Written by: Elise Hartigan, Curriculum & Instruction Autism Specialist Parenting a child with a disability comes with unique joys, challenges, and learning experiences. Every child grows and learns differently, and while there is no perfect roadmap, small intentional steps can make a big difference in helping children feel confident, supported, and successful both at home and in the classroom. At UCP Charter Schools, we believe strong partnerships between families and educato

Written by: Vanessa Ewbank, Professional Learning Specialist Let’s be honest, engagement is more than students sitting quietly, looking at the board, or finishing an assignment. Students can be compliant and still not truly be engaged. Real engagement happens when students are thinking, participating, making connections, and actively interacting with learning. The good news? You do not need to wait until the end of a lesson to figure out if something is working. Small clues t

We’ve all experienced it: the lesson is going well, students are engaged, and then it’s time to transition to small groups. Suddenly, the energy shifts. Materials are moving, voices get louder, and the focus starts to fade. It’s easy to find ourselves responding to behavior after challenges occur. But what if we could provide students with the support they need before those challenging moments begin? Pre-correction is a simple, proactive behavior support strategy that helps t

Written by: Sarah Magalhaes Every classroom brings together a unique mix of students, personalities, and learning needs. Whether it is the start of the year or a new group forming midstream, those first interactions set an important tone. There is often excitement as students get to know you and each other, along with the natural uncertainty that comes with establishing new routines and relationships. One of the most powerful ways to create a positive and productive classroom

At UCP of Central Florida, Brianna Mati serves as a Staffing Resource Specialist and 504 Coordinator, supporting schools in the development of effective, compliant, and student-centered special education practices. Her work focuses on overseeing IEP and 504 implementation, coordinating student support initiatives, and coaching educators on evidence-based strategies that strengthen outcomes for students with disabilities. Drawing on her background as both an ESE educator and s

At UCP of Central Florida, supporting students with complex communication needs goes far beyond evaluation. It requires consistency, collaboration, and a deep understanding of how communication fits into every part of a student’s day. That is where Abigail Raines has focused her work. Abigail joined UCP in 2018 as a school-based speech-language pathologist. Through her work in classrooms, she saw firsthand the challenges teams face when trying to implement Augmentative and Al

At UCP Charter Schools, we operate under a profound belief: every child has the right to an education and a life without limits. Since 2001, we have grown from a small group of three schools to a network of eight, serving over 2,000 students. Over time, UCP has cultivated a unique instructional model that works for students with the most complex learning needs. Today, we are thrilled to announce the next phase of our journey: The UCP Institute . Beyond our Classrooms For ove

Over the years, the landscape of education continues to evolve toward a single goal: ensuring that every student, regardless of learning profile, has access to high-quality instruction in the least restrictive environment. Research shows that providing students with “access” alone isn’t enough. True inclusion requires moving beyond mere physical presence toward the implementation of systemic, evidence-based practices. So, what is the next step in the journey for inclusive edu

For many years, the standard approach for students requiring specialized support was the “pull-out” model. In this approach, students leave their classrooms, miss core instruction, and work on therapeutic goals in a separate setting with a therapist. While the intention is to provide focused care, the result often leads to a fragmented school day and a disconnect between therapeutic goals and academic achievement. At the UCP Institute, we advocate for a different future: the

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

Written by: Anna O'Connor-Morin The Best Ways to Collaborate with Your Child's Teachers - A Parent-Friendly Guide for All Learners During each school year, one of the most important steps you can take is building a strong partnership with your child’s teachers. Whether your child is in general education or receives additional support for unique abilities, consistent and positive collaboration between home and school makes a big difference. Here are some parent-friendly ways t