SUPPORTFOR PARENTS OF STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

ACADEMIC AND AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS (neafamily.com/directory/ccps-activity-guides)Neapolitan Family partnered with Collier County Public Schools to produce an Activities Guide that lists academic and after-school programs. Published three times each year, this Activities Guide is available through your child’s school in August, December, and April.

CAMP ABLE - ST. MARK’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH (info@campable.com)1101 North Collier Boulevard, Marco Island - 239.394.7242

CITY OF NAPLES (www.naplesgov.com - jfox@naplesgov.com)1600 Fleischmann Boulevard, Naples - 239.213.3020 Offers a variety of activities year-round that range from preschool age to adults including arts, water sports, language, and more. Specialty camps offered for children age preschool to teens. They also offer a summer camp specifically for children with special needs (located at River Park).

COLLIER COUNTY PARKS & RECREATION (www.collierparks.com - pegruby@colliergov.net)15000 Livingston Road, Naples - 239.252.4045 Offers a variety of affordably-priced special needs programs at the Golden Gate Community Park, including Kids’ Fun Night, Let’s Ride a Bike, Holiday Parties, and Accessible Sailing.

CONSERVANCY OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA (www.conservancy.org - info@conservancy.org)1495 Smith Preserve Way, Naples - 239.262.0304 Designed for children age 18 months to 5 years old, the Little Explorer Play Zone allows young conservationists to explore nature and discover wildlife through multi-sensory, interactive activities, stories, and animal-themed crafts. This area is open for free play from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. every day the Nature Center is open.

DIABETES DAY CAMP - GREATER MARCO FAMILY YMCA (hlpdiabeticchild@aol.net)101 Sand Hill Street, Marco Island - 239.821.5051

LOCAL ACTIVITIES FOR SPECIAL NEEDS

Collier County Public Schools’ (CCPS) Exceptional Student Education Department (ESE) has compiled information about organizations that offer support for parents of students with disabilities. We do realize that as a parent or guardian, it sometimes can be a daunting and time-consuming task to research available activities in the area. The providers included have indicated they provide services to children and youths with disabilities. The School District does not knowingly advertise a program/service which is fraudulent or misleading in nature.

Sharing the Commitmentwww.collierschools.com/page/8625Fosters sharing of information and strengthening the partnerships between parents, schools, and community agencies by providing a forum that promotes education, advocacy, and networking.

ESE Department Websitewww.collierschools.com/ese

ESE Parent Surveywww.esesurvey.com Survey open from February 1st - May 31st

Collier County Public Schools

KIDS CAMPSwww.kidscamps.com

SPECIAL NEEDS CAMP (Lee County)www.leegov.com/parks/programs/summer

NATHANIEL’S HOPEwww.nathanielshope.org

VERY SPECIAL CAMPSwww.veryspecialcamps.com

SUMMER CAMPSFLORIDA

FOR SPECIAL NEEDS

BUDDY BREAK NAPLESbuddybreaknaples@gmail.com5050 Davis Blvd., Naples - 239.272.8031Free monthly respite program for parents and siblings of children with special needs ages 2-16.

RESPITE CARE

DAVID LAWRENCE CENTER6075 Bathey Lane, Naples - 239.455.8500Offers children’s mental health treatment services including Inpatient Crisis Stabilization, Outpatient Services, Specialty Court-Related Services, and Holistic Therapies. Parenting Today classes are provided for parents of children 5-12 years of age.

NAMI OF COLLIER COUNTYwww.namicollier.org 5263 Golden Gate Pkwy, Naples - 239.260.7300Addresses prevention and intervention of social, emotional, behavioral, and mental health challenges for children 3 months to 18 years, providing screenings, Global Family Analysis, and system navigation. Support groups for parents of children diagnosed with a mental illness (ages 6-18).

BEHAVIORALHEALTH SERVICES

See reverse for additional resources

EARLY LEARNING COALITION OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA (elcofswf.org)239.935.6100 Provides child care resources and referrals, determines if families are eligible for child care financial assistance, provides Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) registration, and supports child care providers.

EMOTIONAL REGULATION BOOT CAMP (www.msaudra.com - audraboxma@yahoo.com)6734 Lone Oak Boulevard, Naples - 239.963.7274 Offers four hours of therapy per day to assist with emotional regulation. Occupational therapy helps with sensory issues, poor handwriting, and body awareness. The camp focuses on social skills training, anger management, self-esteem, positive self-talk, and conflict resolution. On Fridays, children and counselors go into the community and practice these skills in various environments. The program also offers social skills groups for children in grades 4-12, which meet every two weeks for 1.5 hours.

FREEDOM WATERS FOUNDATION (info@freedomwatersfoundation.org)239.449.9780 An adaptive sailing program offered at Sugden Regional Park on Lake Avalon through the season on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Individuals with physical and developmental challenges are welcome to learn to sail to the best of their abilities.

GOLISANO CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF NAPLES (www.cmon.org - info@cmon.org)15080 Livingston Road, Naples - 239.514.0084 Provides a wide variety of daily/weekly/monthly programs with an emphasis on science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. After-hour Sensory Nights for children on the autism spectrum and/or other sensory integration disorders are available on the 4th Tuesday of every month from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Cost is $5 per person over the age of one; free for members. Summer camps are also offered.

HOUSE OF GAIA (www.houseofgaia.org - salima@houseofgaia.org)1660 Trade Center Way, Naples - 239.272.6152 Provides a safe, fun, and creative environment with programs for children and adults with special needs.

KIDZACT - SUGDEN COMMUNITY THEATER (www.naplesplayers.org)701 5th Avenue South, Naples - 239.434.7340 ext. 127 or 239.263.7990 Offers sensory-friendly classes for children (ages 3 and up) with autism, Down Syndrome, and other sensory processing disorders. Also offers after-school, weekend, and summer theatre classes for ages 4-18. Scholarships are available.

LIGHTHOUSE OF COLLIER, INC (www.lighthouseofcollier.org - info@lighthouseofcollier.org)2685 Lighthouse Drive South, Suite 211, Naples - 239.430.3934 Fosters independence and enhances the quality of life for the blind, visually impaired, and their caregivers. Programs are available at no charge, including children’s events and summer camp. Also offers a transition program for students ages 14-22 that includes training skills for daily living, self-advocacy, job-seeking, assistive technology, and more.

LITTLE LEAGUE CHALLENGER DIVISIONFleischmann Park, Naples - 239.601.1387 Offers an adaptive baseball program for individuals with physical and intellectual challenges ages 4 to 18, or up to age 22 if still enrolled in school.

MAGNUM OPUS RANCH, INC - EQUINE-ASSISTED GROWTH FOR YOUTH(www.magnumopusranch.org - daphnie@magnumopusranch.org)256 Rose Apple Lane, Naples - 239.537.5960 Provides specialized horsemanship programs and clubs (Mustang Club, Saddle Riding Club) to help children and teens who are struggling with behavioral difficulties or disorders

NAPLES BOTANICAL GARDENS (www.naplesgarden.org - info@naplesgarden.org)4820 Bayshore Drive, Naples - 239.643.7275 Offers a W.O.N.D.E.R. weekend family program every Saturday and Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Explore the Children’s Garden with monthly themed lessons and activities.

NAPLES THERAPEUTIC RIDING CENTER (naplestherapeuticridingcenter.org - info@NTRC.org)206 Ridge Drive, Naples - 239.596.2988 Sessions include exercises and games while on horseback. Activities are tailored to the rider’s individual needs and designed to help improve their abilities.

NAPLES ZOO AT CARIBBEAN GARDENS (www.napleszoo.org - education@napleszoo.org)1590 Goodlette-Frank Road, Naples - 239.262.5409 Offers education and conservation programs, as well as Safari Squad family programs on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday every month for children ages 3-5. Free admission every 1st Saturday of each month for Collier County residents.

PARAGON MOVIE THEATERS (www.paragontheaters.com - questions@paragontheaters.com)833 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples - 239.596.0088 Monthly sensory-friendly movie screenings.

PAWS ASSISTANCE DOGS (www.pawsassistancedogs.org)239.775.1660 Provides skilled service and support assistance dogs to aid with mobility and other physical needs.

SPECIAL OLYMPICS FLORIDA (www.specialolympicscollier.org - info@specialolympicscollier.org)5450 YMCA Road - 239.775.1991 Year-round sports training and competition programs for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities, beginning at the age of 2. The traditional program offers 11 sports for individuals ages 8 and up, with no upper age limit. A Young Athletics Program (YAP) is offered for ages 2-7, teaching basic movement, coordination, and balance skills. Unified Champion Schools (formerly known as Project Unify) for middle and high school students uses sports and education to encourage students with and without disabilities to help create communities that accept everyone.

SWIM CENTRAL - NCH SAFE & HEALTHY CHILDREN’S COALITION (www.naples.younglife.org - miranda@naples.younglife.org)239.624.4033 Provides ten 30-minute classes over a two-week period where children with disabilities learn valuable water safety and swimming skills at no cost. This is a curriculum-based program taught by certified water safety instructors and lifeguards. Additionally, offers FREE home door and window alarms for at risk children.

YOUNG LIFE CAPERNAUM (www.naples.younglife.org - miranda@naples.younglife.org)239.595.7157 Offers programs throughout Collier County for middle and high school students including specialized programs for teen moms and kids with special needs.

EARLY STEPS (Health Planning Council)8961 Daniels Center Drive, Suite 401, Ft. Myers239.433.6706 Services for children (birth to 36 months) who have or are at-risk for developmental disabilities or delays.

FLORIDA HEALTH CHILDREN’SMEDICAL SERVICES1665 Medical Blvd., Naples - 239.513.7400Provides children under the age of 21 with special health care needs a family-centered, comprehensive, and coordinated system of care whose serious or chronic physical or developmental conditions require extensive preventive and ongoing care.

FLORIDA KIDCAREwww.floridakidcare.org - 888.544.KIDS (5437)Offers affordable health insurance for children from birth through age 18, even if one or both parents are working.

GOLISANO-NICKLAUS CHILDREN’SHEALTH CENTER3361 Pine Ridge Rd. Suite 201 - 239.254.5920Offers pediatric urgent care, rehabilitation services, and specialty medical consultations provided by Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida.

HEALTHCARE NETWORK OF SWFL FLORIDA239.658.3000 Comprehensive care for children through all stages of development.

NCH HEALTHCARE SYSTEMS239.624.5000 Pediatric outpatient rehabilitation services for infants, children, and teens.

VALERIE’S HOUSEwww.valerieshouseswfl.org - 239.841.9186info@valerieshouseswfl.org Provides grief support groups for children ages 4- 19 years old and their families in a warm, loving environment to help them connect with others their own age who are also grieving.

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATIONfldoe.org/academics/exceptional-student-edu

FLORIDA DIAGNOSTIC AND LEARNING RESOURCES SYSTEMS (FDLRS)www.leeschools.net/parent-services239.337.8363 or 239.337.8199 (Child Find)Provides information, training, and support to families of students with exceptionalities to promote effective parent participation in the education of children as part of the public school system.

FDLRS Child Find offers free screenings for children (birth to 5 years of age) who have or are at-risk of developing disabilities or learning problems.

SOUTH FLORIDA PARENT CENTER820 23rd Street SW, Naples - 239.417.3636wilburhawke@sfptic.orgOffers parents of children with disabilities resources, information, special education training, and help with navigating the special education system.

SPECIAL ED CONNECTION RESOURCEjessicab@leeschools.nettheresamb@leeschools.netAt no cost to families of individuals with disabilities who are enrolled in special education programs. To access, send a request to an email listed above.

HEALTH CARE

GRIEF SUPPORT

RESOURCES