appropriately coded under Exceptional Student Education in your local Master Inservice Plan. Facilitated Modules 60 inservice credits Assessment and Evaluation Foundations of Exceptional Education Instructional Practices Language Development and Communication Skills Positive Behavior Support Transition Differentiating Reading Instruction for Students Awards credit for Competency 4 of the Florida Reading Endorsement Facilitated Modules 30 inservice credits Differentiating Mathematics Instruction Differentiating Science Instruction Interpersonal Interactions and Participation to be offered at later date Facilitated Modules 20 inservice credits Introduction to Differentiating Instruction Formative Assessment for Differentiating Instruction Technology for Student Success: An Introduction Facilitated Modules 10 inservice credits Technology for Student Success: Tools for Reading Comprehension Spring 2015 Facilitated Modules 5 inservice credits Matrix of Services Technology for Student Success: Assistive Technology Surrogate Parent Independent Study 20 inservice credits Teaching Students with Disabilities Independent Study No inservice credit Elementary K-­‐6 Exam Content Review Module Middle Grades 5-­‐9 Exams Content Review Modules ü For more information: Go to www.fdlrs.org and click on the PDA logo or go to www.fl-­‐pda.org. ü How to register for Facilitated Modules: Access facilitated courses by registering through My Learning Plan. For Independent Study Courses, go to www.fl-­‐pda.org to register. ü For additional questions: Carol Beitler, FDLRS PDA Coordinator at [email protected] or 754.321.3400.
Funded by Florida Department of Education Bureau of E xceptional Education and Student Services. in collaboration with the Florida Center for Coordinated by FDLRS, a FDOE/BEESS discretionary project, Interactive M
edia. 7/30/2014 Fall/Winter 2014
Exceptional Student Education & Support Services
21
Professional Development
Fall/Winter 2014
Exceptional Student Education & Support Services
22
• Hearing?
Are you concerned about a child’s
• Speech? • Vision? • Walking? • Behavior? • Learning?
If so and the child is between the ages of birth and 5 years old...
Call Child Find 754-321-7200
Listed below are developmental skills that typically occur by the age noted.
These are only general guidelines - all children develop at different rates.
Birth to 6 Months
• Turns toward sounds
• Laughs, squeals or babbles to people
• Holds onto your finger
• Reaches for rattle or toy
6 Months to 1 Year
• Crawls
• Sits without support
• Jabbers at length
• Plays pat-a-cake
• Recognizes mother (or primary care giver)
1 Year to 18 Months
• Points to at least 2 body parts when asked
• Names 2 or more objects
• Reacts to parents coming and going
• Is beginning to feed self
• Walks without help
18 Months to 2 Years
• Drinks from a cup without help
• Can build a tower of 3 or 4 blocks
• Says the name of 5 or more objects
• Shows interest in other children
• Can follow a simple direction
2 to 3 Years
• Puts words together to make simple sentences
• Uses spoon and fork to feed self
• Can hold and mark with a pencil or crayon
• Can climb the ladder on a slide
• Can identify happy, sad, angry and afraid
• Claims things as "mine"
• Runs with ease
3 to 4 Years
• Can pedal a tricycle or "big wheel"
• Is toilet trained
• Counts to 5
• Plays in a small group (shares and takes turns)
• Asks "what," "where" and "why" questions
• Speech is easily understood by others
4 to 5 Years
• Can throw and catch a ball
• Can tell a story with a beginning, middle and end
from looking at a picture
• Copies simple shapes (circle, square, and triangle)
• Uses complete sentences in conversation
• Tries to write some letters of his/her name
CHILD FIND provides:
Free assessment in the areas of speech, language, motor, development, vision, hearing, and learning.
Information about other programs available in the community for preschool children with special needs.
Professional consultation for parents.
Books, videos and learning kits for loan to parents of children with special needs through the Florida
Diagnostic & Learning Resources System (FDLRS) Media Center 754-321-3428.
rid
a Diagnost
&
ic
If you would like a poster or flyers, please call 754-321-7200.
Support for Florida
Education
Flo
www.broward.k12.fl.us/studentsupport/ese
Learning
R
ources Syst
es
Preschool programs are available for
children with disabilities.
All services are provided at no
cost to parents.
em
•
•
•
•
Visit the ESE & Support
Services website!
www.broward.k12.fl.us/
studentsupport/ese
Visit the FDLRS website!
www.broward.k12.fl.us/
studentsupport/ese/fdlrs/
index.html
Exceptional Student Education &
Support Services
Quick Reference Directory
754-321-3400 – Main Line
754-321-7200 – Child Find
754-321-3410 – Local Parent Resolution Office
754-321-2150 – EEO
754-321-2158 – TDD
Executive Director, ESE & Support Services
Kathrine Francis
Teresa Lupo, Secretary
The School Board of
Broward County, Florida
Director, ESE
Sonja Clay
Maryann Pecnik, Secretary
Donna P. Korn, Chair
Dr. Rosalind Osgood, Vice Chair
Robin Bartleman
Heather P. Brinkworth
Abby M. Freedman
Patricia Good
Laurie Rich Levinson
Ann Murray
Nora Rupert
Robert W. Runcie
Superintendent of Schools
The School Board of Broward County, Florida, prohibits any
policy or procedure which results in discrimination on the basis
of age, color, disability, gender identity, gender expression,
national origin, marital status, race, religion, sex or sexual
orientation. Individuals who wish to file a discrimination
and/or harassment complaint may call the Director, Equal
Educational Opportunities/ADA Compliance Department at
754-321-2150 or Teletype Machine (TTY) 754-321-2158.
Individuals with disabilities requesting accommodations
under the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of
2008, (ADAAA) may call Equal Educational Opportunities/ADA
Compliance Department at 754-321-2150 or Teletype Machine
(TTY) 754-321-2158.
Deaf/Hard of Hearing/Visually
Impaired, Private Schools,
Hospital/Homebound
Terry Spurlock, Supervisor
The Florida Diagnostic and Learning Resources System is funded
by the State of Florida, Department of Education, Division of
Public Schools and Community Education, Bureau of Exceptional
Education and Student Services, through federal assistance
under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Part
B; IDEA Part B, Preschool; and state General Revenue funds.
Gwen Lipscomb, Coordinator
Medicaid/504
Deneen Gorassini, Coordinator
Local Parent Resolution Office
Felicia Starke, Coordinator
Diana Cruz, Coordinator
Psychological Services
Rhonda Said, Coordinator
Mary Claire Mucenic, Coordinator
Easy IEP/McKay
Tara Rodger, Manager
SEDNET/Family Counseling
Charlene Grecsek, Coordinator
ESE Curriculum & Instruction
Gary Grigull, Supervisor
Janice Koblick, Supervisor
Brian Norris, Supervisor
Andrea Ciotti, Supervisor
Beth Williams, Supervisor
ESE Preschool
Donna McCann, Coordinator
browardschools.com
This Newsletter is a product of
the Broward County FDLRS/REACH
grant. All development, printing,
and dissemination costs to produce
this newsletter were paid out of the
FDLRS grant funds.
FDLRS/FIN
ESE & Support Services
Arthur Ashe Jr. Campus
1701 NW 23rd Avenue
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33311
ESE Preschool &
Child Find Services
1211 NW 33rd Terrace
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33311
Speech/Language/OT/
Physically Impaired
Debbie Harrington, Supervisor
Transition Services
Lou Ruccolo, Specialist