Singing to your child isn’t just fun - it’s also a meaningful way to support their development. Here’s how:

• Bonding:  Your voice is comforting. When you sing, your child connects with you and feels a sense of safety and love.

• Daily Routines:  Songs can help make daily transitions easier. A wake-up song, a cleanup tune, or a bedtime lullaby helps your child know what’s coming next, making routines feel predictable and safe.

• Language Development:  Singing helps your child learn how words sound and how we use them to communicate. Every time you sing, you're helping them build early language skills.

• Building Vocabulary:  Songs introduce new words. If you sing about a dog while holding a stuffed animal, your child begins to link the word "dog" to the toy and the real thing later on!

• Learning Rhythm and Rhyme:  Music is full of patterns. As children listen, they start to pick up on rhyming words and rhythms, both important for learning to read later.

• Fun and Play:  Singing is a form of play! “Sing-play” makes everyday moments more fun and helps you connect with your child in joyful ways.

• Listening Skills:  Just like reading, singing encourages listening. It helps your child tune in to sounds, emotions, and the flow of language.

With sunny days ahead, it’s the perfect time to get outside and enjoy the season! While you're making memories, it's important to keep safety top of mind—especially for our littlest explorers.  Here are some simple, smart tips to help keep toddlers safe, happy, and healthy all summer long:

☀️ Sun Protection
• Avoid outdoor play between 10 AM and 4 PM, when the sun’s rays are strongest.
• Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) every two hours, and after swimming or sweating.
• Dress kids in lightweight, light-colored clothing with long sleeves.
• Don’t forget wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses with UV protection!

💧 Hydration
• Offer water regularly—even if they don't ask for it.
• Include water-rich snacks like watermelon, oranges, and cucumbers.
• Watch for signs of dehydration, such as dry lips, fewer wet diapers, or tiredness.

🏖️ Water Safety
• Always provide close, undistracted supervision near pools, lakes, or any water.
• Use U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets for all water activities.
• Teach basic water safety habits early, like walking (not running) near pools.

Let’s work together to keep this summer safe, fun, and full of sunshine for all our families! 🌼

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.