Welcome to our Sixth Edition of FOUNDATIONS of Education. The purpose of our quarterly newsletter is to provide resources to educators, introduce the best learning techniques for people with Down syndrome, and provide training and workshops for school personnel. Our goal is for educators to be equipped and knowledgeable on best practices for a successful classroom!

MAGIC OF INCLUSION 3/21/24

Congratulations to our 2024 Champion of Inclusion Nominees!

Click here to learn more about each nominee.

Second Annual Breakfast of Champions-At a Glance!

This past October, our PARTNERS IN EDUCATION program hosted teachers from eight public school districts, the Diocese of Orlando and UCP of Central Florida at UCF Morgridge International Reading Center for a half-day workshop that provided research based best practices on teaching students with Down syndrome and INCLUSION. In addition to the instruction, teachers had a “make & take” session so they would have new tools to use in the classroom immediately.

We’d like to extend a HUGE THANK YOU to Rotary Club of Orlando for being a sponsor of our annual BREAKFAST of CHAMPIONS!

Here are just a few of the comments from the teachers who participated:

"I enjoyed how knowledgeable the speakers were, and our opportunity to make and take materials to use for our students with Down syndrome. "

“This was my first ever teacher workshop and as a student who is going to school to become a teacher I found it VERY beneficial. I am so excited to come to more (workshops) in my teaching future!!"

"Everyone was amazing! Thank you for your support! "

"I really appreciate all of you and your hard work and dedication."



"The workshops were great, thumbs up!"

You weren't able to attend? No problem! Click here to access to our website AND our slideshow from Breakfast of Champions

Did you Know?

Did you know that in 2016, Florida Postsecondary Comprehensive Transition Program Act was signed. This led to establishing the Florida Center for Students with Unique Abilities at the University of Central Florida. The “Center” is in charge of managing the Florida Postsecondary Comprehensive Transition Program application and approval process.

This purpose of the ACT is to:

*increase independent living 

*inclusive and experiential postsecondary education

*employment opportunities

*certificate/non degree programs

*provide statewide coordination of information for programs and services 

To view the list of programs that offer Postsecondary Programs: click here

To learn more about these programs, click the links below.

Florida Atlantic

Seahawk NEST Academy (Navigating Education for Student Transition)

River State College: Project Stage Academy

Project SAINT - Prepare for College

SEU Link - Southeastern University

Eagle Connections - Tallahassee Community College

Titans Up || St. Petersburg College

Inclusive Education Services - UCF

Helpful Resources

UF Literacy Institute

University of Florida Literacy Institute (UFLI, pronounced “you fly”). UFLI is an ongoing effort by UF faculty, students, and staff to improve literacy outcomes for children learning to read. 

The work of UFLI focuses on two main areas: teacher development and reader development. The place where those two overlap … that is where the work of UFLI lives.



LP Online: The Learning Program

LP Online is an online learning community based on The Learning Program and serves as a platform for sharing strategies, resources and activities to improve academic outcomes for students with Down syndrome. LP Online equips participants with knowledge and tools to work effectively with students with Down syndrome in home and school settings.

Opportunities available with

The FOUNDATION

Did you know we can come to YOU?

March is HERE!

Click HERE to schedule a visit from our Educational Specialist to come and read a story to your class for National Read Across America Day.

We would also like to come and CELEBRATE with you in March for World Down Syndrome Day (3/21- people with Down syndrome have 3 of the 21st chromosome). Schedule today and we'll even bring a free copy of Owen the Wonderer.

Have you checked out our updated Educator resources on our website?

Follow us on Pinterest for GREAT Educational Resources and tips!