ANNOUNCEMENTS & NEWS
Discover the Latest Announcements and News | Insights
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New Year, New Norms: Reset, Reboot, & Refocus
January is a season of renewal, reflection, and fresh beginnings—and at Edufaith Educational Services, we are starting 2026 with clarity, purpose, and a bold commitment to inclusive excellence. As we reset, reboot, and refocus for the new year, we are reminded that meaningful change happens when families, educators, and leaders work together to create environments where every learner feels valued, supported, and empowered to thrive.
This month, we honor moments that call us to action and service, including MLK Day, National Mentoring Month, Thank You Month, and Shape Up U.S. Month—each reinforcing the importance of leadership, gratitude, wellness, and community. We also begin the year inspired by a powerful reminder of belonging in the Edufaith Inspirational Story, highlighting a Special Needs Holiday Formal where children and teens experienced joy, dignity, and acceptance as they shone on the red carpet and danced the night away.
🎙️ January Spotlight: Edufaith Essentials Podcast
Our January episode, “New Year, New Norms: Reset, Reboot, and Refocus,” launches 2026 with inspiration and essential knowledge. We reflect on inclusive celebrations, highlight 50 Years of IDEA, uplift promising strategies to support special education teachers, and dive into New Year, New Behaviors—exploring Positive Behavior Supports, PBIS, alignment with IDEA and Section 504, and the role of Functional Behavior Assessments in building positive school cultures.
🌟 Essential Tip: Behavior Resets for a Strong Start
A new year is the perfect time to reset behaviors with intention and compassion.
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For Parents: Start with consistency and encouragement. Clearly restate expectations at home and reinforce positive behaviors with praise—small affirmations can lead to significant changes.
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For Educators: Re-teach routines and expectations explicitly. January is not a continuation—it’s a restart. Use positive behavior supports to set a calm, predictable tone for learning.
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For Leaders: Model the reset. Align schoolwide behavior practices with PBIS and IDEA, and ensure staff have time, tools, and support to implement consistent, proactive strategies.
As we step into 2026, we do so with hope, intention, and a shared commitment to every learner’s success. Here’s to a year of new behaviors, inclusive growth, and strengthened communities.
Welcome to January with Edufaith—where new norms create new possibilities.
Edufaith Essentials Podcast Links:
Happy New Year: New Year New Norms
Quick Summary Table Behavior Support Era Key Developments
1980s Research on behavior disorders; shift to prevention; school wide systems
1990s IDEA 1997 mandate; National PBIS Center created; university partnerships
2000s Expansion to 16,000+ schools; schoolwide PBIS; integration with academics
Today, MTSS alignment, focus on climate, data-driven supports
How PBIS, IDEA, and Section 504 Work Together
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Access to FAPE (Free Appropriate Public Education)
PBIS supports consistent teacher expectations and reduces behavioral barriers to learning, while both IDEA and Section 504 legally require that every eligible student receive FAPE. -
Behavior Supports
PBIS provides a tiered system of supports, including targeted interventions, Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs), and Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs). IDEA specifically requires the use of FBAs and BIPs when a student’s behavior interferes with learning. -
Equity and Nondiscrimination
PBIS promotes proactive, preventative practices that reduce disproportionality in discipline. Section 504 ensures students are protected from discrimination based on disability. -
Individualized Support
PBIS Tier 2 and Tier 3 interventions address individual student needs, aligning with IDEA’s requirement for individualized instruction through an Individualized Education Program (IEP). -
Data-Based Decision Making
PBIS emphasizes progress monitoring and data analysis to guide interventions. Both IDEA and Section 504 require data-driven decisions to ensure appropriate supports and services. -
Why This Alignment Matters
PBIS serves as the practical, schoolwide framework that helps schools effectively meet the legal mandates of IDEA and Section 504 while creating inclusive, supportive learning environments for all students.
References:
Dunlap, G., Sailor, W., Horner, R.H., Sugai, G. (2009). Overview and History of Positive Behavior Support. In: Sailor, W., Dunlap, G., Sugai, G., Horner, R. (eds) Handbook of Positive Behavior Support. Issues in Clinical Child Psychology. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-09632-2_1
Cotton, N ( 2024). Essential Tips for Educators available on Amazon
Check out the January episode of the Edufaith Essentials Podcast!
“New Year, New Norms: Postive Behavior Supports”
Tune in on your favorite streaming platforms or our YouTube page! Links and News:
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Inspirational Story: Special Dance that Includes Everyone https://localnews8.com/news/2025/12/04/community-comes-together-for-special-needs-christmas-formal-in-rexburg/
Learn more:
Sources Essential News:
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Story 1: 50 Years of IDEA: 4 Things to Know About the Landmark Special Education Law Source: Education Week | Full Story: https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/special-education
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Story 2: Inside One State's Bold Plan to Keep Special Education Teachers Source: Education Week | Full Story: https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/special-education
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Story 3: How One Lawyer Helped Reshape Special Education at the Supreme Court Source: Education Week | Full Story: https://www.edweek.org/students-with-disabilities
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Story 4: How Department of Education Cuts Could Hurt Resources for Students With Disabilities Source: PBS News | Full Story: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/how-department-of-education-cuts-could-hurt-resources-for-students-with-disabilities
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Story 5: Supreme Court Case Raises Alarm for Disability Rights Advocates Source: USA Today | Full Story: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/12/21/supreme-court-iq-death-penalty-intellectual-disability/87849520007/
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Story 6: Inside McMahon’s Plans for Special Education • Source: Politico | Full Story: https://www.politico.com/newsletters/weekly-education/2025/12/22/the-inside-view-of-mcmahons-plans-for-special-education-00702310
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Story 7: Challenges in Childcare for Kids with DisabilitiesSource: PBS News | Full Story: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/december-22-2025-pbs-news-hour-full-episode
JANUARY INCLUSIVE DATES & HOLIDAYS
January 2026 Observances
o National Mentoring Month (#MentoringMonth, #MentorIRL)
o Thank You Month
o Shape Up U.S. Month
o Glaucoma Awareness Month (U.S.)
Key January 2026 Dates
o January 1: New Year’s Day
o January 4: World Braille Day (United Nations)
o January 19: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Dr. Nakia's Podcast Debut....Edufaith on the Move!!
We are thrilled to announce that Dr. Nakia is featured as a special guest on the nationally recognized podcast Teaching Learning Leading K12, hosted by Dr. Steven Miletto. In this insightful episode, Dr. Nakia discusses her book, Essential Tips for Special Education Leaders, and shares practical strategies for educators dedicated to promoting equity and student success. Don't miss out – listen to the episode on popular platforms like Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Pandora. Tune in, share with your network, and leave a review to support this vital conversation on leadership and inclusive education!
Edufaith at the Florida CEC Conference: Edufaith at the Florida CEC Conference – Gainesville Debut!
Edufaith Educational Services was proud to make its debut at the Florida Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) Conference, held for the first time in beautiful Gainesville, Florida!
Dr. Nakia Simmons-Cotton presented "Essential Tips for Special Education Leaders", a dynamic and practical session designed to empower leaders with the knowledge, mindset, and tools needed to navigate the complexities of special education with confidence and compassion.
Key highlights of the presentation included:
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Actionable leadership strategies for compliance and collaboration
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Building inclusive school cultures through proactive planning
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Strengthening communication with families and multidisciplinary teams
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Promoting resilience and equity at the leadership level
This impactful session was based on Dr. Nakia's book, Essential Tips for Special Education Leaders, now available on Amazon.
📚 Grab your copy on Amazon and get equipped to lead with clarity and purpose!
Edufaith is grateful to Florida CEC for the opportunity to connect with educators and advocates from across the state. We look forward to returning and continuing to support the growth of exceptional leaders in special education.
💙 Learn more at edufaithservices.com
#FloridaCEC #SpecialEducationLeadership #GetEssential #EdufaithAtFloridaCEC
Edufaith at GCASE: Empowering Educators with Essential Tips!
Edufaith Educational Services was honored to present at the Georgia Council of Administrators of Special Education (GCASE) Conference, where Dr. Nakia shared "Essential Tips for Educators Supporting Students with Disabilities."
The presentation provided practical, actionable strategies for educators and leaders working to create inclusive, supportive, and legally compliant environments for all students. Dr. Nakia emphasized the importance of:
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Understanding IDEA compliance and IEP best practices
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Building strong partnerships with families and support teams
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Fostering inclusive mindsets across general and special education settings
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Implementing faith-filled leadership to support resilience and equity
As always, Edufaith aims to equip schools with the tools and encouragement needed to lead with purpose and serve with compassion.
Thank you, GCASE, for the opportunity to pour into Georgia’s educational leaders. Together, we’re making inclusion essential.
Stay connected for more professional development opportunities, podcast updates, and resources.
EDUFAITH AT THE 2025 COUNCIL FOR EXCEPTIONAL CHILDREN'S CONFERENCE!
Edufaith Educational Services was proud to serve as a presenter at the 2025 Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) Conference in Baltimore, Maryland. Representing as an active member of the Yes, I Can Committee, Edufaith joined a vibrant community of educators and professionals committed to advancing outcomes for students with exceptionalities.
Our participation offered a powerful platform to:
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Share insights and practical strategies for inclusive education
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Highlight initiatives that empower educators and families
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Engage in meaningful dialogue about the future of special education
Being part of this national conference reaffirmed Edufaith’s mission to support, advocate, and lead with compassion. We are grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with changemakers who work every day to create more inclusive and equitable learning environments.
Thank you, CEC, for continuing to elevate the voices of those who serve students with diverse needs.
#CEC2025 #YesICan #InclusiveEducation #GetEssential #EdufaithAtCEC
Congratulations to our March Amazon Winner!
Debrah Martin is our Amazon Gift Card Winner!
Stay Tuned for the next drawing!
Subscribe below to enter the drawing! You may be the next winner! #getessential
Edufaith is Accepting New Clients
Free 15-minute Consultation
Edufaith is excited to announce that we are now accepting clients! Whether you're a parent, educator, district, or organization, we are here to support you. Let us help you achieve your goals and provide the best possible education for your students. Contact us today to learn more about our services