ESE Department Connection Weekly Newsletter
|
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
|
|
SCES recently hosted its Annual ESE Family Resource Night, bringing together families from SCES and schools across the community for an evening focused on connection, resources, and support for students with disabilities and their families.
With more than 25 community and district vendors in attendance, families had the opportunity to connect with organizations dedicated to helping students thrive both in school and beyond. Representatives included the St. Cloud Police Department, agencies providing information on registries and community supports, and the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, which shared valuable information about the Project Lifesaver program.
Families also had the opportunity to meet with the Osceola County PEEP Office, SCES’s school-based Speech and Language Team, and many other community partners committed to supporting student success. Another highlight of the evening was Ms. Christine Garcia’s presentation on the transition process and life after high school, providing families with important information and guidance as they plan for their students’ futures.
The strong turnout and engagement throughout the evening showcased the importance of partnerships between schools, families, district programs, and community organizations. Events like the SCES ESE Family Resource Night truly Light the Way by building connections, increasing access to valuable resources, and creating opportunities to help students and families feel supported throughout their journey. 💙💛
“More than an event, it was a reminder that no family walks this journey alone." 💙💛
They are grateful for these amazing community partners who helped make St. Cloud Elementary’s ESE Family Night so special:
◦ PBS
◦ SCPD
◦ Park Place
◦ Pieces Behavior
◦ Silver Spurs Rodeo
◦ Cast for kids
◦ Osceola county Sheriff’s
◦ Transition services - Christina Garcia
◦ SLP’s at SCES
◦ Osceola County PEEP
◦ Shine a light Dance
◦ Challenger Baseball
◦ Playful Scholars
◦ UCF Card
◦ Prevail
◦ ABA Spot
◦ FDLRS
◦ Discovery Aftercare
◦ Mrs. Maasen SCES Media Specialist
◦ PBIS SCES
◦ EAD Osceola
◦ Publix for sponsoring snacks
◦ Hopkin Heroes
Check out more highlights from the event in the Department, Program, and School Highlights section.
|
As of October 16, 2026, the Supervisor of Occupational Therapy & Behavior Supports position is vacant. The position has been posted, and the selection process is underway.
To ensure continuity of services and support during this transition, responsibilities associated with the position have been distributed among members of the leadership team. Please use the following points of contact until further notice:
-
SEDNET, CARD, and MTSS Leadership: Jesse
-
CPI Coordination: Carol and Jesse (first-semester schedules have already been established). Samuel and Alma may also serve as points of contact as needed.
-
Crisis Plans: Behavior Team
-
District PBIS Committee: Larissa
-
FBA/BIP Review and Support: Behavior Team
-
FLDOE Restraint/Seclusion: Hilary
-
Monitoring ESE Referrals/OSS: Katie
-
Private Instructional Provider Requests: Jesse and Carol
-
Worker's Compensation Analysis (ESE student-related injuries): Hilary
-
Outside Contracts (OT, PT, RBT): Maintained through the transition period
-
New School Building Review: No support needed at this time
-
Parent Concerns/Let's Talk: Jesse
-
ESE Support Requests (Behavior): Hilary
Thank you for your flexibility and support during this transition. If you have questions regarding any of these areas, please reach out to the designated point of contact. Additional updates will be shared as the hiring process progresses.
|
Behavior Tip of the Week: Increase Adult Supervision
Explanation: Strategic enhancement of adult presence and monitoring in settings where problem behaviors are likely to occur.
Implementation:
Identify specific times, activities, or locations requiring increased supervision.
Develop a supervision schedule across staff members.
Establish consistent expectation-setting and reinforcement approaches.
Gradually fade intensity of supervision as student demonstrates success.
Document effectiveness and adjust coverage as needed.
Train all supervising adults on specific strategies for the student.
Tips for Success:
Consistency of expectations across all staff members and settings is essential.
Pair increased supervision with a schedule of reinforcement that is consistent across staff members and settings.
Identify activities and settings associated with an increase in undesired behaviors and pair with increased reinforcement for desired behaviors.
|
Week 2: Focus on Regression and Recoupment
Compliance Tip: One of the primary ESY considerations is whether the student is likely to experience significant regression during a scheduled break and whether recoupment of skills will take an unreasonable amount of time.
Teacher Action:
- Examine performance before and after winter, Thanksgiving, and spring breaks.
- Gather data showing how quickly the student regained lost skills.
|
For students with disabilities, consistent attendance is critical to accessing specially designed instruction, related services, accommodations, and transition supports. Every day a student is present is another opportunity to strengthen skills, build independence, and move closer to their postsecondary goals. Together, school staff can create welcoming, supportive environments that encourage students to show up, engage, and succeed.
Over the course of the next few weeks this section of the newsletter will be dedicated to providing strategies for staff to use to help boost student attendance.
|
Attendance Strategy #3
Address Barriers Early Attendance challenges are often linked to academic struggles, anxiety, behavioral concerns, transportation issues, health needs, or family circumstances. Early identification and intervention can prevent occasional absences from becoming chronic patterns.
Staff Tip: When attendance begins to decline, collaborate with families, counselors, ESE staff, and support personnel to problem-solve and develop targeted supports.
|
The collaboration of public and private instructional personnel (PIP) shall be designed to enhance but not supplant the school district’s responsibilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The school, as the local education agency, shall provide therapy services to meet the expectations provided in federal law and regulations and state statutes and rules. Collaboration of public and private instructional personnel will work to promote educational progress and assist students in acquiring essential skills, including, but not limited to, readiness for pursuit of higher education goals or employment. Where applicable, public and private instructional personnel shall undertake collaborative programming. Coordination of services and plans between a public school and private instructional personnel is encouraged to avoid duplication or conflicting services or plans.
For the purpose of implementing this subsection, a school district may not impose any requirements beyond those requirements specified in this subsection or charge any fees:
The provision of private instructional personnel by a parent does not constitute a waiver of the student’s or parent’s right to a free and appropriate public education under IDEA.
|
Do you know a coworker who is Lighting the Way—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 are Lighting the Way across our department and district. Let’s keep the light shining bright! ✨🌟
|
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. |
The contact information below has not yet been updated. Once a revised contact list is received, it will be shared. |
This section highlights upcoming District Professional Learning opportunities, important certification renewal information, and other key updates to support your professional growth and success. Be sure to check back for valuable resources, deadlines, training opportunities, and important announcements.
Links to Professional Learning Newsletters:
|
Registration is located on the FDLRS Action Website - register now
Below you will find the PDF of the flyer as well as electronic access to the flyer is also available. |
Beginning October 21, 2026, and continuing through March 17, 2027, these monthly Zoom sessions will provide valuable information to help families better understand Florida's graduation options, diploma pathways, transition planning, college and career readiness, accommodations, assessments, and available graduation resources.
Sessions will be held from 1:00–1:45 p.m. (EST) and are designed to help families make informed decisions as they support their student's journey toward graduation and postsecondary success.
Be sure to review the flyer for the complete session schedule and registration details.
|
Exceptional Knights is a welcoming and inclusive concert for all. Audience members will engage with music, learn throughout the performance, and enjoy a supportive environment that embraces individual needs and behaviors. Presented in a Certified Autism Center™ as part of UCF Celebrates the Arts, this year's theme is Around the World!
- In the spring, please visit the Celebrates the Arts website and reserve your FREE seat(s). This helps us estimate attendance and determine whether additional balcony seating will be needed.
- Groups of ten or more and/or traveling by bus, please email Sydney Davis, sydney.davis@ucf.edu
Exceptional Knights Concert Series: Featuring the UCF Concert Band
Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Steinmetz Hall
Tuesday
April 13, 2027
11:00 a.m.
50 minutes, without intermission
Admission is Free!
This young person’s concert provides a safe, welcoming, and accessible environment for individuals and families seeking opportunities to learn about and experience live music. The event is designed to support members of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing communities, individuals on the autism spectrum, people with cognitive or developmental disabilities, family members, and the Central Florida community at large.
The University of Central Florida Concert Band will present an engaging musical journey around the world, with music education students serving as guides to the concert experience.
Musicians and staff understand that audience members may need to move about, vocalize, take breaks, or leave and re-enter the performance space during the concert. Visual supports, balloons, and opportunities for movement will be incorporated to enhance engagement and enjoyment.
Patrons are welcome to bring hearing protection, fidget tools, manipulatives, cushions, or other comfort and support items. This program is open to all members of the community and celebrates a variety of ways of experiencing and enjoying live music.
Please send inquiries to:
Christine Lapka Ed.D.
Associate Professor of Music Education
Music-School of Performing Arts-College of Arts and Humanities
University of Central Florida
Chairperson, FMEA Diverse Learners Committee
cell: 309.224.1472
christine.lapka@ucf.edu
|
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!
|
FIN collaborates with all districts, schools, and IDEA- funded state projects to provide customized services and supports ensuring all students with disabilities have the same educational, social, and future opportunities as their peers.
- Inclusion practices resources
- Co-teaching support materials
- MTSS & problem-solving facilitation guides
- Videos and online modules
- Leadership tools for inclusive models
|
The Florida Diagnostic and Learning Resources System (FDLRS) is a statewide network of support for families, educators, and school districts, working together to help every child with a disability reach their full potential.
Through a network of Associate Centers across the state, FDLRS offers high-quality services, training, and resources to families and school personnel in every Florida school district. Whether you’re a parent seeking support, a teacher looking for professional learning, or a district leader supporting Exceptional Student Education (ESE) programs , FDLRS is here to help.
- Professional development courses
- Instructional strategy videos
- MTSS & intervention supports
- Parent training resources
- Child Find information
|
SeaWorld Orlando offers Florida certified K-12 classroom teachers a SeaWorld Florida Teacher Card FREE.
Research and education are key pillars to the foundation of what SeaWorld does every day. In recognition of the importance SeaWorld places on education and the critical role educators play in shaping the knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of the next generation of global citizens, SeaWorld will offer free admission for Florida certified K-12 classroom teachers to amplify their educational efforts both in and out of the classroom. The SeaWorld Florida Teacher Card is valid for unlimited admission to SeaWorld® Orlando through September 2, 2027.
Just pre-register online using the ID.Me process to receive your SeaWorld Florida Teacher Card eVoucher. To take advantage of this offer, select the Teacher ID button in the top-right, select "Sign up" and then enter an e-mail address (personal e-mail address recommended) and a password.
If you are already "pre-registered" simply go to
|
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
|
Full pdf of schedule in attachments |
10/3: Sheyla Vargas
10/5: Maria Pagan
10/10: Demitriis Leirzsey
10/12: Veronica Nigaglioni
10:17: Larissa Silfa-Velez
10/18: Milagros Torres
10/21: Sang Tran Ponce
10/22: Alexandra Charles
10/28: Jill Stanton
|
|
|
|
