ESE Department Connection Weekly Newsletter
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The Department for Exceptional Student Education will provide a continuum of innovative support that helps to inspire students with disabilities to reach their highest potential as responsible, productive citizens.
Location: 805 Bill Beck Boulevard, Kissimmee, FL, USA
Phone: (407) 343-8700
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This week, we’re excited to shine a light on our incredible PEEP (Pre-School Educational Evaluation Program) Lead Team, a group of professionals who work tirelessly to support our youngest learners and their families. Their dedication, collaboration, and heart make a tremendous impact across the district!
Amarilis Forty — PEEP Resource Compliance Specialist 🌟
Amarilis plays a vital role in supporting the Preschool Educational Evaluation Program (PEEP). She coordinates eligibility and IEP processes for PreK students, ensures compliance with state timelines, and partners closely with evaluators, school teams, and families to support smooth transitions into PreK ESE services.
Fun Fact: Amarilis loves traveling and taking road trips with her husband, their dogs, and their RV—always planning the next adventure!
Stephanie Bednar — Exceptional Student Education PEEP District Lead 🌟
Stephanie oversees and coordinates comprehensive developmental evaluations for children ages 3–5. She ensures evaluations are meaningful, family centered, and fully aligned with state and federal requirements. Stephanie collaborates with multidisciplinary team members, community partners, and families to support timely and accurate evaluation outcomes that set students up for success.
Fun Fact: Stephanie proudly embraces her lifelong travel bug! She loves exploring new countries, learning about different cultures, and making new friends along the way.
Milagros Torres — Clerk Typist 🌟
Milagros brings accuracy, persistence, and positivity to the PEEP Lead Team. Through meticulous data entry and exceptional customer service, she ensures information is organized and accessible. Her upbeat energy and welcoming approach brighten the day for everyone she supports.
Fun Fact: Milagros describes herself as a very persistent and positive person—traits that shine in all she does.
Together, Amarilis, Stephanie, and Milagros help our department glow brighter every day. Their teamwork, dedication, and passion make a remarkable difference, and we’re grateful for all they do for our students and families! 💛
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For the next several weeks the tips provided will focus on "schedule and structure".
Behavior Tip of the Week: Schedule Change
Explanation: Adjustments to the timing, sequence, or structure of activities to manage the duration and intensity of demands and to accommodate other interventions such as sensory, movement, or work breaks.
Implementation Procedure:
Analyze current schedule to identify problematic times or transitions.
Adjust the schedule to accommodate student's patterns of work performance and behavior.
Create visual schedule at appropriate level of detail.
Explicitly teach the schedule and prepare for any changes.
Use consistent transition signals and supports.
Monitor effectiveness and adjust schedule as needed.
Tips:
Identify other interventions that may be in place such as movement and sensory breaks.
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As we move into the next phase of ESY preparation, please review the following action items and deadlines:
1. ESY Application Window
The ESY application is currently open and will remain live until April 6. Please ensure all relevant information is submitted by this date.
2. Hiring Timeline
All ESY hiring decisions will be finalized and approved by the end of April. Related Service Providers will be hired by ESE. Additional details will be shared once approvals are complete.
3. Transportation Documentation
Transportation entries in Focus must accurately match each student’s current IEP.
All transportation documentation is due by April 24.
4. New Recommendations
If there are any new ESY recommendations, please send them directly to Jesse McHatton. This ensures we maintain accurate staffing and service allocations.
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Shout Out to Jill Rissetto — Separate Classroom Teacher, St. Cloud Elementary
This year has been anything but easy, yet every single day Jill shows up with determination, compassion, and the kind of leadership that lifts an entire team. She jumps in wherever she’s needed, balancing her own responsibilities while still being an incredible support to every member of the ESE team at SCES.
Jill is the person you can count on for visuals, ideas, lesson‑plan support, problem‑solving, and encouragement — whether you’re a brand‑new teacher or a seasoned one. She collaborates closely with her general education teachers to ensure her students, and all nine separate classrooms at SCES, are truly included in every sense of the word.
To say she is one of the most supportive and caring ESE teachers I’ve ever had the privilege of working with is an understatement. Her heart, her dedication, and her willingness to lift others up make a difference every single day.
Thank you, Jill, for supporting everyone — and especially me. You are appreciated more than you know.
-shared by Ms. Crystal Nori-Gross SCES RCS
Do you know a coworker who is GLOWing—someone who radiates positivity, supports students wholeheartedly, or brings light to the work we do?
Help us highlight their impact!
Submit a staff shout-out recognizing someone who is:
⭐ Making a difference for students
⭐ Spreading positivity
⭐ Helping others shine
⭐ Going the extra mile
Your shout-out may be featured in an upcoming newsletter so we can continue celebrating the amazing people who make our department sparkle. Let’s keep the GLOW going! ✨🌟
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Our department would like to share a difficult update regarding Nathan Navarro, a former student who recently withdrew from Neptune Middle School. Nathan and his family are currently navigating an extremely challenging time, and they have asked that this information remain confidential and for staff awareness only.
Nathan has bravely fought cancer for nine years, beginning when he was just six years old. After exhaustive and courageous treatment efforts, his family and medical team have reached the heartbreaking point where no further curative options are available. Nathan’s care has now transitioned to palliative and hospice support, with the focus centered on comfort, dignity, and meaningful time together as a family.
The family has created a GoFundMe to help lessen some of the financial burdens they are facing. If you feel moved to support them, any contribution—large or small—is deeply appreciated. Participation is completely optional.
During this difficult time, we ask that you keep Nathan and his family in your thoughts and hearts.
GoFundMe Link:
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PM Wells Center for Academic Excellence serves 32 students - each one bright, resilient, and full of potential. Our students are a unique and special mix of students with autism, learning difference or trauma-related behaviors that need a dedicated place with small classes, additional support and flexibility. And this year, the School District of Osceola County has a created a place where these students have found their home.
These students learn differently, but they show up every day ready to try again. They thrive when given structure, patience, and support and what they need most is a classroom where they feel safe, capable, and valued. With your help, we can give them the tools and environment they need to keep growing and believing in themselves and to create a safe, supportive environment where students are seen for their strengths, not their struggles—and where hope replaces exclusion.
Dr. Torres has created a Donors Choose campaign "The Last Chance Store: Where Good Choices Finally Pay Off" and would love our help in getting it funded!
Let's help give these students some positive rewards. PBIS incentives help them practice self-control, build confidence, and experience success. These small rewards reinforce positive choices and restore hope in school.
You can access the campaign to donate using this link:
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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.
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The Family Network on Disabilities ( FND PEN) recently organized an ESE Parent Survey Virtual Conference to help families understand the purpose and importance of the FLDOE ESE Parent Survey. The sessions explain why the survey matters and encourages parents to participate so their voices can help shape services for students with disabilities.
The flyer includes several valuable resources, such as:
✅ A YouTube playlist with recordings of the ESE Survey Conference sessions
✅ A direct link to complete the ESE Parent Survey
✅ Additional tools and supports for families of students with disabilities
📄 View the flyer and access all resources here:
We’re grateful to FND for creating and sharing these supports for families! 🌟
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The Bureau of Exceptional Student Education and Student Services (BEESS) Weekly Memo provides current action and informational items related to trainings, jobs, conferences, resources and other information relevant to students with disabilities. "The Buzz" can be accessed using this link: BEESS Weekly Memo and then simply click on the date for the corresponding week. |
Please see the information below regarding the Human Trafficking Awareness Training that has been made available through Safe Schools (Vector). This training is required for all employees per the Florida Department of Education and State Statute (Section (s.) 1006.481, Florida Statutes (F.S.)).
Kindly note that you may have already received, or may soon receive, an automated email from the Vector K12 website regarding this training.
- The target date for making the training available to all employees is March 1, 2026.
- If you have already received an automated Vector K12 email, completed the 60-minute training, and received a certificate of completion then you have already met the DOE requirement.
- The required completion date for 9 and 10-month employees is May 1, 2026.
- The required completion date for 12-month employees is June 30, 2026.
- The training is available in English and in Spanish (subtitled).
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Only the 60-minute course (English or Spanish) is required, not the 3-minute micro-course you may find available.
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Empower Your Practice: Free Professional Learning for Florida Educators
Are you looking to strengthen your ability to meet the diverse needs of students with disabilities? The BEESS Portal to Professional Learning Alternatives (PLA) offers free, flexible, and high-quality online courses designed specifically for Florida teachers and paraprofessionals.
Whether you're new to the field or a seasoned educator, PLA courses provide:
- Self-paced and facilitated options to fit your schedule
- In-service points for certification renewal
- Evidence-based strategies to support inclusive practices
- Specialized modules on autism, assistive technology, behavior support, structured literacy, and more
Courses are developed by experts and supported by the Florida Department of Education’s Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services (BEESS), ensuring content that is both relevant and impactful.
Explore offerings like:
- Positive Behavior Support
- Technology for Varied Learners
- Differentiating Instruction
- Supporting Students Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired
Visit https://fl-pla.org to register and start learning today. Your growth supports student success!
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Do you have amazing events and activities happening on your campuses? Let us help you share the wonderful things you are doing. Please send pictures and a brief description of the events and activities to Sarah McKenney at Sarah.McKenney@osceolaschools.net
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SCHS's Transition Off Campus intern (Aaron) was hired through We Build at Orlando Health.
Aaron officially began his orientation March 26-27. He began working at Orlando Health Saint Cloud in Central Supply on March 30. He is now working part time, and we couldn't be prouder of all his hard work. Congratulations to Aaron!
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Latinos in Action at Kissimmee Middle School came together to create the Autism Awareness Ribbon.
With every piece placed and every hand involved these students and staff showed the power of inclusion, kindness, and understanding. Moments like these remind us that even small actions can create a big impact. 💫
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The department was treated to a special surprise from Celebration High School's Off‑Campus and Dependent Transition Classes!
The Dependent Transition class thoughtfully made Autism Awareness cookies, and the Off‑Campus class created delicious Dubai chocolate cups and shared them with our team. We are so grateful for their hard work, creativity, and kindness!
Thank you to our amazing CLHS students and staff for making our day a little sweeter! 💙👏
✨ Good news! These items are available for purchase if you’re interested in supporting these students while enjoying a sweet treat.
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The Celebration High School Off‑Campus Transition class created beautiful, handmade keychains that will be gifted to a very special group of people. We are incredibly thankful for their hard work, creativity, and attention to detail, and truly appreciate them creating these meaningful items for us. |
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.
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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
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FIN Statewide Family Series
Osceola Interagency Transition Team Information Presentations
The following link provides access to a number of organizations within our community that provide resources to families of students with disabilities.
Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities FES-UA
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.
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The Family Network on Disabilities ( FND PEN) recently organized an ESE Parent Survey Virtual Conference to help families understand the purpose and importance of the FLDOE ESE Parent Survey. The sessions explain why the survey matters and encourages parents to participate so their voices can help shape services for students with disabilities.
The flyer includes several valuable resources, such as:
✅ A YouTube playlist with recordings of the ESE Survey Conference sessions
✅ A direct link to complete the ESE Parent Survey
✅ Additional tools and supports for families of students with disabilities
📄 View the flyer and access all resources here:
We’re grateful to FND for creating and sharing these supports for families! 🌟
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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!
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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. |
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. |
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
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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
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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
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Abilities Expo is coming October 9-11, 2026, to the Osceola Heritage Park Event Center
Three days. One roof. Endless access to the latest products, technologies and resources for the disability community! Get ready for an accessible climbing wall, a ton of adaptive sports, info-packed workshops & more. It’s an epic day out & FREE, so register today.
For more information please visit:
You can register for this FREE event by visiting:
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Monday, April 6th
6:30 PM via ZOOM
Wandering and Drowning Prevention
Just last month, Orlando lost another child with ASD to drowning. Drowning is the #1 cause of death for children with ASD. Learn about the new supports to prevent drowning coming out of this legislative session and how you can protect your child from drowning due to elopement.
Middle School Parents: Time to register!
Tuesdays, April 7-May 12 , 6:30 PM ZOOM
The Loving Push Book Group: Middle School Edition
Middle School Parents--In this “must read” book, Dr. Temple Grandin partners with psychologist and autism specialist, Dr. Debra Moore, to outline the “must-dos” for parents to help their child with autism build hope, motivation, and success! We will discuss reactions to the book, strategies outlined, and how to put all of this into practice with your own child. Register: https://TLP2026.eventbrite.com
April 13, 2025
6:30 PM ZOOM
What's that Smell? Puberty & Hygiene in ASD
Join us for a presentation and discussion about what makes puberty even more challenging for parents of tweens and teens with ASD. Learn how to talk to your tween or teen child about these issues and strategies to promote good hygiene and independence. Register: https://HandP.eventbrite.com
Wednesday April 15th
6:30 PM Zoom
Potty Primer
Need ideas with potty training? Participants will receive an overview of toilet training for young children with autism spectrum disorder. Prerequisite skills will be covered along with readiness signs, data collection, and research proven techniques Register: https://pp4895.eventbrite.com
Monday April 20th
6:30 PM Zoom
Using Token Economies to Support Behavior and Responsibility
This interactive training introduces participants to the Token Economy System, a positive behavior support strategy commonly used with children on the autism spectrum. Attendees will learn how token economies reinforce desired behaviors, increase motivation, and support skill development in home, school, and therapy settings. Register: https://te4896.eventbrite.com
Tuesday, April 21
6:30 PM Zoom
Building Independence Through Chores
Join us online for a fun and interactive session all about helping kids gain independence by mastering everyday chores. We’ll share tips, tricks, and creative ideas to make chores less of a hassle and more of a confidence booster. Perfect for parents looking to empower their little helpers! Register: https://chores0426.eventbrite.com
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Monday, April 27th
6:00 PM Zoom
Being Prepared for Summer
Parents, Are you wondering what to do with your children this summer to help them prepare for next school year with minimal to no regression in skills they’ve already learned? Join us for this webinar training to learn ways you can support your child this summer by setting up a routine and combining structured work activities with summer fun. We will discuss activity options, setting and working on specific goals and the importance of developing routine and structure for our students with ASD. Register: https://summercard26.eventbrite.com
Saturday, June 5th at 9:30 AM at 3280 Progress Drive, Orlando, FL 32826
The Perils of Online Activity for ASD
This seminar is a must-see for all parents of tweens, teens or adults with ASD who use the internet. Learn the pitfalls, ways to protect your child or adult with from personal and legal peril, and ways you can end up in jail or worse through actions on social media, gaming platforms, chat rooms and other places in cyberspace. Parents/Caregivers only! Register: https://perils26.eventbrite.com
April 28th
6:00 PM Zoom
More Than Words Orientation
If your child is ages 5 and under, nonverbal or has verbal language up to the simple sentence level you can work directly with a Hanen trained SLP in this 12-week caregiver program. It includes a pre-program consultation, 8 virtual classroom sessions, and 3 individualized in-person (or virtual if requested) home visits.
Tuesday April 28th
6:30 PM Zoom
My Autism Journey
Please join us for a panel discussion led by adults with autism as they share their autism journey with you. Sometimes it is difficult for parents of young children with autism to envision a picture of their child’s future. The adults we will be hearing from have a very strong and inspiring message for parents of young children with autism. Register: https://apd4893.eventbrite.com
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Thursday, April 9th
6:30 PM ZOOM
Support Group for Parents of Young Children with ASD
Thursday, Mar 25th
6:30 PM ZOOM
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Grupo de Apoyo- LATINOS UNIDOS POR EL AUTISMO
8 de abril 18:30 PM ZOOM
21de abril 11:30 AM ZOOM
ETAPAS DEL DESARROLLO Y CRECIMIENTO en los niños con trastorno del espectro autista (TEA)
Esta presentación ofrece una descripción general de los etapas del desarrollo en niños con trastorno del espectro autista (TEA), destacando los patrones de crecimiento típicos y atípicos en la comunicación social, las habilidades motoras y las conductas adaptativas. Los padres comprenderán cómo el TEA puede influir en el momento y la naturaleza de estos hitos, y aprenderán estrategias para promover la participación y la independencia en cada etapa.
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Check out a list of the PALS events here:
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Full pdf of schedule in attachments |
4/8: Greisy Diaz
4/24: Maria Diaz
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