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Upcoming January Training

January 28th, 2026

Supporting Play as an Important Learning Tool

Claryza Pujol, M.S., CCC-SLP, Speech Language Pathologist

The purpose of this presentation is to highlight the importance of play, explore various types of play, and demonstrate how caregivers can make accommodations and facilitate play within the home.

Date/Time: Wednesday, January 28th, 5 pm.
Target Audience: Families, caregivers, and professionals.
Infants and Toddlers, ages 0-5.

REGISTER to receive the Zoom Link

 

Different Types of Play

Play helps children learn, grow, and connect.

Exploring different types of play with your child:

Free Play
Child-led play without adult direction, encouraging creativity and discovery.
Examples: Playing with blocks, pretending with dolls or action figures.

Child-Directed Play
One-on-one play where the child leads, and the adult follows.
Examples: Letting your child choose a board game and building together in the way your child decides.

Guided Play
Play supported by an adult with a learning goal in mind.
Examples: Asking “I wonder what will happen if…?” during a puzzle, counting toys together while playing.


 

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)

Helping Kids Grow with Love and PRIDE: How PCIT Tips Can Support Your Child

PRIDE Skill 4: Describe

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.

 

UPCOMING PARENTING GROUP SESSIONS

Morning Groups

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

Afternoon Groups

Wednesdays from 2:30-4:30 pm
Location: Linda Ray Intervention Center

January 7, 2026 - March 18, 2026 

 

About Us

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.

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RESOURCES

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.

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M-DCPS Prekindergarten Program for Children with Disabilities

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

mdcps logo

 

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. 

 211 miami logo

 

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.

the children's trust logo green

 

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.

resiliency florida logo


 

Calendar Of Upcoming Events

Jan
13

9:00 am

Parenting Group

Jan
14

2:30 pm

Parenting Group

Jan
16

12:00 am

Teacher Workday - No School

Jan
19

12:00 am

Martin Luther King Jr. Day - Center closed

Jan
28

5:00 pm

Zoom Training: Supporting Play as an Important Learning Tool

 

Connect With Us


 

Our Mission

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.