What's Happening in ESE in December 2025
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12/3 ESE Panda Express SPIRIT Day at 1190 West Osceola Parkway Kissimmee FL 34741 from Open (10:00 AM) to Close (10:30 PM)
12/3 Lunch & Learn Virtual Parent Training at 11:30 via Teams
Dates Vary School and Program- "Transition Programs" Program Highlight Events
12/22-1//2 Winter Break- Teacher/Student Holiday
Upcoming Important Dates in January
1/5 Classes Resume
1/7 Lunch & Learn Virtual Parent Training at 11:30 via Zoom
1/8 End of 2nd Grading Period
1/9 Teacher Workday/Student Holiday
1/19 Martin L. King Jr. Day- Teacher/Student Holiday
1/21 Empower Hour Virtual Parent Training at 2:00 PM via TEAMS
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ESE Department Panda Express SPIRIT Day is happening on Wednesday, December 3rd from OPEN (10:00 AM) to CLOSE (10:30 PM)!
20% of proceeds from the event will benefit the ESE Department.
Simply show event flyer or smartphone (with event flyer) at check out! You may also participate by ordering online at pandaexpress.com or the app by entering the 3848138 in the fundraiser code box. |
The Florida Department of Education is seeking parent and guardian input to enhance services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). If your child has an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or an Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP), please complete the following survey to help us improve our services. If you have more than one child with an IEP, please complete one survey for each child. The information gathered remains anonymous and will be used to inform support and resources for parents and students with IEPs. Results will be compiled at the district and school level.
*Students 18 or over may complete this survey.
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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Below you will find the complete list of trainings and workshops currently scheduled for the 2025-2026 school year. |
How to Talk to Kids About Mental Health
is a virtual training aimed at helping parents and caregivers feel confident when discussing mental health with children. You’ll learn:
✅ 10 practical steps to reduce stigma and make mental health conversations feel normal.
✅ How to ask open-ended, age-appropriate questions in a natural way.
✅ Basic coping strategies kids can use every day.
✅ How to create a family crisis plan if needed.
The goal is to give families common-sense tools for supporting emotional well-being and building resilience.
Please RSVP to the training using the link below:
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The Osceola Magic and AdventHealth have partnered to help foster a love a reading for students in Osceola County.
The Magic of Reading initiative is designed to encourage reading among elementary school students. Participating students have the opportunity to receive a ticket to an Osceola Magic game and a special visit from Osceola Magic mascot, Swish!
More information is available for download in the attachments.
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Brochures available for download in the attachments. |
Thursday, December 4th, 6:30 PM via Zoom
Addressing a Need for Specialized Sitters
Parents often struggle to find qualified sitters who understand how to support their child on the spectrum. Safe Space Sitters is offering childcare and has received positive feedback from several of our families with children that have complex needs. Learn about their services in this informational presentation.
Wednesday, December 10th, 6:30 PM via Zoom
Grandparent & ASD: Information and Q&A
Are you a grandparent of someone with ASD? Join UCF CARD for a discussion of how grandparents can support children and adults with ASD and their caregivers! Learn about what resources are available to you and how to provide the best support.
Thursday, December 11th, 6:00 PM via Zoom
Joining Special Olympics
Special Olympics provides year-round sports training, essential health screenings, and life-changing leadership programs for individuals with intellectual disabilities. We offer activities for all ability levels and serve both children and adults. Through the power and joy of sport, we transform lives every day and everywhere. Tammy Forrester, Director of Athletes and Family Engagement/Services, Michael Ergas, Manager of Sports Training & Competition for Area 6; and Caroline Dixon, Health Manager for the Central Region will share how you can get your family member with autism involved.
Monday, December 15th, 6:30 PM via Zoom
Screen Time and the Health Consequences in Children and Adolescents
The impact of screen time on brain development is a subject of ongoing research and debate, particularly concerning children and adolescents.
High screen time usage, particularly involving fast paced of highly stimulating content, is associated with attention issues. This can potentially contribute to conditions like ADHD. Increased screen time can also reduce opportunities for face-to-face interaction, which is essential for developing empathy and social skills.
Tuesday, December 16th, 6:30 PM via Zoom
Spring Showcase Spectacular with UCF CARD and PALS
Winter/Spring is right around the corner. Families are asking, “what is available from CARD and PALS this winter and spring?” Is it making progress with communication, self-esteem, time-management, internet safety or money management that is on your mind? Getting close to graduation, kindergarten, puberty, or retirement? This presentation will help you determine which UCF-CARD/PALS programs are the best fit for you/your child this spring. Do not miss out!! Registration for these opportunities will start soon.
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Tuesday, January 6th, 10:00 AM via Zoom
More Than Words Orientation
Initial orientation for the 12-week More Than Words caregiver program. Attendance is mandatory for participation in program.
WHO: Parents of children with autism and other social communication delays age 5 and under who are nonverbal or have verbal language up to the simple sentence level. Families must be registered with UCF CARD.
WHAT: 12-week caregiver program includes a pre-program consultation, 8 virtual classroom sessions, and 3 individualized in-person (or virtual if requested) home visits. The program will not meet the week of May 6th.
WHEN: Tuesdays from 10 a.m.- 12:15 p.m., beginning with Mandatory Orientation on January 6, 2026. A more detailed schedule will be shared during the Orientation as there will be weeks when scheduled one-to-one consultations take place instead of a virtual class.
A lottery will take place at the end of the Orientation if there are more interested participants than openings.
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Wednesday, December 3rd, 6:30 PM via ZOOM
Teen Talk
Teen transitions is for parents of children 8-16 years old who want to discuss topics and receive support from each other as they navigate these tricky years with ASD. Join us!
Tuesday, December 9th, 6:00 PM ZOOM
Just For Dads!
Fathering a child with ASD makes you part of a special group of dads. Gather with others who are "walking the walk" you walk. Fathers and grandfathers who are raising children or adults with ASD are welcome. Come with questions, stories, concerns and share personal experiences and meet other dads like you.
Wednesday, Nov 10th, 6:30 PM ZOOM
Support Group for Black Families of Individuals with ASD
Our goal is to provide support to black families who have a child or family member on the spectrum become more accepting, aware, and supportive in all communities. We share resources, provide insights, and assist one another. Join us on the second Wednesday of every month!
*Black - of or relating to any of various population groups including, but not limited to, African American, Caribbean, Haitian, Nigerian, Kenyan.
Thursday, December 11th, 6:30 PM ZOOM
Support Group for Parents of Young Children with ASD
It's back to school time! Whether returning or just starting school or preschool, the first weeks are full of ups and downs! Join us to share concerns and celebrations while managing life as parents of young children with ASD. We share resources, provide insights, and support one another. New participants come each time and are always welcome! This support group is for parents of 2-11 year old who are registered with UCF CARD. This can be a great place to ask the facilitator, or other parents, questions about how they are navigating this with their child, resources that have worked, and those that haven't worked. Some parents come to listen, others come to vent, and others come with questions - all are acceptable! We meet monthly via zoom on the second Thursday of each month and would love to have you join us!
Wednesday, December 17th, 6:30 PM ZOOM
Support Group for Caregivers of Adults with ASD
Free monthly resource and discussion group for parents of adults and late teens (16+) on the autism spectrum. Open forum for parents to discuss concerns, seek resources, and gain support in assisting their adult children.
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10 de Diciembre, 6:30 PM
LUPA: Grupo de Apoyo
Subject line: Grupo de apoyo LUPA – ¡Prepárate para las fiestas!
Los invitamos el 10 de diciembre a las 6:30 p.m. por Zoom a nuestro grupo de apoyo LUPA. Vamos a compartir ideas y estrategias para prepararnos para las fiestas con un niño con ASD. Disfrute de su bebida festiva favorita mientras nos reunimos y conversamos sobre recursos y estrategias que pueden ayudar a manejar mejor la temporada navideña.
¡Traiga su propio coquito mientras hablamos sobre cómo prepararse para las fiestas!
L.U.P.A. (Latinos Unidos Por el Autismo) es un grupo de apoyo en español para familias de individuos con autismo. Creado con el propósito de establecer red de conexión entre las familias, expresar inquietudes, recibir información relevante, empoderamiento y conversar.
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PALS Family: Now Snowing in Celebration
U-13 and TeenTime
Adventures with Autism Fun Friday
PALS Aspire: Wicked/Wizard of Oz Trivia
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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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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.
December has two Special Needs Screenings: Zootopia 2 on December 6th and The Spongebob Movie: Search for Squarepants on December 27th!
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