Click here to complete the 2013-2014 Pre-K SPED Program Evaluation
(Pre-K SPED Teachers from M-DCPS only please)

Thanks to Jillian Landers from Biscayne Elementary for the link to this very informative online article on autism:

10 Things We Know About Autism That We Didn't Know a Year Ago

Sunshine State News reported: "Whatever happens, prekindergarten special education teacher Alex Lopes -- Florida 2013 Teacher of the Year -- is already a winner. But on Thursday he found out he's one of four finalists for the prestigious National Teacher of the Year award... Lopes joins teachers from Maryland, New Hampshire and Washington for the honor. The winner will be announced at a White House ceremony during National Recognition Week April 16-21, 2013, in Washington, D.C."

The Florida State Department of Education press release reported: "Governor Rick Scott said, 'Florida's teachers are the backbone of our classrooms and they help students obtain the skills and talents they will need to get a job, build a family, and live their version of the American Dream. I look forward to continuing to find ways we can support our educators so they have the tools they need to succeed. On behalf of all Floridians, I would like to wish Alex the best of luck.'

'Florida has a strong tradition of quality, passionate educators and Mr. Lopes is no exception,' said Commissioner of Education Dr. Tony Bennett. 'It is important to recognize those who go above and beyond in the teaching profession and serve our students so diligently. I congratulate Mr. Lopes on being a finalist for one of our nation's highest teaching honors.' "

The news brief from the CCSSO can be found here.

Below are congratulatory messages for Alex beginning on Thursday, January 17, 2013 when he was named one of the National Finalists...Email messages to smiguel@dadeschools.net and I will post them here.

Dear Pre-K SPED Teachers and Staff: Alex Lopes, Pre-K LEAP teacher at Carol City Elementary, has been named one of four finalists , for the National Teacher of the Year. The other 3 finalists are High School teachers. GO PRE- K! ... Dolores Mendoza, Executive Director for Pre-K SPED

CONGRATULATIONS ALEX!!!! We are all extremely happy and proud of you. Your pre-k family wishes you all the best. What a wonderful honor. We are already making plans. ... Cecilia Nunez, Supervisor for Pre-K SPED

See you in DC! Congratulations Alex! We will all visualize you as the winner! WYW... Maria de la Vega, Prekindergarten Lead Staffing Specialist

Dear Alex, You have made the Pre-K Family very proud. Eventhough you came to us already very knowledgeable and experienced personally and professionaly, it is encouraging to see teachers that have been trained by the Prekindergarten Program for Children with Disabilites succed in the field of early childhood special education as you have. I wish you all the best. In my heart and thoughts, you have already won!
Big Hug, Zilkia M. Rodriguez

Team Alex, all the way!  Next stop Washington DC, all aboard? ...  Ericka Holts, Pre-SPED Teacher, Carol City Elementary

OF COURSE HE IS! Way to go, Alex! Can't wait to celebrate when they crown you king!
HUGS. Jean Dawson, Pre-K SPED Teacher, Everglades K-8 Center

Congratulations to Alex! ... Michelle Sampson, Pre-K SPED Teacher, Coconut Grove Elementary

Congratulations you represent us well! ... Maria Leon Rodriguez, Pre-K SPED Teacher/SLP, Charles Hadley Elementary

OMG  That is awesome!  Good Luck Pre-K and Good Luck Alex!  :-)... Elizabeth Muniz, Pre-K SPED Teacher, Dr. E.L.Whigham Elementary

Whoo hoo congratulations Alex! We are not surprised – you totally deserve it! Wishing you all the best! ... Lauren Tracy, Pre-K SPED Teacher, Ludlam Elementary

Congratulation Alex and  Mr. Mitchell! This is wonderful news ... Minerva Lazo, Pre-K SPED Teacher, Dr. E.L.Whigham Elementary

Congratulations to Alex and Mr. Mitchell for doing such an awesome job!!! So very proud of both of you! Go Pre-K!! ... Marsha Erdmann, Pre-K SPED Teacher, Tropical Elementary

Congratulations to our very own Alex Lopes! You have made us proud yet again ...
Marlene Cunningham, Pre-K Sped Teacher, Carol City Elementary

CONGRATULATIONS ALEX!!!! We are all sooooo happy and proud of you ... Susan Ramsey, Pre-K Sped Teacher, Gulfstream Elementary

Congratulations Alex!  You make us very proud.  Way to go!!! ... Zaida Perez, Pre-K Sped Teacher, Chapman Elementary

Way to go!! Congratulations!! You've made us all proud!! ... Delia Katz, Pre-K Sped Teacher, Tropical Elementary

Congratulations Alex!! You have made us all proud!! ... Conchita de la Campa, Pre-K SPED Teacher, Bent Tree Elementary

AWESOME NEWS!! CONGRATULATIONS!! ... Lourdes De Dios, Pre-K SPED Teacher, C.R.Hadley Elementary

You have certainly put PreK and ESE more solidly on the map! : ) Good luck!! ... Deanna DeCario, PreK ESE Teacher, South Miami K-8 Center

Hi Alex, We are all so proud of you!! It is an honor for us to have the privilege of knowing you! Congratulations!! ... Ms. Elvia Hernandez, Pre-K ESE Teacher
Liberty City Elementary School

What's New?

4/8/13 - Photos from Claude Pepper Elementary on Dr. Seuss Day have been posted in the Photo Gallery - thanks to Marian Tejada for sharing.

4/8/13 - An updated lesson plan template for TEACCH/ASD classes has been posted in Teacher Handbook, Apendix E and M.

4/8/13 - New Boardmaker board and phrase suggestions featuring Core Vocabulary by Dearta Smith has been posted on the Boardmaker page.

3/11/13 - The Suggested Goals for Common Core for Kindergarten have been reformatted into one document to fit on 3 pages: download here or in Teacher Handbook Appendix B6 or V6.

3/5/13 - NEW Suggested IEP Goals for Kindergarten based on the Common Core have been posted in the Teacher Handbook Appendix B6 and V6.

3/5/13 - New forms posted in the Teacher Handbook, Appendix L - Vision Resources, including consent for free eye exam and eyeglasses.

2/19/13 - Temporary Instructor/Substitute Day for POST-Assessments Form updated - be sure to use the most current form.

1/22/13 - "Positive Parenting Practices for Young Children with Autism and Other Developmental Delays " SPRING training sessions have been posted on the For Families page (in English).

1/22/13 - Anunciando nuevos "Enseñanzas Positivas Para Los Padres de Niños Pequeños con
Autismo y Otros Atrasos en el Desarrollo" el la página Para Familias (en Español).

1/16/13 - New forms added to the Teacher Handbook Appendix N for the Functional Assessment of Behavior process.

1/11/13 - Assistive Technology Implementation Plan (ATIP) form updated, please use new form from now on. Assistive Technology Procedures updated 1/15/13.

1/11/13 - Kindergarten Transition Power Point presentations on the Power Points page have been update for 2012-2013 for teachers who may be doing presentations to parents.

Autism Academy Applications for 2013-2014 School Year

Application Information

Application Form

..........................more