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ESE Parent Newsletter April 2026

Posted Date: 03/27/26 (03:00 PM)
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What's Happening in ESE in April 2026

Parent Newsletter

 

Important Dates

4/1 No Early Release Wednesday
4/3 3rd Grading Period Report Cards
4/23 Early Learning Family Night 5:30 PM-7:30 PM, Location TBD
4/24 4th Grading Period Progress Reports

Upcoming Important Dates in May
5/6 No Early Release
5/13 No Early Release
5/18-5/28 High School Graduations
5/25 Memorial Day- Teacher Non-Workday/Student Holiday
5/28 End of 4th Grading Period/Last Student Day
 

Early Learning Family Night is Happening April 23rd!

Poster for 'Early Learning Family Night' on April 23, 2026, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM, hosted by ESE.
Poster for a "Family Night of Early Learning" organized by ESE on April 23, 2026, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM.
 

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 lists dates, topics, times, virtual/in-person formats, and locations for various educational sessions and parent nights.

4/1: Lunch & Learn Virtual Parent Training- FND/PEN "Beginning the Journey I and II" at 11:30 AM via Zoom

What happens after the 3rd birthday and your child ages out from Early Steps (Part C of IDEA) and moves to the local school system (Part B of IDEA)? In this training, FND/PEN will go over, step by step, what to expect when your child, if eligible, transitions out of Early Steps with their Individualized Family Support Plan (IFSP) and into the school system/Pre-K with their first Individualized Education Plan (IEP).

In order to attend the training, you must register to receive the Zoom link.

Please register using the following link:

4/15: Empower Hour Virtual Parent Training- FDLRS "Early Literacy" at 2:00 PM via Teams

The FDLRS Early Literacy training is designed to help parents understand the foundational skills young children need as they begin learning to read. The training provides practical, easy‑to‑use strategies that families can use at home to support early language, vocabulary, and pre‑reading development.

Learning Goals for the Training:
*Parents will learn how to locate the Florida’s B.E.S.T Standards for their child’s grade level.

*Parents will understand the 6 Essential Components of Reading and be able to apply them.

*Parents will learn reading strategies to work with their children at home by participating in reading engagement activities

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

4/23 Early Learning Family Night- 5:30 PM-7:30 PM, Location to Be Shared

Families of PreK–2nd grade students and younger, this evening is just for you! Join us for a fun and informative Early Learning Family Night designed to support, celebrate, and empower our youngest learners and their families! This special event will bring together a variety of community partners who provide early learning, developmental, and family resources across Osceola County.

We’re excited to share that the following agencies will be in attendance:
Early Steps, Early Learning Coalition, Happy Noggins, Healthy Start Coalition, Osceola Health Department, PEEP, R.I.S.E. Up Osceola, UCF CARD, and VPK/Early Childhood Learning —with even more agencies invited to participate!

Families will have the chance to explore resources, ask questions, participate in activities, and take home helpful tools to support early learning and development.

We can’t wait to see you there for an evening of connection, learning, and fun!

*This event is geared towards students PreK-2nd and younger
 
A graphic with two overlapping speech bubbles, one red and one green, with the text 'Parent Survey' in black.

2026-2027 Parent Trainings & Workshops Input Survey

We value your voice!

Please take a moment to complete our Parent Input Survey: 2026–2027 Parent Trainings & Workshops. Your feedback plays an important role in helping us plan meaningful trainings, workshops, and family events for the upcoming school year.
Your insight truly helps us better support our families—thank you in advance for sharing your thoughts!


 

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

A torn paper effect reveals a bright yellow background with the text 'Stay Tuned INFORMATION COMING SOON'.

Parent Education Seminars

Parent Education Seminars

Support Groups

Support Groups

EN ESPAÑOL

EN ESPANOL

 

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. 

April's Special Need's Screening is The Super Mario Galaxy Movie on April 11th!
Movie poster for 'The Super Mario Galaxy Movie' featuring Mario, Peach, and Toads in boats under a starry sky.
 
A collage of informational graphics highlighting April as Autism Awareness Month, Occupational Therapy Month, World Autism Awareness Day on April 2nd, and National IEP Writing Day on April 6, 2026.
 

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

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Parent Portal (FOCUS)
Parent and Student Information
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