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Article by Dr. Wendy Thomson For Parents, prioritizing your own well-being benefits your whole family UCP charter schools offer clinical counseling on-site at most of our locations, where students can be seen by one of our clinical counselors. Mental health though isn't just important for students, it is important for our parents to prioritize themselves as well. Taking care of yourself isn’t a luxury; it’s essential... here are things that may help: Make time for yourself For many of us, it can be a struggle to maintain our mental health. Achieving balance is a crucial part of creating happiness and meeting life goals. We must intentionally create time to recharge outside of daily pressures. This could look like taking a shower or bath, walking around the block alone (or with your dog), designating time to read, or some other preferred activity. Prioritize healthy choices Ongoing stress can make it easy to slip into habits that feel good in the moment but can be damaging in the long run. This means being thoughtful and intentional about how you’re treating yourself and your body. Small changes like making time to take a walk, doing a short exercise routine, or choosing to go to bed a little earlier than usual can reduce stress and help you feel more relaxed and resilient. Each "different" and "mindful" choice brings you steps closer to the relief you seek. Set boundaries In a world full of responsibilities and pressure, it can be easy to absorb other people’s fears and concerns without even realizing it. If you have a friend or family member who’s in the habit of sending worst-case-scenario news or is prone to sending anxiety-provoking text messages, practice a little emotional distancing. Let them know you sympathize but that you’re taking a break from worrying news, or simply hit the Do Not Disturb button. You can always reconnect when things are calmer. Reconnect with things you enjoy Self-care can be as simple as taking a shower. Finding time to get back in touch with things you enjoy or choosing to learn a new skill can be a great way to practice self-care. Maybe there’s a creative project you’ve always wanted to try or a book you wanted to read. Remember, being kind to yourself will not only help you stay calm during difficult times, but it will also help ensure that you have the bandwidth you need to take good care of your family. When you’re running on fumes, caring for others can tax your already depleted resources. When you prioritize your needs, you’re filling the tank, emotionally and physically, and that means you’ll be in a position to offer comfort and care to others when they need it most. Download our December article HERE for easy reference later

Article by Dr. Wendy Thomson The new year brings hope and often the opportunity for us to set goals for improvement. One of the greatest projects to start is decluttering. Both your space but also your spirit. Decluttering your Space Identify your “why” for decluttering your life. Set some ground rules. Identify things you will NOT keep using the 3-second rule. If you cannot decide within 3 seconds, out it goes. “Is this an item I’ve used in the past year?” If the answer was no, get rid of it. Focus on one space at a time. It took years (even decades) to accumulate your stuff. It is not going to magically disappear overnight. Take your time and prevent overwhelm by focusing on one area at a time. Sort your items into these four categories. Keep, Sell, Donate, and Throw Away. Use large dark garbage bags to put things in that are leaving your house. This prevents you seeing them in the bag and second-guessing if you should keep them. Once in the bag, it stays in the bag! Set goals to hold yourself accountable and reward yourself when you finish a large task. Decluttering your Spirit Identify the “emotional rocks” that weigh you down. Where forgiveness is needed, what do I need to let go of history? You cannot move forward with one foot in the past! Journal your thoughts. The act of writing down your thoughts takes them from your mind to your hand, to the paper. There is a therapeutic release when something leaves your mind, even if for a little while. Walk it off. Just a short walk can boost your serotonin levels and give you clarity. Instead of scrolling through social media, get up and walk. Your heart and mind will thank you! Ask for support. If you are struggling beyond these ways, our Support team is here for your family. UCP provides counseling for our families that is free and confidential. All our support staff hold Master's and Doctorate degrees in mental health and welcome the opportunity to help you. Ask your child’s teacher about it if you are considering reaching out for support.

Article content provided by Abigail Raines The holidays are quickly approaching, which means gift-giving is right around the corner! There are so many great toys on the market it can be overwhelming to decide what toys to buy your child. However, when it comes to toys, not all toys are created equally. Some toys specifically promote language, fine motor, and gross motor skills, which can help your child’s development! Here are some toy features to look for when selecting toys for your child: Less is more! | While toys with fun lights and sounds are attractive, simple, non-battery-operated toys promote descriptive language during play. Toys that promote building or construction | Blocks, marble mazes, pretend construction kits and magnet tiles encourage children to use their hands, which promotes fine motor skills! Toys that encourage active play | Pop-up tunnels, plasma cars, pogo stick bikes, and ball activities promote gross motor skills and encourage children to get up and move! Toys that encourage pretend play, creativity, and imagination | Arts/crafts, pretend kitchen, puppets, and dolls will promote language, fine motor and gross motor skills. Toys used for pretend play encourages independence, problem-solving skills and help your child learn their likes and dislikes. Books | Books promote so many different skills! Reading with your child is a great way to time to bond with your child. Reading can be an independent activity. Even if your child is not reading yet, having your child look at pictures in a book can foster the love of reading early! Every child is unique! If you would like specific gift suggestions for your child, reach out to your child’s therapist or teacher! You can also download our suggested gift guide below for ideas. Gift Guide for Different Ages

Article content provided by Dr. Kristy Bautista The art of shoe tying is an important milestone for the development of any child is the experience and great sense of accomplishment. This milestone can also be difficult to accomplish and frustrating for children and parents. Fine motor, visual discrimination, bilateral hand manipulation, eye-hand coordination, visual perception, and motor planning (sequencing) are important foundational skills to acquire the skill of shoe tying efficiently and successfully. Tips & Tools It takes the use of two hands. It takes the ability to discriminate and identify objects and textures. It takes the ability to use your eyes to guide their hands. It may require verbal directions to understand directions and steps. It takes the ability to remember steps and sequences. It takes time and patience Activities to Try Shoe Tying Egg Carton Activity This hands-on shoe-tying task helps kids establish the skills they need to learn to tie their shoes in a fun and stress-free manner Two-colored training kid's shoelaces Shoe laces are extra wide so it's easier for little hands to grab, plus they are two-toned which means it is easier for your child visually to use them. Steps for shoe tying Put both laces on one side of the shoe. Pick up one lace and go over and under the other lace. Hold the ends of both laces and pull tightly. Pick up the middle of the left lace and pinch it at the bottom. Pick up the other lace and wrap it around the loop. Questions about ways to help your child achieve shoe tying? Contact Dr. Kristy Bautista-Harris, Lead Occupational Therapist at kristy.bautista@ucpcfl.org

Article content provided by Danielle Waters Did you know that too much screen time could result in decreasing your child’s cognitive and language abilities? A recent study in JAMA Pediatrics finds a relationship between higher-than-recommended screen time and lower organization of brain white matter to support language and literacy.  The AAP developed screen time recommendations for babies and toddlers because children 0-3 develop more quickly at this stage than any other. Too much screen time does not allow for play, reading and in person interactions that support brain development. Research also associates too much tv-viewing/viewing videos on hand held devices with later attention problems. How much Screen time is okay? Remember these are guidelines, and as parents, we still need to focus on maintaining healthy limits and make time for other important activities such as physical activity and sleep. It is important to have children take screen breaks. It is important to set up screen-free times (meal -time/hour before bed) and zones (no screens in the playroom/bedroom) to assist in keeping screen time limited. Be aware of signs that your child may need reduced screen time, including expressing anger when asked to turn off or put screens away, insisting on more screen time, and showing a preference for screens over interpersonal interactions. For younger children, it is best that they engage in educational games and or videos. Remember that just because it states it is educational doesn’t mean it always is. Make sure to monitor and be aware of what your child is engaging in. Add social language in by speaking to your child about the screen time they are engaging in. For younger children, watch videos with them and talk about it/ask questions as it is playing. For older, school-age children, when they finish have them retell you what they watched or played. Are you setting a good example? We all utilize screen time, and it is easy to get swept up and spend too much time scrolling on our social media accounts or watching videos. According to Common Sense Media, 95% of parents say their own tech use interferes with daily opportunities for talking, playing and interacting with their own children. This results in our children getting fewer verbal and non-verbal interactions during the day. Currently, research indicates that children need an average of 40 conversational turns per hour for optimal brain development and school readiness. Tips for setting up healthy screen time practices CHALLENGE: Winter break is fast approaching. How much screen time will your child have this winter break? Engage in a winter break challenge to find ways to decrease screen time in your home. Go to a playground, plan an outing with your child, play at home with your child, bake some holiday cookies together. The possibilities are endless. Have fun! References: The Common Sense Census: Media Use by Kids Age Zero to Eight, 2020 Gilkerson et al., 2018 Language experience in the second year of life and language outcomes in late childhood. Pediatrics (2018) 142 (4): e20174276. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2017-4276 Christakis et al., 2004 Early television exposure and subsequent attentional problems in children. Apr;113(4):708-13. doi: 10.1542/peds.113.4.708 Brown, A., 2011 Media Use by Children Younger than 2 Pediatrics (2011) 128 (5): 1040–1045. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2011-1753 Hutton, J. et al., 2019 Associations between screen-based media use and brain white matter integrity in preschool-aged childrenJAMA Pediatr. 2020;174(1):e193869. doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2019.3869

Article content provided by Dr. Irma Rosa-Cains & Abigail Raines As we get into the fall season festivities, these are some important recommendations to consider: Provide ONGOING supervision to your children. They should never be by themselves when attending fall festivals and/or collecting candy in the neighborhood. Limit your phone use to emergencies. YOU need to be alert to all your surroundings! Always be aware of the traffic. Vehicle accidents could happen even when events are held in a parking lot. Establish rules with your children and practice them at home BEFORE attending any fall event (i.e., if you get lost, if a stranger approaches you). Some parents opt for writing their own name and phone # on the child’s wristband. Others take a picture of their child before entering the event. Bring basic cleaning items in case of an accident (i.e., hand sanitizer, wipes, tissues, or any other item you prefer to use). Bring sunscreen and plenty of water, if applicable. Make your children aware of tripping hazards (i.e., cords around inflatables, electrical cords, sandbags) Alert your children not to consume any pieces of candy, baked goods, drinks, etc. until you approve. Large fall events can be overwhelming for children. Visuals can help children communicate their thoughts and can help with establishing expectations during unfamiliar outings. Below are some links to visuals that can help your child during fall festivities. AAC Visuals for fall festivals: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/AAC-Trick-or-Treat-Bracelet-Switch-and-Bucket-labels-4909023 Social story for trick or treating: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZofiDjtXrO9VrvYWueF_x4PKV6_pe-fT/view

The week of December 4th we celebrate Inclusive Schools Week, and it is particularly fitting that the US Departments of Education and Health and Human Services recently released a renewed commitment and urgency policy update that young children with disabilities should be included in high-quality early childhood education programs alongside peers without disabilities. In a nation that values equality, educational opportunities for one in six children with disabilities continue to be lacking. The Civil Rights movement of the 60’s was a precursor to legislation protecting the rights of children with disabilities to access public education. Unfortunately, even today many people assume that the best place for children with disabilities is in a special school or classroom, separated from their peers. Many students with complex learning needs have been denied access to opportunities which foster academic success, based upon the erroneous assumption they could not benefit from traditional instruction. Students with disabilities continue to be educated isolated from their peers and communities. However, experts and people with disabilities themselves are united in their beliefs that inclusive education offers the best outcomes for all students.   These experts believe that a disability should not diminish ones right to right to fully participate in society in meaningful ways and live a life without limits. For over twenty years, UCP Charter Schools has been creating opportunities for students with and without disabilities to learn and thrive together. The culture of inclusion starts in early childhood programs where children don’t see each other’s differences but just another friend to play with.   Isn’t it wonderful if you ask one of the kids what’s different about your friend (who happens to be visually impaired) and their lack of ability to see doesn’t even make the top ten of what’s different.   It’s a great  culture that is being created – led by our children who will grow into high school leaders who will go out of their way to stop bullying or when they are future bosses, they will remember that the smartest kid in their 3rd grade class was the student in a wheelchair.  And won’t think twice when someone in a chair comes in an interview. Research shows that inclusion is beneficial both to children with and without disabilities.  For students with disabilities (SWD), this includes academic gains in literacy (reading and writing), math, and social studies — both in grades and on standardized tests as well as better communication skills, and improved social skills and more friendships. Their peers without disabilities also make greater academic gains in reading and math when in inclusive classrooms.  Research also shows the presence of students with disabilities give their peers new types of learning opportunities with their teachers providing instruction in a wider range of learning modalities (visual, auditory, and kinesthetic), which benefits their students without disabilities as well. Studies show they have a more positive perception of children with disabilities and differences and better social skills, such as communication and cooperation, and fewer problem behaviors as a result of peer-mediated interventions in inclusive settings. These students in inclusive classrooms also demonstrate greater compassion and empathy and treat everyone with respect and kindness and isn’t that the type of children we all want our kids to be? Article Published on the Orlando Sentinel Author: Dr. Ilene E. Wilkins is the CEO of UCP of Central Florida/UCP Charter Schools Publication Date: 12/06/2023 Source: Orlando Sentinel URL: www.orlandosentinel.com/2023/12/06/inclusive-education-environment-is-better-for-all-students-commentary/

Did you know that every year in November, there is an exceptional day for people who like science, technology, engineering, art, and math? It’s National STEM Day (and National STEAM Day too) celebrated on November 8th. UCP students across all of our campuses were assisted by Math/Science Team Member Leads and given the opportunity to carry out STEM challenges using the engineering process. The Leads were provided STEM kits that included all the materials and directions necessary to carry out the STEM challenges. Other teachers were provided with ideas of STEM challenges that could be carried out with minimal materials. STEM is critical for students' learning process as it helps them with:​ Asking questions​ Connecting the dots​ Problem-solving Thinking creatively​ Being innovative​ Celebrate 28 Days of STEM activities HERE

ORLANDO, Fla. (November 1, 2023) — The U.S Department of Education Office of Elementary and Secondary Education recently awarded UCP Charter Schools a $5.1 million three year grant for a new initiative to help increase learning gains for students by ensuring access to highly effective and diverse teachers and other school leaders. UCP Charter Schools was the only awarded applicant from Florida. The UCP Charter Schools network of inclusive public schools has outperformed in learning gains for a disproportionate number of lower-income students with disabilities compared to similar student populations. The three-year grant, entitled Project ELEVATE (Elevating Learning by Empowering and Valuing Advancement of Teacher and other Educators), will provide funding to address multiple challenges associated with achieving higher outcomes including: Recruitment and retention of effective teachers and leaders in high need schools Building capacity in teacher leadership through development and implementation of TeachMastery (a customized targeted and job embedded professional learning program) Additional teacher mentor/coaching with master teachers and model classrooms Development and implementation of the KEY Program (Key Engagement for Yay-Worthy – a gamification incentive program) Principal Academy and Principal Resident program Building Instructional Leadership Teams (ILT) “I am thrilled to announce the funding for Project ELEVATE, a significant step towards strengthening our education system,” said Dr. Ilene Wilkins, Superintendent of UCP Charter Schools. “Teachers and school leaders are the backbone of our schools, shaping the future of our nation. With these grants, we aim to provide essential support to retain and empower these dedicated professionals. This initiative reflects our commitment to addressing teacher shortages, fostering educator leadership, and ensuring the highest quality of teaching and learning. Together, we can create an environment where educators feel valued, supported, and motivated to continue their vital work for our students.” About UCP of Central Florida: UCP of Central Florida is a non-profit (501(c) (3)) organization dedicated to enriching the lives of children of all abilities in Central Florida. For more than 60 years, UCP of Central Florida has provided support, education and therapy services for children and families touched by disabilities. As one of their programs, UCP operates a consortium of charter schools for students with and without disabilities and is considered a national leader in inclusive education. For more information about UCP of Central Florida, visit www.ucpcfl.org

UCP of Central Florida is always looking for opportunities to serve our families and children. One of the areas that many of our parents inquire about is healthy sleeping habits. Here are some basic guidelines to share. Benefits when kids get enough sleep Reduces stress Better problem-solving skills Improves memory Improves immune system Increases Creativity Improves Mood and Social Skills Good Sleep Routine Hygiene Establish a predictable and smooth routine. Set regular wake and sleep times. Modify the bedroom environment, including noise, light, temperature, and bedding. Help the child wind down and prepare for sleep. Typical Sleep Schedule Infants 4-12 months need nine to 12 hours of sleep at night Children 1-2 years/Toddlers need 11-14 hours of sleep each day Children 3-5 years/ Preschoolers should sleep 10-13 hours each night Children 6-12 years need 9-12 hours of sleep each night American Academy of Pediatrics How can Occupational Therapy Help? Occupational therapists also focus on increasing coping skills and self-regulation to ease the child’s capacity to relax for sleep onset. For any questions, please contact Dr. Bautista-Harris at kristy.bautista@ucpcfl.org

UCP Annual National Backpack Awareness is September 20th, where we recognize and ensure our students wear backpacks safely. Improper use can lead to back pain or injury and can impact learning. Did you know? Heavy loads carried by more than 79 million students across the U.S. can cause low back pain that often lasts through adulthood According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2013, nearly 22,200 strains, sprains, dislocations, and fractures from backpacks were treated in hospital emergency rooms, physicians' offices, and clinics A backpack should weigh no more than 10% of the child's body weight Remember: pack light and wear it right! You can find more safety tips from www.aota.org/backpack

Art has many benefits, especially for young people who are just discovering who they are and how to express themselves. For young individuals who are living with a developmental disorder, different creative outlets can also offer a welcome boost of confidence and independence. For some, finding an aptitude within an art can be life-changing if they have difficulty in other subjects. Parents can help their children experiment with different creative methods at home by offering the right tools and providing guidance on how to use them, but it’s important to remember that there are many different ways to be creative, and not all of them are right for every individual. Therefore, it’s a good idea to keep an open mind and be ready to introduce more than one option. Here are a few ideas from UCP of Central Florida that you can try, along with information about how they can benefit your child. Dance Dance is a wonderful form of expression, but it’s also a great way to stay physically fit. For young people who have challenges with their motor skills, dancing is an outlet that allows them to work on coordination while having fun. Additionally, it’s a form of independence because it allows the individual to create their own moves and manipulate their body in ways that make them feel good rather than doing it because they’re being told to. If your child is interested in dance, set up a safe place for them to move around that’s free of furniture or trip hazards. It might also be helpful to set up a large mirror so they can see the moves they’re making. Different dance and music genres can be incorporated to increase creativity. Making Music Like dance, making music is a confidence booster and a wonderful form of expression for young people. Whether it’s through homemade tools or an instrument such as a piano, creating songs require imagination and thinking outside the box. It has also been shown in studies by the Brain and Creativity Institute (BCI) at USC to help kids do better in school because it incorporates literacy, memory, and math skills. Not only that, it can help young people become more social if they’re able to continue with music while in a school setting. Playing an instrument, singing, and engaging with digital music tools are all great ways to help your child get started on their musical journey. Visual Arts Another great outlet for students with developmental disorders can be found through engaging in visual arts. Visual arts offer a great way to express oneself, and there are many different ways to do it so. Painting, drawing, sculpting, and crafting are just a few types of mediums your child can use, and these can all help boost communication skills and self-esteem. Provide your child with a few simple tools to start with, such as oil pastels or watercolors, and work your way up to paint and clay in order to prevent them from feeling overwhelmed. You can also look for photos of famous works of art and online tours of museums to show your child; you might encourage them to do a master copy in their chosen medium just for fun. DIY projects are also awesome tasks that increase feelings of fun and accomplishment. Develop a Creative Space If your child shows a marked interest in one or more creative arts, you can help foster their interest by setting aside a room in your home to serve as their studio. This can be a boon to their skill development. If you do some work to a room to ready it for use, be sure to save the receipts. You’ll want to have a record of changes with before and after photos. Improvements like these can potentially raise your home’s value. Join Your Child and Consider Starting a Business Whether it’s through dancing, painting, or making music, it can be extremely beneficial for both you and your child if you join them in the process of creating. Not only are these stress-relieving activities, The Conversation points out that they can promote a healthy bond for you and your teen. You might even find that you have an aptitude for a specific activity that leads to a new career; many people have turned to starting their own business in recent years by monetizing a hobby. Just make sure you separate your business and personal finances from the beginning in order to avoid any issues with the IRS. Consider forming an LLC to protect your assets, garner tax benefits, and lend your business legitimacy. Read up on how to start an LLC Florida for more information. A guide can walk you through the major steps to establishing your business. A formation service can even take care of the filings, saving you time and money. If your child has a developmental disability, getting them involved in a creative art can offer them many benefits. It can be empowering for their independence, and it may even offer them an avenue to a career. Remember to consider the benefits of the arts, create a creative space for them to blossom, and even form your own LLC. UCP of Central Florida provides education, support and therapy services to more than 3,500 children and their families each year. Contact us today to learn more at 407-852-3300.