Starting school is a big step, and there are some simple things you can do to help your child feel more comfortable:

• Visit the school together:  Before the first day, take a trip to the school so your child can see where they’ll be spending their time.

• Explore and play:  Walk around the building or let your child play on the playground. Being familiar with the space can help ease any first-day nerves.

• Practice being apart:  Try short times away from your child with someone they trust, and slowly build up. This helps your child learn that you’ll always come back.

• Meet the teacher:  If possible, set up a quick visit with your child’s teacher before school starts. A friendly face on the first day makes a big difference.

• Say goodbye with love:  Keep drop-offs short and positive. A quick hug, a special handshake, or a cheerful wave can make goodbyes easier for both of you.

Ribbon-Cutting at UM Linda Ray Intervention Center, Best Friends Park!

On June 26, 2025, our community came together for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the UM Linda Ray Intervention Center's Best Friends Park, a brand-new playground featuring a fresh, new surface. A huge, heartfelt thank you to the LBA Latin Builders Association and its President, Anthony R. Gomez, Vanguard Civil Engineering, Michael R. Peruyera, Alyssa Ramos, and Noelia Moreno.

Your commitment, vision, and generosity brought this space to life for the children and families we serve. We’re deeply grateful for your leadership and partnership in creating a safe, joyful place to learn and play.

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.