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Family Resources
The Florida Department of Education announces the launch of the redesigned Exceptional Student Education (ESE) Parent Survey for the current academic year. The survey is open to all parents of children with an individual educational plan receiving ESE services from preschool through grade 12. It is not intended for parents of students receiving only gifted services through an educational plan. Students with disabilities aged 18 or older may complete this survey.
“FIN is providing a series of statewide sessions for families. You can view the flyer and registration links in our flyer.” Access the Statewide Family Series 2024-2025
FIN provides services to schools and districts to increase and improve educational practices for students with disabilities in general education classrooms and other natural settings. FIN services are provided by a number of facilitators who have experience and expertise in planning and implementing best practices for supporting SWD in the least restrictive environment at the school and district levels.
FIN facilitators are organized into seven regions and work in partnership with districts and schools within a specified geographic area: Region 1, Region 2, Region 3, Region 4, Region 5, Region 6 and Region 7. FIN facilitators serve districts and schools by developing and increasing opportunities for students with disabilities in their least restrictive environment. Services provided to schools and districts are identified through a collaborative, problem solving process focused on increasing outcomes for ALL students with disabilities.
When contacted for support and assistance, FIN can provide families with a variety of information and resources and may, upon request, contact the district’s exceptional student education (ESE) office or school to discuss concerns on behalf of the family. Family concerns and needs are always carefully considered as part of FIN’s planning and problem-solving with districts and/or schools.
While FIN facilitators do not attend IEP meetings, they can provide information about the following: effective best practices in supporting SWD in the least restrictive environment, family-school collaboration and communication, opportunities for networking with other families, and ways to access local resources and support. For information about your child’s educational program or Individual Educational Plan (IEP), please contact your child’s teacher or school administrator.
Following is a list of FIN resources that are available, at no cost, to families and educators. For more information, please click on the links provided or contact your local FIN facilitator.
Family Presentations
Family FACT Folios
This resource is a series of colorful, four-page booklets with tips for families of students with disabilities. Each volume is available in English, Spanish and Haitian-Creole provides families with information and strategies to form partnerships with school personnel and collaboratively plan, develop, implement, and enhance opportunities for students with disabilities in a general educational environment.
Communication Tips for Families of Children with Disabilities
This resource, also provided in Spanish & Haitian-Creole, provides communication tips on working and communicating positively with school staff about ways that your child/student can benefit from receiving services in the general education classroom. This resource is divided into four communication topics that include samples of what it may look like and sound like during positive discussions. The topics include:
- Knowing your child and your child’s disability
- Knowing that your child with a disability has a right to a free, appropriate public education
- Working and communicating positively with your school staff
- Believing that your voice and your child’s voice are important!
7 Back-To-School Tips
Starting a new school year can be challenging. The “7 Back-to-School Tips” document offers ways to help families build new relationships and start the year off right. Positive, supportive relationships can significantly contribute to a smooth school year for students. Research highlights the great benefits of alignment between home and school.
Ten Tips to Help Your Child Make and Keep Friends
The “Making Friends” document provides valuable tips for families of students with disabilities to help their children develop and maintain friendships. It includes practical activities like reading books, creating craft projects, and playing games to teach essential social skills. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of positive role models and open communication to support children’s social development.
Building Independence
The “Building Independence for Students with Disabilities” document outlines essential strategies to foster independence in children with disabilities. It emphasizes creating a supportive environment through tailored teaching, goal-setting, and structured routines. Additionally, it highlights the importance of teamwork, communication, and minimizing distractions to help children develop self-regulation and autonomy.
Tips to Build Executive Functioning
“Parent Tips for Students with Disabilities: Executive Functioning” provides practical strategies to help children develop essential executive functioning skills. This document covers establishing routines, encouraging organization, and using visual aids to support planning and task management. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of fostering self-monitoring, time management, and problem-solving skills to enhance students’ independence and success.
Engagement Strategies
This guide highlights practical ways families can actively support their children’s education, emphasizing the powerful impact of parental involvement on academic and social success
Social Skills
Teaching social skills to children with disabilities involves modeling, explicit instruction, and creating safe opportunities for practice across settings.
Tips for Supporting Organizational Skills
The “Organizational Skills” document provides practical tips to help students manage their assignments and materials effectively. It emphasizes the importance of using assignment tracking systems, preparing materials in advance, and building consistent routines. Additionally, it suggests creating designated study and play areas, using visual reminders, and color-coding materials to enhance organization and productivity.
Homework Habits
Establishing a consistent routine, quiet workspace, and using assistive tools can greatly support students with disabilities in managing homework effectively. Encouraging independence, maintaining teacher communication, and being patient helps foster confidence and long-term success
