Miami

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Special Education

Miami offers a range of special education programs and support services to meet the needs of students with disabilities or learning challenges.

Sections

1. Categories of Services Available

Special Education services in Miami are designed to meet the needs of children with disabilities, as defined under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). These services are provided through Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS), private schools, and specialized institutions. Key categories of services include:

a. Early Intervention Services

  • For children aged 0-3 years, early intervention services are provided through the Florida Early Steps program. These services include speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and developmental support.
  • Early Steps is coordinated through local agencies and focuses on helping children with developmental delays or disabilities.

b. Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)

  • For children aged 3-21, public schools in Miami provide IEPs tailored to the specific needs of each student. Services may include:
    • Speech and language therapy
    • Occupational therapy
    • Physical therapy
    • Behavioral therapy
    • Specialized instruction in small group settings
    • Assistive technology
    • Counseling and psychological services

c. 504 Plans

  • For students with disabilities who do not qualify for an IEP but still require accommodations, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act ensures access to services such as extended test time, modified assignments, or physical accessibility.

d. Specialized Programs

  • Miami-Dade County Public Schools offer specialized programs for students with autism, intellectual disabilities, emotional/behavioral disorders, hearing or visual impairments, and other exceptionalities. Examples include:
    • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) programs
    • Gifted programs for twice-exceptional students (students with disabilities who are also gifted)
    • Emotional/Behavioral Disability (EBD) programs

e. Transition Services

  • For students aged 14 and older, transition services are provided to prepare them for post-secondary education, employment, and independent living. These services include vocational training, life skills education, and job placement assistance.

f. Private Therapy and Support Services

  • Miami has a robust network of private providers offering services such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy. These services are often used to supplement school-based programs.

2. Eligibility Procedures

Eligibility for Special Education services in Miami follows federal and state guidelines. The process typically involves the following steps:

a. Referral

  • A parent, teacher, or healthcare provider can refer a child for evaluation if they suspect a disability.

b. Evaluation

  • The school district conducts a comprehensive evaluation to determine the child’s needs. This may include assessments by psychologists, speech therapists, occupational therapists, and other specialists.
  • Evaluations are free of charge for students in public schools.

c. Eligibility Determination

  • A team of professionals, including the child’s parents, reviews the evaluation results to determine eligibility under IDEA. The child must meet the criteria for one of the 13 disability categories (e.g., autism, specific learning disability, intellectual disability).

d. Development of an IEP

  • If eligible, an IEP is developed to outline the child’s goals, services, and accommodations. Parents are active participants in this process.

e. Annual Review

  • The IEP is reviewed annually to ensure it continues to meet the child’s needs. Reevaluations are conducted every three years or as needed.

3. Costs

  • Public Schools: Special Education services provided through Miami-Dade County Public Schools are free of charge for eligible students.
  • Private Schools and Therapy: Costs for private schools and therapy services vary widely. For example:
    • ABA therapy can cost $120-$200 per hour.
    • Private schools for children with special needs may charge tuition ranging from $10,000 to $40,000 per year.
  • Insurance Coverage: Many private therapy services are covered by health insurance, including Medicaid. Florida also offers the Gardiner Scholarship (now part of the Family Empowerment Scholarship) to help families pay for private school tuition and therapy.

4. Local Schools and Institutions Offering Special Education Programs

Miami is home to a variety of public and private schools, as well as specialized institutions, that cater to children with special needs. Below are some notable options:

a. Public Schools (Miami-Dade County Public Schools)

  • Exceptional Student Education (ESE): M-DCPS provides ESE services in all public schools. Some schools have dedicated programs for specific disabilities, such as autism or hearing impairments.
  • Specialized Centers:
    • Robert Renick Educational Center: Focuses on students with emotional/behavioral disorders.
    • J.R.E. Lee Educational Center: Offers alternative education for students with special needs.

b. Private Schools

  • The Carrie Brazer Center for Autism: Provides individualized education and therapy for children with autism and related disorders.
  • The Learning Links School: Focuses on students with learning disabilities and ADHD.
  • The Victory Center for Autism and Behavioral Challenges: Offers ABA-based education for children with autism.
  • The Vanguard School: Serves students with learning disabilities, ADHD, and other exceptionalities.

c. Specialized Institutions

  • UM-NSU CARD (Center for Autism and Related Disabilities): Provides support, training, and resources for families of children with autism.
  • Easterseals South Florida: Offers early intervention, therapy, and education for children with disabilities.

5. Additional Considerations

a. Cultural and Linguistic Diversity

  • Miami is a multicultural city with a large Hispanic population. Many schools and service providers offer bilingual (English/Spanish) support for families.

b. Transportation

  • Miami-Dade County Public Schools provide free transportation for students with disabilities if it is included in their IEP.

c. Advocacy and Support Groups

  • Parent to Parent of Miami: Offers workshops, advocacy training, and support for families of children with disabilities.
  • Disability Independence Group (DIG): Provides legal advocacy and resources for individuals with disabilities.

d. Legal Rights

  • Parents have the right to dispute decisions made by the school district through mediation or due process hearings. Organizations like Disability Rights Florida can provide legal assistance.

e. Post-Secondary Options

  • Miami offers programs like Project SEARCH, which provides job training and internships for young adults with disabilities. Local colleges, such as Miami Dade College, also have support services for students with disabilities.

6. Key Contacts

  • Miami-Dade County Public Schools Exceptional Student Education (ESE): Website | Phone: (305) 995-2027
  • Florida Early Steps Program: Website | Phone: (800) 218-0001
  • Parent to Parent of Miami: Website | Phone: (305) 271-9797
  • UM-NSU CARD: Website | Phone: (305) 284-6563

Conclusion

Miami offers a wide range of Special Education services to support children with disabilities and their families. From free public school programs to private institutions and community resources, families have access to a variety of options tailored to their needs. Understanding the eligibility process, available services, and local resources is key to ensuring your child receives the support they need to thrive.