Miami’s Directory of Special Needs Services for Children

1. Early Intervention & Child Development

1. Easterseals South Florida — Child Development Centers
2. Provides early intervention services (ages 3 months–5 years) with on-site Physical (PT), Occupational (OT), and Speech Therapy. Easterseals+1
3. Addresses: Autism, developmental delays, other disabilities
4. Locations:
5. Civic Center — 1475 NW 14th Avenue, Miami, FL 33125 Easterseals
6. Miami Gardens (Ophelia Brown Center) — 16425 NW 25th Avenue, Miami Gardens, FL 33054 Easterseals
7. Contact: (305) 547‑4715 Easterseals
8. Nicklaus Children’s Hospital – Special Needs Resource Directory
9. A hub for information and referrals for: developmental evaluations, early childhood programs, support networks, financial aid, and legal advocacy. Nicklaus Children's Hospital
10. Includes Early Steps (birth–3), Child Find, and other developmental services. Nicklaus Children's Hospital

2. Therapy & Rehabilitation Services

1. A Bright Start Therapy
2. Offers speech-language therapy, OT, physical therapy, feeding therapy, and more for children with a variety of needs including autism, cerebral palsy, ADHD, and developmental delays. A Bright Start Therapy
3. Provides in-home, daycare, or clinic-based services.
4. A Better Future Therapy (Specialized Therapy Center)
5. Provides pediatric speech, OT, physical therapy, aquatic therapy, music therapy, and assistive technology. abftherapy.com
6. Dedicated Pediatric Therapy
7. In-home OT and speech therapy (ages 0–21) for diagnoses such as autism, Down syndrome, ADHD, and more. Home

3. Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care (PPEC) & Pediatric Medical Support

1. Specialized Pediatric Care (SPC)
2. A PPEC center serving children with complex medical and developmental needs. Services include nursing care, PT, OT, speech therapy, behavioral therapy, and after-school educational programs. specializedpediatriccare.com+1
3. Contact: (305) 545‑2119 specializedpediatriccare.com
4. Accepts Medicaid PPEC coverage. specializedpediatriccare.com+1
5. Big Bear Academy PPEC
6. Offers OT, PT, speech therapy, ABA services, and day nursing care for children with medical and developmental needs. bigbearacademyppec.com
7. Location: 9035 SW 72nd St, Miami, FL 33173 bigbearacademyppec.com

4. In-Home & Respite Care

1. Little Angels Special Care
2. Provides home health aide services for children (0–21 years) with special needs. Caregivers are trained to support OT, PT, speech therapy, daily living, and behavior management. littleangelsspecialcare.com
3. Service Area: Miami‑Dade & Monroe Counties
4. Contact: (786) 953‑5120 littleangelsspecialcare.com

5. Advocacy & Community Support

1. Parent to Parent of Miami (PTP)
2. A peer-to-peer parent resource center for families of children with disabilities. Offers training, support, and connection to community services. Coastal Wealth
3. Phone: (305) 271‑9797 Coastal Wealth
4. Advocacy Center for Persons with Disabilities
5. Information & referral unit for families seeking support for children with physical, intellectual, or developmental disabilities. Consortium for a Healthier Miami-Dade
6. Epilepsy Foundation of Florida (Miami Branch)
7. Provides resources and support for children with seizure disorders. Consortium for a Healthier Miami-Dade
8. Hearing & Speech Center of Florida
9. Offers speech-language pathology, audiology, and occupational therapy services for children. Consortium for a Healthier Miami-Dade

6. School-Based & Public Programs

1. Miami‑Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) Exceptional Student Education (ESE)
2. The school district provides special education, counseling, medical screenings (vision, hearing), and coordination with external medical/therapy providers. Dade Schools PDFs
3. Through its Student Services Department, families can access therapy and special placement.

✅ Tips for Using This Directory

1. Check Insurance Coverage: Many of these programs accept Medicaid, but you’ll want to verify eligibility and coverage when contacting providers.
2. Plan for Waitlists: Early intervention centers and therapy programs often have limited openings—call early.
3. Ask About Transportation: Some centers (like PPEC or Child Development Centers) may offer limited transport for qualifying families.
4. Coordinate with School Services: Let your child’s school know about therapy you’re getting outside—they may help align IEP goals.
5. Seek Parent Support: Organizations like Parent to Parent help you navigate systems, advocate, and build your peer support network.