CHILDREN AND YOUTH PROGRAMS

AT THE ARC OF SOUTH FLORIDA

General Info

Ages: 6 month old through 22 years old 

Grade Levels: Birth-12th grade 

School Calendar 2025-2026

Family Handbook 2025-2026

Children & Youth Programs

PROJECT THRIVE is Arc’s early intervention program for infants and toddlers, aged 6 weeks through 5 years, who have developmental and/or physical challenges. Project Thrive’s centers provide children with a stimulating environment coupled with physical, occupational and speech therapies. PROJECT THRIVE works on the premise that the parent is the most important person in the child’s life and that children develop best in a stimulating environment. Our children participate in meaningful learning experiences as a means of maximizing potential. Participation is offered at no cost and based on eligibility.

ACE Academy offers a pioneering educational experience tailored to students with disabilities from PreK through 12th grade. With a fusion of contemporary social, educational, and therapeutic philosophies, our qualified and compassionate staff provide a comprehensive curriculum that caters to the holistic development of each individual. Our friendly and nurturing learning environment ensures that every student’s social, educational, and therapeutic needs are met with care and attention. At ACE Academy, we are committed to fostering a supportive atmosphere where every student can flourish.

The Arc prioritizes the crucial role of family in a child’s life, and to reinforce this, its Children and Youth Department implements the Group Triple P Positive Parenting Program. This initiative, partially supported by The Children’s Trust, strives to enrich familial bonds and empower individuals to effectively nurture their children. Triple P’s objectives include bolstering parental skills and confidence, addressing anticipated social, emotional, and behavioral challenges in children, and discouraging punitive disciplinary measures. The Arc hosts multiple cycles of Group Triple P in Kendall, Miami Gardens and Florida City annually, providing opportunities for families to learn, share experiences, offer mutual support, and refine their parenting techniques collectively.

    The Arc’s year-round Out-of-School Program, partially funded by The Children’s Trust, provides services for After school, Winter/Spring break, and Summer camp children, primarily with disabilities, in addition to typically developing role models, in North Miami, West Kendall, and Florida City. Wherever possible, families with siblings without disabilities will be included as role models, through Children’s Trust funded slots, private pay or alternate funding, so siblings can be served in one inclusive location.

    With a fun and safe program focus for children, Out-of-School programming also comprises inclusive activities for literacy, fitness activities, social skills, family involvement, nutritional activities, multisensory environment room enhancement, creative arts, summer swimming and field trips following research based approved curricula.

    The aim of outreach services is to provide physical, occupational and speech therapies within the community at a reasonable cost. We are able to provide Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy at all of our locations.

    Physical Therapy

    • Gross Motor Skills
    • Functional Outcomes
    • Gait Training & Analysis
    • Wheel Chair Assessment & Adjustment

    Occupational Therapy

    • Perceptual Fine Motor Skills
    • Sensory Integration Activities
    • Cognitive Training
    • Visual Perceptual
    • Activities in Daily Living
    • Functional Outcomes

    Speech Therapy

    • Oral -Motor
    • Stimulation Through Feeding
    • Improvement of Receptive & Expressive Language Skills

      Quick Info

      Registration and Enrollment

      To receive information about how to register your child in ACE Academy, please contact your local campus. 

      Are Scholarships Available?

      Ace Academy, a private school, participates in the Step Up for Students scholarship program to assist with tuition payments. For further details, please reach out to your nearest campus. They can provide you with more information on the scholarship application process and eligibility criteria.

      Career Opportunities

      Do you love helping people and being a part of a team! Join a team that makes a difference. The Arc of South Florida is seeking candidates who are energetic, compassionate, caring individuals who want to help others and have a positive impact on the lives of people with developmental disabilities.

      Click Here Apply and View Current Job Opportunities

      The Arc of South Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is our policy to make all personnel decisions without discriminating on the basis of race, religion, gender, ethnicity, disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation, and any other basis prohibited by applicable law.
      Miami Gardens Campus Info

      Principal: Dana Diffin

      Address: 3450 NW 199 St. Miami Gardens, FL 33056

      Phone: 305-623-9631

      School Hours: Monday-Friday 8 AM – 4 PM

      Ages: 5-22

      Programs offered: ACE Academy, Parenting Program, Schools Out & Therapy Services 

      Dana Diffin has proudly served The Arc of South Florida since 2006. As principal of ACE Academy North and Central, she leads with compassion and commitment, ensuring every student has the support, tools, and encouragement needed to thrive. She is deeply dedicated to partnering with families and creating a school community where every child feels valued and capable of success.

      Dana Diffin

      Principal, Miami Gardens Campus

      Kendall Campus Info

      Regional Director: Irma Alvarez

      Address: 11025 SW 84 St. Cottages 6,7,10 Miami FL 33173

      Phone: 305-279-4141

      School Hours: Monday-Friday 7:30 AM – 6 PM

      Ages: 1 year-22 years old

      Programs offered: Project Thrive, ACE Academy, Parenting Program, Schools Out & Therapy Services

      Irma Alvarez has been part of The Arc of South Florida since 2001, with commitment to the organization’s mission. Her work with Ace Academy reflects a deep passion for supporting children with disabilities and special needs. Throughout the years, she has consistently demonstrated professionalism, compassion and a strong belief in empowering families. Irma’s compassion towards her work continues to make a meaningful impact on the community she serves.

      Irma Alvarez

      Regional Director, Kendall Campus

      Florida City Campus Info

      Regional Director: Maria Barros

      Address:756 W Palm Dr. Florida City, FL 33034

      Phone: 305-246-3530

      School Hours: Monday-Friday 6:30 AM – 6 PM

      Ages: 6 weeks-22 years old

      Programs offered: Project Thrive, ACE Academy, Parenting Program, Schools Out & Therapy Services

      Maria Barros has served the Ace Academy community with dedication since 1994, leading with vision, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to student success. As Regional Director for the South Region, she continues to champion the organization’s mission while guiding campuses toward excellence and meaningful impact.

      Maria Barros

      Regional Director, Florida City Campus

      Lisandra Milian has been a dedicated member of the ARC community since 2006, bringing years of experience and commitment to supporting the mission of Ace Academy. As Assistant Regional Director for the South Region, she works collaboratively with school leaders and staff to promote excellence, strengthen programs, and ensure student success.

      Lisandra Milian

      Assistant Regional Director, Florida City Campus

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