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ESE Parent Newsletter March 2026

Posted Date: 02/27/26 (09:00 AM)
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What's Happening in ESE in March 2026

Parent Newsletter

 

Important Dates

3/4 Lunch & Learn Virtual Parent Training at 11:30 via Zoom (this event will not be recorded)
3/13 Teacher Workday/Student Holiday
3/16-3/20 Spring Break- No School
3/23 1st Day of the 4th 9 Weeks
3/30 Broadway Pizza Bar/ESE Department SPIRIT Day at 403 Broadway, Kissimmee, FL 34741 from 11:00 AM-8:00 PM

Upcoming Important Dates in April
4/1 No Early Release Wednesday
4/3 3rd Grading Period Report Cards
4/23 Early Literacy Parent Night (Tentative), Location and Time TBD
4/24 4th Grading Period Progress Reports
 

Join Us for... Broadway Pizza Bar ESE Department SPIRIT Day on Monday, March 30th!

Poster for ESE Spirit Day at Broadway Pizza Bar, featuring cartoon pizza characters and event details.
 

2025-2026 Exceptional Student Education (ESE) Parent Survey

Each year, the Florida Department of Education (FDOE) conducts a survey designed to provide FDOE and the United States Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), with information on how well Florida’s schools are partnering with parents and promoting parent involvement in their child's education. The survey is open to all parents of children with an individual educational plan (IEP) receiving ESE services from preschool age through grade 12 and is not intended for parents of students receiving only gifted services through an educational plan (EP). All states must collect this data as part of their State Performance Plan, as required under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

The 2025-26 ESE Parent Survey is currently open and will close on June 15, 2026. The survey can be completed on the web or mobile phone by visiting 2025-26 ESE Parent Survey or scanning the QR code.
 

Upcoming Parent Trainings, Workshops, and Events

Below you will find the complete list of trainings and workshops currently scheduled for the 2025-2026 school year.
A table displays a schedule of events with dates, topics, times, and locations.

3/4: Lunch & Learn Virtual Parent Training- FIN "Tips for Supporting Organizational Skills" at 11:30 AM via Zoom

Are you looking for practical tips to help your student manage their assignments and materials effectively? Consider joining this virtual parent training where FIN will provide some helpful tips.

Please RSVP to receive the Zoom link to attend the training.
 

CEO- Children Enriched with Opportunities Spring Career Camp

Flyer for a free 20-hour in-person Spring Career Camp presented by CEO-Children Enriched With Opportunities.
 

CECO 2026 Summer Program

A flyer for the CECO 25 Years Summer Program 2026, detailing dates, contact information, and program benefits.
 

Career and Skills Enrichment (C.A.S.E.) Program

The CASE program is looking for participants!! As long as the students are clients of Vocational Rehabilitation, there is no cost to them. VR will pay for everything. VR will also help the students find employment after they graduate from the program. Contact Sullymar Reices-Irazarry at 407-344-5080 or SCAN the QR code for more information.
Osceola Technical College C.A.S.E. program offers career and skills enrichment training.
C.A.S.E. Program Flyer PDF
 

Osceola Technical College Program ACCESS

ACCESS is a comprehensive post-secondary transition program tailored for students with intellectual disabilities. This individualized program is designed to provide the technical skills, employability skills, and real-world experience necessary to prepare for integrated competitive employment in the student’s chosen career field.
ACCESS Program Flyer
ACCESS Program Brochure
 

Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities – Roadmap to Family Resources

The Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) offers a helpful Program Roadmap designed to support individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) and the families and caregivers who assist them. This guide provides a simple overview of key state programs and includes direct links to additional information, services, and next steps.

 

Abilities of Florida

Flyer for Abilities of Florida's Families Achieving Self-Sufficiency Together program, detailing services and eligibility.
Brochure for 'Familias Logrando Autosuficiencia Juntas' program by Abilities of Florida.
Abilities of Florida Flyer ENG
Abilties of Florida Flyer SPA
 

My Digital Counselor

My Digital Counselor is an official Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) vendor providing comprehensive vocational evaluation services for students and individuals with disabilities. We collaborate with agencies, schools, and service providers to support informed academic and career planning through accessible, person-centered evaluations.
We offer both virtual and in-person services and provide:
  • Comprehensive vocational evaluations
  • Functional, academic, and cognitive assessments
  • Career exploration and goal clarification
  • Clear, actionable reports to support education, VR services, and employment planning

For additional information you may visit: https://mydigitalcounselor.com/vocational-services/
A woman works on a laptop in a bright room, with the 'Digital Counselor' logo and text about vocational services visible.
A young person in a hard hat works on machinery in a workshop, representing real-world job experience.
My Digital Counselor Brochure
 

Florida Heiken Children's Vision Program

Florida Heiken Children's Vision Program is providing no cost eye exams and glasses for children. Applications can be submitted on any internet enabled smart phone/tablet/computer using the following link: www.floridaheiken.org
Advertisement for Florida Heiken Children's Vision Program offering no-cost eye exams and glasses for children.
Flyer advertising free eye exams and glasses for children in multiple languages, with instructions to visit www.floridaheiken.org.
 

CHAPS--Children's Hearing Aid Program

Brochure for the Children's Hearing Aid Program with images of children and text.
Brochure for the Children's Hearing Aid Program (CHAP) in Florida, featuring children and program information.
A brochure in Spanish promotes a hearing aid program for children, featuring images of smiling children.
A brochure in Spanish promotes the CHAP program for children's hearing aids, featuring images of children and a baby.
Brochures available for download in the attachments.
 

The Osceola Library System

Did you know that The Osceola Library System offers FREE access to a host of different programs and resources and all you need is a valid library card (number) to enjoy. Visit Mango Languages | Osceola Library System to see the different options like Mango Languages. Mango Languages offers over 70 world language courses expertly designed to adapt to a diverse range of learning needs, styles, and backgrounds. Sign up for your free account at Log In | Mango Languages
 

UCF CARD Parent Education Seminars, Support Groups, PAL Events, and More

Parent Education Seminars

Monday, February 2nd or Tuesday, March 3rd, 6:30 PM ZOOM
Wandering and Drowning Prevention
Often children with autism are “drawn” to water. We have all seen the terrifying stories of autistic children escaping their homes and drowning. Drowning is the number 1 cause of death in children with ASD, and every parent’s worst nightmare. The good news is DROWNING IS PREVENTABLE. Learn the practical steps to greatly reduce your child’s risk! Don't miss this critical information on the layers of protection that can help to save your child’s life and prevent another tragedy! Register: https://WDP26.eventbrite.com

Support Groups

Wednesday, March 4th, 6:30 PM via ZOOM
Teen Talk for parents of 11-16 year olds

Tuesday, Mar 10th, 6:00 PM ZOOM
Just For Dads!

Wednesday, Mar 11th, 6:30 PM ZOOM
Support Group for Black Families of Individuals with ASD

Thursday, Mar 12th, 6:30 PM ZOOM
Support Group for Parents of Young Children with ASD

EN ESPAÑOL

11 de Marzo 18:30 PM ZOOM
Grupo de Apoyo- LATINOS UNIDOS POR EL AUTISMO
 

Mark Your Calendars...

Nathaniel's Hope Make'm Smile Orlando Event

Poster for Nathaniel's Hope 24th Annual Make 'm Smile Orlando event on May 2, 2026.
Poster for Nathaniel's Hope 24th Annual Make 'm Smile event in Orlando, FL on May 2, 2026.

The 28th Annual Family Café- June 12-14, 2026 Orlando, FL

Since 1998, The Annual Family Café has brought Floridians with all types of disabilities together for three days of information, training, and networking each June. With a great range of individual breakout sessions, a packed Exhibit Hall with dozens of vendors, and a series of special events including Keynote speakers and The Annual Summit on Disabilities, The Annual Family Café offers attendees exposure to resources on a grand scale, unprecedented access to policy-making officials, and a chance to network with other individuals with disabilities and their families.

The 28th Annual Family Cafe is set for June 12-14, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency Orlando. Online registration will be available beginning February 14, 2026.

For more information visit
 

Studio Movie Grill: Special Needs Screenings

Studio Movie Grill announces SMG Special Needs Screenings for Winter/Spring 2026, featuring characters from The Super Mario Bros. Movie.
Special Needs Screenings present movies in a sensory friendly with the lights up, the volume low, and moving around, talking, and even dancing in the aisles are welcome. Special Needs Screenings are shown on select Saturdays at 11:00am at all SMG locations unless noted otherwise. Tickets are available at the Box Office only as early as the Wednesday prior to these screenings. Tickets are free to all attendees and seating is first come, first served. 

Marchs's Special Need's Screening is Hoppers on March 14th!
Movie poster for Disney Pixar's 'Hoopers' featuring a large bear and a small beaver character.
 
Collage of images and text highlighting March as Disability Awareness Month and Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.
 

Make sure to follow us on Facebook!

A Facebook 'Follow Us' graphic with a thumbs-up icon and the text 'Follow Us on Facebook'.
 

Helpful Links

Parent Square
Parent Portal (FOCUS)
Parent and Student Information
Varsity Tutor Information