Supporting Safe and Successful Feeding
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Feeding Tips for Young Children
Early feeding experiences play an important role in supporting oral motor development, safety, and positive mealtime routines. Creating a calm, structured environment helps children explore foods while building the skills needed for safe and confident eating.
• Always supervise meals and have your child seated upright.
• Avoid eating in car seats or while on the go.
• Introduce a variety of age-appropriate textures gradually and without pressure.
• Model family meals and allow children to see others eating the same foods.
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CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH
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Honor the past. Celebrate the present. Shape the future.
Children are never too young to begin learning about the beauty of humanity. These early understandings can be supported by intentionally exposing children to varied representations in their everyday experiences.
Families and caregivers can encourage this learning through conversations, books, music, and play-based activities. For infants and toddlers, reading books is a simple and meaningful way to celebrate differences. Representation can also be reinforced through dolls, toys, and music from a variety of cultures and artists.
Recommended books for young children:
• One Love by Bob and Cedella Marley, Illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton
• Leo Loves Baby Time by Anna McQuinn, Illustrated by Ruth Hearson
• Baby's Big World Book Series by Rob DelGaudio, Illustrated by Hilli Kushnir
• Whose Toes are Those? By Jabari Asim, Illustrated by LeUyen Pham
• Mae Among the Stars by Roda Ahmed, Illustrated by Stasia Burrington
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Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)
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Helping Kids Grow with Love and PRIDE: How PCIT Tips Can Support Your Child
At the heart of strong family relationships is connection, and that's exactly what PCIT (Parent-Child Interaction Therapy) helps build. One powerful way to support your child is by using the PRIDE skills: Praise, Reflect, Imitate, Describe, and Enjoyment. These skills make everyday moments more positive and meaningful.
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UPCOMING PARENTING GROUP SESSIONS
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The Nurturing Parenting Program is currently recruiting for its January 2026 cohort. See specific group details below. For further questions or information, please email Krizia Warren, our Program Director, at kwarren22@miami.edu or call 305-243-0053.
Tuesdays from 9:00-11:00 am
Location: Linda Ray Intervention Center
January 6, 2026 - March 17, 2026
Thursdays from 10:00-12:00 pm
Location: Coral Reef Branch Library
January 8, 2026 - March 19, 2026
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Wednesdays from 2:30-4:30 pm
Location: Linda Ray Intervention Center
January 7, 2026 - March 18, 2026
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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.
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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.
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The Miami-Dade County Public Schools program provides services for children with disabilities ages 3-5.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Calendar Of Upcoming Events
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The mission of the University of Miami Linda Ray Intervention Center is to support and facilitate positive developmental outcomes with high-quality services, thereby improving young children's school readiness and future student achievement.
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