Support learning, creativity, and meaningful play with the right toys

Toys for Ages 0 - 5 (with simple modifications)

This holiday season, choosing developmentally appropriate toys can support learning, creativity, and meaningful play for children ages 0-5. With simple modifications, these toys can be easily adapted to meet the needs of little ones with developmental delays, sensory differences, or motor challenges, so every child can participate and enjoy playtime. Toys that support Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices and switch access can enhance a child’s ability to communicate needs and wants, promote engagement in play and social interaction, support learning of cause and effect, and ensure play is accessible for children with a range of abilities.

0-12 Months
Great Toys:
Soft rattles, tummy-time mirrors, teething toys, fabric books, activity mats.

Modifications:
Choose bright, high-contrast toys.  Use clips/Velcro to bring toys closer and offer larger, easy-to-grab items.

12-24 Months
Great Toys:
Stacking cups, shape sorters, push toys, simple instruments, chunky puzzles.

Modifications:
Use puzzles with bigger knobs; add textures to toys; choose sturdy push toys for extra support.

2–3 Years
Great Toys:
Pretend-play sets, Duplo blocks, simple art supplies, cause-and-effect toys, ride-ons.

Modifications:
Offer thicker crayons, switch-activated toys, and fewer items at once to make play easier to follow.

3–5 Years
Great Toys:
Building sets, matching games, dress-up, playdough, sensory bins, and beginner STEM toys.

Modifications:
Use adapted or quieter sensory materials and visual cues for turn-taking and transitions.

Fake Snow for Pretend Play

1. Mix 2 1/2 cups of pure baking soda with 1/2 cup white hair conditioner in a large bowl.

2. Stir the mixture until the ingredients are well combined. Transfer it to a large bin for children to play with.

3. Enjoy hours of sensory play! Provide children with materials such as arctic animals, toy trucks, and/or a spatula and spoon to use as a makeshift shovel.

For Infants: Place fake snow in a Ziploc bag and let them pat and squish the snow.

Tip: Add more baking soda if you wish to make your "snow" less wet. You can multiply this recipe if you need to make a larger batch of snow.

Note: Adults should always supervise, as small children may be tempted to put the snow in their mouths or rub their eyes. Wash your little one's hands immediately after using the snow.

Programs At Our Center

FDLRS-UM Multidisciplinary Educational Services Center

The University of Miami, Linda Ray Intervention Center, is one of six regional Florida Diagnostic & Learning Resources System (FDLRS) Multidisciplinary Educational Services Centers. Our center provides diagnostic evaluation, consultation, technical assistance, and pre-service and in-service training to families, teachers, school district personnel, and community support providers concerning children and youth with complex medical, emotional, or behavioral problems.

Early Intervention Program

In partnership with Miami-Dade County Public Schools and the University of Miami's North Dade Early Steps Program, the Center is an Early Intervention Birth-Two (B-2) provider for young children with developmental delays or disabilities. Our B-2 program provides related service support, including speech and language, occupational, and infant mental health. This program is offered year-round.

Parenting Program

Utilizing the evidence-based model, The Nurturing Program for Parents and their Children with Special Needs and Health Challenges®, the program recognizes that each family has a unique history, value system, cultural identity, and combination of strengths and challenges. Parents and their children learn positive and caring, nurturing skills as a family in a group-based setting. Individual family support is also provided as needed through consultation and referrals.

Research

A research institute that is focused on developing evidence-based, best practice models.

Our Referral Link

Please find our referral form and QR code below to register for a screening or evaluation, a birth-to-two center placement, or the parenting program.

FDLRS-Florida Diagnostic & Learning Resources System

FDLRS is an IDEA-funded state Project of the Florida Department of Education, Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services (BEESS). It provides information, training, and support to families to promote effective parent participation in the education of children who are exceptional and/or have special needs. Services include assistance in developing family-friendly programs, training, support for services for children with disabilities, and supporting partnerships between schools and parents to support student achievement.

M-DCPS Prekindergarten Program for Children with Disabilities

The Miami-Dade County Public Schools program provides services for children with disabilities ages 3-5.

211 Miami

A program of Jewish Community Services of South Florida, Inc. is a confidential helpline that connects people in need to community resources available in Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties. 211 Miami has an extensive database of over 4,000 programs and resources for social service assistance, addressing food insecurity, legal help, homeless shelters, and financial assistance programs. 

The Children's Trust

Established by voter referendum in 2002, The Children’s Trust is a dedicated source of revenue derived from property taxes, committed to positively impacting the lives of children and families in Miami-Dade County.

Resiliency Florida

Florida is leading a first-in-the-nation approach that empowers students to persevere and overcome life’s inevitable challenges. The Florida Department of Education developed state education standards and resources to equip students with skills that build resiliency.