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Written by: Abigail Raines Speech-Language Pathologist AAC Specialist  Did you know that using pictures at home can help your child learn, understand and use more words? Visual supports are visual representations such as pictures, objects, or symbols that help children understand information and support communication. Visual supports are a great tool to help children understand and talk about the world around them! Visual supports are easy to make and can be used in a variety of ways at your home! Ways to use visual supports at home: Visual Schedules : Show your child what comes next in their day with a simple chart. Take pictures of the different activities/places your child goes to throughout the day. A visual schedule can be made for specific activities (ex: the steps of brushing teeth) or for your child’s whole day routine. Visual schedules help your child predict what will happen next and can ease transitions between daily activities. A visual schedule can also promote the use of words to talk about their routine. How to make it:  Print out the pictures and put them in order of your child’s daily schedule/routine. During the day, show your child a picture of what activity is coming next. Choice boards : Giving your child pictures of objects to choose from throughout the day helps them build decision-making skills and allows them to have a sense of control in their life. Having a choice board also allows you, as a parent, to better interpret your child’s wants/needs, which may decrease frustration from your child!   How to make it:  Take pictures of their favorite toys, food or even clothing. Print the pictures out and arrange them on a piece of paper using Velcro. During play time, snack time or getting dressed, present your child with the choice board and allow them to make a choice for the object that they want. Labeling Around the House: Put labels with pictures on common objects like "door," or "chair" can help your child learn new words and connect the word to the item they see. How to make it:  Identify objects around the house that you want to label. Take a picture and type the name of the object under the picture. Print out the pictures and label objects around your house. Visual supports can help everyone every day! Using pictures along with words makes learning fun and helps your child expand their language skills. Try some of these ideas at home and see how your child's language blossoms!

Written By: Cassandra Saenz What is Animal Therapy? Animal therapy, also known as animal-assisted therapy (AAT), is increasingly used as a complementary treatment approach in various therapeutic settings, including speech therapy, physical therapy, and occupational therapy. The presence of animals, typically trained therapy animals, offers unique benefits that enhance the effectiveness of traditional therapy modalities. Below are the benefits of animal therapy in each of these areas: Speech Therapy Motivation and Engagement : Animals can bring more joy and may be less intimidating to children during their sessions. Interacting with animals can encourage verbal communication, especially for individuals reluctant to speak or engage in therapy. Non-judgmental Support : Therapy animals provide a non-judgmental presence, reducing social anxiety and fear of making mistakes. This is especially helpful for individuals with social communication challenges. Facilitating Social Skills : Animal interactions help build social skills such as turn-taking, eye contact, and conversation. This can be a critical tool for children with speech difficulties, in promoting language and communication. Encouragement of Expressive Language : Animals can encourage patients to use descriptive language, request actions, or provide feedback. For example, asking a dog to perform a task or guiding an animal through a series of actions can involve vocalizations and commands. Emotional and Behavioral Support : The calming presence of animals can reduce anxiety and stress, which can improve a patient's ability to focus and communicate more effectively. Physical Therapy Increased Motivation for Exercise : Animals can help make physical therapy more enjoyable and less stressful. The presence of a dog or other animal can encourage patients to engage in exercises and movements they might otherwise avoid, particularly if the animal is part of the therapy or serves as a reward. Improved Physical Engagement : Activities such as walking a dog or reaching out to pet or play with an animal can encourage movement, balance, and coordination. Emotional Support : Animals offer emotional comfort that can help reduce feelings of frustration or hopelessness, especially for patients recovering from surgery, injury, or chronic illness. This emotional boost can enhance physical healing. Strengthening Physical Skills : Tasks like playing fetch, walking a therapy animal, or performing gentle exercises with the animal can aid in strengthening muscles, improving flexibility, and enhancing mobility in a low-pressure environment. Occupational Therapy Sensory Stimulation : Animals provide multi-sensory experiences (touch, sound, sight, and even smell) that can be incorporated into occupational therapy activities. For patients with sensory processing disorders, interacting with animals can help them become more comfortable with certain textures, sounds, or motions. Improved Fine and Gross Motor Skills : Interaction with animals—such as feeding, grooming, or playing with a pet—can help improve hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, and even gross motor skills. Tasks like petting a dog or guiding an animal require intentional movements, which can be great for therapy. Social Interaction and Cognitive Skills : Animals can foster social interactions, improve attention, and stimulate cognitive thinking through structured activities. Patients can work on problem-solving, following instructions, and developing new skills while engaging with the therapy animal. Stress Relief and Emotional Support : Much like physical therapy, the presence of animals in occupational therapy helps to reduce stress, anxiety, and emotional tension, which can make therapy more effective and allow patients to perform tasks they may have previously avoided. Overall Benefits of AAT Across Therapies Stress Reduction : The presence of animals has been shown to reduce cortisol (stress hormone) levels and increase oxytocin, which promotes happy feelings and relaxation. Enhancing Trust and Rapport : Animals can create an atmosphere of trust, which is especially important in therapeutic settings where patients may feel vulnerable or resistant to treatment. Positive Emotional and Behavioral Changes : Animal therapy has been linked to improvements in mood, reductions in feelings of isolation, and increases in feelings of safety and comfort, all of which contribute to the success of therapy. Incorporating animal therapy into speech, physical, and occupational therapy enhances the overall therapeutic experience by promoting emotional support, engagement, and motivation. These animals often provide a unique form of encouragement that aids in emotional healing, boosts physical activity, and facilitates communication and social skills. As a result, we are trialing an animal-assisted therapy program in two of our UCP locations: Downtown BETA and Seminole Lake May campuses.

Written By: Dr. Irma Rosa Cains PT, DPT Sr. Director of Therapy Practices What is Motor Planning? Motor planning is the ability to plan and perform the steps needed to complete physical actions. It basically involves your brain and muscles working together to generate movements such as brushing your hair, putting on your shoes, and climbing the stairs among many, many others. For children confronting challenges with motor planning, here are some hints that could help: Once the activity is identified, break it down in small steps.  Use visual and/or auditory aids (i.e., pictures, musical toys/devices) to engage your child with the desired movement.  Use simple verbal cues (i.e., go, stop, up, down) when promoting the activity.  Use a mirror for your child to look at his/her own movement patterns in real time and make adaptations as needed.  Practice, practice, practice and do not get discouraged!

Written by: Doraida Mendoza, Curriculum and Instruction Specialist - Autism We understand the vital role you play in supporting your child’s learning and growth at home. Together, we can create a supportive and inclusive environment that empowers your child to reach their full potential. Below are practical tips and strategies to help you support your child at home. Establish a Routine Research shows that children with special needs, especially those with ADHD or autism, thrive in predictable routines as it reduces anxiety and improves executive functioning. Create a consistent schedule for homework, meals, and downtime. Predictable routines help children feel secure and focused. Include breaks during learning sessions to prevent fatigue and maintain engagement such as setting timers for homework (e.g., 25 minutes of work with a 5-minute break) to maintain focus without burnout. We recommend using visual schedules, which can include images or icons for non-readers, to reinforce routines. Adapt the Learning Environment Designate a quiet, clutter-free space for studying. Noise-canceling headphones or weighted lap pads, can help children who are easily distracted or overstimulated. Use visual aids like charts, calendars, or color-coded tools to make tasks clear and manageable. Communicate with Teachers Stay in regular contact with your child’s teachers to understand classroom goals, accommodations, and strategies that can be reinforced at home which may include r equesting regular updates on their child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan goals. Don’t hesitate to ask for resources or clarification if something isn’t clear. Support Executive Function Skills Executive functioning is the brain’s control center that helps with planning, staying organized, managing emotions, and problem-solving. For example, packing a backpack for school uses planning, remembering directions relies on working memory, staying calm after losing shows emotional regulation, and trying a new way to solve a puzzle demonstrates flexible thinking. Break assignments into smaller, manageable steps to reduce overwhelm. Use checklists, timers, or reminders to help your child stay organized and focused. Encourage Independence Offer guidance and support, but allow your child to solve problems and make decisions independently whenever possible. For example, modeling a skill first, then guiding the child, and eventually allowing them to do it independently. Give simple choices (e.g., “Would you like to read first or do math?”) to build decision-making skills. Celebrate successes to build confidence and motivation. Focus on Strengths Identify your child’s strengths and incorporate activities they enjoy into their learning. For example, if they enjoy art, use drawing to reinforce lessons. Use positive reinforcement to acknowledge effort and improvement. Leverage Assistive Technology Explore apps, software, and tools designed to support specific learning needs, such as text-to-speech programs or organizational apps. Your child’s school may have recommendations for technology that aligns with their IEP goals such as built-in accessibility features on devices (text-to-speech or voice commands) for easier use. Promote Emotional Well-Being Encourage open communication about challenges and emotions. Let your child know it’s okay to ask for help. Practice mindfulness or relaxation techniques to reduce stress and anxiety. Engage in Real-World Learning Incorporate everyday activities like cooking, shopping, or gardening into learning. These activities can strengthen math, reading, and problem-solving skills. Use outings or experiences to connect classroom lessons to the real world. Seek Support Join parent support groups or connect with local organizations that provide resources and workshops for families of students with disabilities. Your school’s special education team can guide you to additional resources and strategies.

Written by: Gabriella Oliveira, MSW, Family Engagement Coordinator The holiday season is a magical time for families, but it can also disrupt the structure and routines that children rely on during the school year. As the new term approaches, many parents find themselves navigating the challenges of helping their children ease back into the rhythm of school life. This transition can be particularly overwhelming for children who experience anxiety, sensory sensitivities, or struggle with adapting to change. With a little preparation and patience, families can make this shift smoother and less stressful for everyone. One of the most effective ways to ease the return to school is to reintroduce routines gradually. In the days leading up to the first day back, start adjusting bedtime and wake-up schedules to match the school day routine. Establishing consistent morning and evening habits, such as packing backpacks the night before or setting out clothes for the next day, can help children feel more prepared and reduce morning chaos. It can also be helpful to create a visual schedule or checklist to remind children of what to expect each day, especially for younger children or those who thrive on structure. For children who experience anxiety about returning to school, open communication is key. Take time to listen to their concerns and validate their feelings. Reassure them by discussing familiar aspects of school that they enjoy, such as seeing friends or participating in favorite activities. If possible, reconnect with teachers or classmates ahead of time to rebuild comfort and familiarity. Parents can also role-play common school scenarios to help children feel more confident in navigating their day. Sensory overload can be another challenge for some children, especially if they have spent the break in quieter or more controlled environments. To help with this, gradually reintroduce sensory-rich experiences, such as crowded spaces or structured activities, to rebuild their tolerance. Additionally, prepare a "calm-down kit" for your child to bring to school, which might include noise-canceling headphones, fidget toys, or other self-soothing items. Encouraging the use of mindfulness techniques, like deep breathing or grounding exercises, can also help children manage feelings of overwhelm. Transitions take time, and every child’s adjustment period will look different. By creating a supportive environment and being proactive about addressing potential challenges, parents can help their children step into the new year with confidence and ease. Remember, the goal is progress, not perfection! Celebrate small successes along the way, and don’t hesitate to reach out to your school’s counselors or teachers for additional support.

Written by: Gabriella Oliveira, MSW, Family Engagement Coordinator As the new year begins, it’s the perfect time to help your child set goals that will set them up for success—whether in school, at home, or in their personal life. As parents, you play a key role in helping your child identify what they want to achieve and how they can get there. Setting goals teaches kids about responsibility, planning, and perseverance, but it’s important to make the process engaging and realistic. Start with Small Steps Big goals can feel overwhelming for kids, so it’s helpful to break them down into smaller, more manageable steps. For example, if your child wants to improve their grades, a good first step might be setting aside 15 minutes each night to review their classwork. Or if they’re interested in trying a new sport, start with an introductory class or practice at home. These small wins give your child a sense of accomplishment, which builds confidence and motivation. Examples of "Small Wins": Improving Homework Habits Goal : Complete homework right after school for 15 minutes each day. Smaller Steps: 1. Set a timer for 5 minutes and work on a small task (e.g., reading a few pages of a textbook or solving 3 math problems). 2. Take a 5-minute break to stretch or grab a snack. 3. Set another timer for 5 minutes to finish the remaining homework. Reading Improvement Goal: Read for 10 minutes each night before bed. Smaller Steps: 1. Choose a short story or picture book that interests your child. 2. Read the first page together and discuss the pictures. 3. Let your child read a sentence or two out loud, with your help if needed. 4. Celebrate by asking them about their favorite part of the story. Developing Social Skills Goal: Practice saying “please” and “thank you” in different social situations. Smaller Steps: 1. Role-play with your child different scenarios where they can use polite phrases, like asking for something or receiving a gift. 2. Practice saying “please” and “thank you” in front of a mirror or with you, using different tones and facial expressions. 3. In real-life situations (e.g., asking for a snack or when a family member does something kind for them), gently prompt your child to use these phrases. 4. Praise them each time they remember to say “please” or “thank you,” highlighting how it makes others feel appreciated. Make It a Family Affair Goal-setting doesn’t have to be a solo activity. Sit down as a family and discuss the goals each member would like to focus on in the new year. When kids see you setting your own goals, it models the importance of working toward something meaningful. You can work together to track progress and celebrate achievements, whether it’s a special dinner, a sticker chart, or simply acknowledging their hard work. Be Supportive and Flexible Remember that goal-setting isn’t about perfection. It’s about making progress, and there will be bumps along the way. Encourage your child to stick with it, even when things get tough. If a goal isn’t working out, it’s okay to reassess and adjust the plan. The most important part is staying supportive and showing them that it’s okay to keep trying, even after setbacks. Celebrating progress, no matter how small, is key. Whether it’s recognizing improved study habits or the completion of a new project, reinforcing positive behavior motivates your child to continue moving forward. The new year is a fresh start, and by working together on goals, you’re teaching your child important life skills that will last a lifetime. By setting and achieving goals together, you’re not only helping your child succeed but also strengthening your bond as a family. So, take the time to sit down, get inspired, and set those goals—it’s the perfect way to kick off a successful year!

Written by Barbie Jones, Director of Curriculum and Instruction Reading aloud to your baby is one of the best things you can do to support their early development. Even before your baby can understand words, hearing your voice helps them feel comforted, builds brain connections, and introduces them to language. Here is a simple guide on how and why to start reading to your little one.  Why Read Aloud to Your Baby?  Bonding Time : Reading aloud is a special way to connect with your baby. Your voice is familiar and soothing, which helps them feel secure.  Language Development : Hearing words helps your baby begin to recognize sounds and speech patterns. This sets the foundation for talking and understanding language later on.  Cognitive Growth : Every time you read to your baby, you’re stimulating their brain and supporting memory, imagination, and listening skills.  Building a Love of Books : Introducing books early makes reading a natural and enjoyable part of life. This positive association will encourage a love for reading as they grow.  Tips for Reading to Newborns and Infants  Start Early : You can begin reading to your baby as early as birth! Even though they don’t understand words, they love the sound of your voice.  Choose Simple Books : Books with bright colors, simple pictures, and rhythmic or repetitive language are great choices for infants. Board books are sturdy and easy for little hands to grab.  Use Expression : Babies are fascinated by the sound of your voice, so don’t be afraid to use lots of expression, vary your pitch, and add sound effects. This keeps them engaged and makes the experience more fun.  Short and Sweet : Newborns and young infants have short attention spans, so a few minutes at a time is all you need. You can build up the time as they grow.  Make It Part of Your Routine : Find a consistent time each day to read to your baby—whether it’s during feedings, before naps, or bedtime. This creates a comforting routine they will come to expect and enjoy.  Books to Get You Started  "Goodnight Moon" by Margaret Wise Brown  "Peek-a-Who?" by Nina Laden  "Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?" by Bill Martin Jr.  "Guess How Much I Love You" by Sam McBratney  Reading aloud to your baby not only supports their growth but also creates precious moments between you and your child. It’s never too early to start! Whether you’re reading a few lines from a book or simply narrating your day, your baby will love hearing your voice and learning the wonders of language.  Start small, have fun, and enjoy the journey of discovering stories together!

Written by: Frances Reyes, UCP Transitional Learning Academy Assistant Principal Parents play a crucial role in shaping their child's educational journey, and encouraging a love for learning is one of the most impactful gifts they can provide. When parents actively support their child's education, they instill a sense of curiosity and a desire for knowledge that lasts a lifetime. By fostering an environment where education is valued, parents not only help their children achieve academic success but also equip them with essential life skills. This encouragement creates a foundation for resilience, critical thinking, and the ability to adapt in an ever-changing world. Ultimately, when parents champion their child's education, they open doors to opportunities that can transform lives. Here are 10 tips for parents to encourage their children to go to school: 1. Create a Positive Environment: Make the home a place where education is valued. Discuss school positively and show enthusiasm for learning. 2. Establish a Routine : Set a consistent daily schedule that includes regular bedtimes and wake-up times, making mornings smoother and reducing stress. 3. I nvolve in Decision-Making: Let your child help choose their clothes, lunch options, or extracurricular activities. This gives them a sense of ownership and control. 4. Communicate Openly : Talk about their feelings regarding school. Encourage them to share any worries or concerns they might have, and address them together. 5. Celebrate Achievements: Acknowledge both big and small accomplishments. This can boost their confidence and motivation to attend school. 6. Make Learning Fun: Engage in educational activities at home, like games, puzzles, or projects, to show that learning can be enjoyable. 7. Connect with Teachers: Build a relationship with your child’s teachers. Attend parent-teacher meetings and communicate regularly about your child’s progress. 8. Encourage Friendships: Facilitate playdates or social activities with classmates to help your child build relationships and feel more connected to their peers. 9. Address Attendance Issues Promptly: If your child is reluctant to go to school, investigate the reasons and work on solutions together rather than ignoring the issue. 10. Model a Positive Attitude: Show your own enthusiasm for learning and education. Share your experiences and lifelong learning journeys to inspire them. By implementing these strategies, you can help foster a positive attitude toward school and learning in your child!

Written by Gabriella Oliveira, MSW, Family Engagement Coordinator The holiday season is a special time to come together, create memories, and share moments of joy—and it can also be a wonderful time to keep kids curious and learning in fun, meaningful ways. We’ve put together a “12 Days of Learning” guide to help make each day of winter break feel a little more magical and connected. With simple, holiday-inspired activities, families can explore reading, math, science, and social skills together—all while having a great tim` `e! Tips for Families: Try to set aside 15-20 minutes each day to engage in these activities as a family. Encourage children to ask questions and explore each activity as deeply as they’d like. If any activity sparks particular interest, find related books or online resources to explore further. These daily activities reinforce the joy of learning during the holiday season and connect families to UCP's approach to education: making learning engaging, relevant, and fun! Day 1: Story Time Spectacular (Reading) Choose a holiday or winter-themed book and have a family story time. Encourage children to act out their favorite parts of the story or illustrate a scene to reinforce comprehension and creativity. Day 2: Kitchen Math (Math) Bake a simple holiday treat together, like cookies or brownies. Let kids help with measuring ingredients and discuss fractions, addition, and multiplication through the recipe steps. Day 3: Winter Science Experiment (Science) Create “fake snow” using baking soda and water. Discuss how real snow forms and the concept of temperature changes. Talk about what makes things cold or hot, tying it to winter weather. Day 4: Gratitude Journal (Social-Emotional Learning) Start a holiday gratitude journal. Each family member can write or draw one thing they’re grateful for each day, building social-emotional skills by focusing on gratitude and reflection. Day 5: Holiday Geography (Geography) Pick a country and learn about how they celebrate the holidays. Find it on a map and discuss customs and traditions, introducing the concept of cultural diversity and geography. Day 6: Festive Word Search (Language and Vocabulary) Make or print a holiday-themed word search. Include words related to winter, holidays, and celebrations. This reinforces vocabulary while keeping learning fun. Day 7: Nature Scavenger Hunt (Science) Bundle up and go on a nature walk to look for signs of winter (or seasonal changes, depending on your location). Look for evergreen trees, pine cones, or birds and discuss how nature adapts in different seasons. Day 8: Acts of Kindness (Social Skills) Encourage kids to brainstorm simple acts of kindness they can do for family, friends, or neighbors. Helping with chores, writing a thank-you note, or sharing a small gift nurtures empathy and social skills. Day 9: DIY Ornaments (Art and Fine Motor Skills) Make simple ornaments or decorations with household items like paper, glue, or glitter. This strengthens fine motor skills and creativity, plus it’s a fun way to decorate for the season! Day 10: Family Math Game Night (Math) Play a math-centered game like Bingo, Uno, or a board game that involves counting. This builds number skills in a relaxed, enjoyable way. Day 11: Write a Letter (Writing) Encourage children to write a letter to a friend or family member. They can share their favorite things about the holiday season or what they’re excited for in the new year. This activity enhances writing and self-expression. Day 12: Goal Setting for the New Year (Goal Setting) Sit down as a family to reflect on accomplishments from the past year and set one or two goals for the upcoming year. This teaches kids the importance of planning, self-improvement, and setting achievable goals.

Empowering Kids Through Therapy What is Intensive Pediatric Therapy? Intensive pediatric physical therapy is designed to provide an in-depth therapy program beyond the traditional 30- or 60-minute sessions per week. It provides a “push” to the child rebuilding his/her next motor skills. Our intensive pediatric physical therapy program includes an initial comprehensive PT evaluation and a plan of care with specific goals based on the child/family needs. A typical treatment will include preparation time, exercises/functional activities, and parent Q & A session. There are a variety of diagnoses that can benefit from intensive pediatric physical therapy, including but not limited to cerebral palsy, developmental delay, traumatic brain injuries, spina bifida, down syndrome, and other genetic conditions. UCP is launching a new Intensive Physical Therapy Program in Spring 2025! Our program outline Initial evaluation and Plan of Care (POC). Program: 1 week (M-F) Twice a day (2x) 60 minute sessions (2 hours each day) Schedule is tailored for each family according to their needs. Early Bird Rate Opportunity availabile How our program is competitive Other intensive therapy programs are extremely expensive, making them unattainable for many families. Parental education, modeling, and participation allow for greater understanding and follow-up. A diversity of activities is provided to keep the child engaged in the program. Program Details: Location: Seminole Campus, 756 N Sun Dr. Lake Mary FL Program Days: Monday - Friday Program Duration: 1 week | twice a day (2x) | 60 minute sessions each Meet our Therapy Provider! Tiffany Dowling is a well-recognized pediatric physical therapist in the Central Florida area with 27 years of experience in the evaluation and intervention of children with diverse differential diagnoses. Mrs. Dowling has extensive knowledge in the treatment of children with complex musculoskeletal and neurodevelopmental conditions. She has been an integral part of pre-and post-surgical rehabilitation programs for multiple children in our community. Mrs. Dowling is a great communicator, generating confidence in families during the entirety of each pediatric therapy program. To sign up for this program, contact: Tiffany Gressley tgressley@ucpcfl.org

Written by Abigail Raines, Speech-Language Pathologist AAC Specialist The holiday season is just around the corner, and now is the perfect time to find special gifts that your child will love! There are so many toys to choose from but not all toys are created equally. If you are looking for gifts that spark creativity, encourage exploration, and promote development and learning just remember the simple acronym “ GIFT ” while you are shopping this holiday season!   G : Gross Motor Toys -Gross motor skills refer to any movement that involves large muscles. Activities such as running, climbing, and jumping are gross motor activities. When shopping, look for toys or games that promote large movements like those we make with arms, legs, and trunk. Some suggestions include:  Ride-on toy car  Bowling set  Catch and stick Velcro mitts  I : Imagination and independence - Open ended toys such as puppets, dolls, dress up and play sets encourage problem solving skills, language skills, and social skills. These are toys that can be used multiple times in many ways. Some suggestions include:  Fort building kit  Pretend kitchen, ice cream stand, doctors kit  Art supplies    F : Fine motor toys- Fine motor activities are essential for tasks that require precise and coordinated movements that involve the use of small muscles in the wrist, hands, and fingers. These types of activities help children develop coordination, control, and strength. Toys that promote hand manipulation, along with arts and crafts activities, are examples to promote fine motor skills! Some suggestions include:  Drawing pads  Puzzles  Stringing beads  Building blocks    T : Time together - When looking for toys and games to purchase for your child, look for activities that increase time together. These types of toys and games promote communication, connection and collaboration among family members and friends, and support social and language skills. Some suggestions include:   Board games   Books  Building sets

Resources for Our UCP Charter School Families Written by: Gabriella Oliveira, MSW Family Engagement Coordinator As the holiday season approaches and hurricane season continues, we understand that many families may face challenges in accessing meals and support. At UCP Charter Schools, we are committed to ensuring that all our students and their families have the resources they need during these times. Below are important resources and information on how to access holiday meals and assistance during hurricane season. Accessing Holiday Meals Agency/Organization Name Information/Location Date (if applicable) Pendas Law Firm: Free Turkey Giveaway 625 E Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL 32803 November 26, 2024 at 8:30 am Thanksgiving Project 2024 (Osceola County) Click Here to Apply Saturday, November 23, 2024 Thanksgiving Project 2024 (Seminole County) Click Here to Apply Saturday, November 23, 2024 Thanksgiving Project 2024 (Orange County) Click Here to Apply Saturday, November 23, 2024 Aldi Family Thanksgiving Deal 10 person meal basket for $47 Until November 27, 2024 Many local organizations offer regular meal assistance. Visit Second Harvest Food Bank to find a food distributor near you if you and your family require additional assistance. State Assistance Programs: Families may qualify for state assistance programs such as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). For more information, visit their website to apply. If you require assistance with applying for government benefits programs, the agencies below are able to assist with the application and refer you to available benefit programs that best address your families' needs. United Against Poverty: 407-650-0774 ext. 435 Samaritan Resource Center: 407-482-0600 Orange County Community Action-East Orange: 407-254-9385 Caribbean Community Connection of Orlando, Inc.: (407) 473-7616 Hurricane Season Support If you were impacted by a hurricane this season, resources are available to assist with recovery. Organizations like the Red Cross provide support, including food, shelter, and recovery assistance. Visit Red Cross website for more information. If your child/student was absent due to hurricane related circumstances, please complete the Excused Absence Form below and return to your school administration as soon as possible. How We Can Help at UCP Charter Schools If you or someone you know needs assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out and download our UCP Parent Resource Guide below. Our clinical counselors are available to provide support and connect families with necessary resources. Reach out to your school staff to get connected with local resources that are available to you and your family. Together, we can ensure that every family feels supported and cared for during this holiday season and throughout hurricane season. Thank you for being a part of our community!