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Happy New Year!!! Kick off 2026 with purpose, possibility, and impact on the Edufaith Essentials Podcast—where inspiration meets essential knowledge for parents, educators, and school leaders.

1:33 🎙️ Edufaith Inspirational Story – January Feature

We’re kicking off the year with an inspiring highlight from the Special Needs Christmas Formal, where everyone celebrates through dance, joy, dignity, and a true sense of belonging.

3:04 📅 January Dates to Remember Let’s celebrate January:

• MLK Day – Honoring service, leadership, and justice
• National Mentoring Month – Elevating the power of guidance and support
• Thank You Month – Celebrating educators, families, and community partners
• Shape Up U.S. Month – Promoting healthy habits for mind and body

4:36 📰 Inclusive News Highlights!

We will spotlight essential stories, including the celebration of 50 years of the IDEA. We'll also feature a state's strategy to support our dedicated special education teachers, along with other uplifting news from December! Stay tuned!

11:47📘 Essential Knowledge: New Year, New Behaviors
As we embrace the start of 2026, we will refresh our approach to behavior! In our ongoing commitment to fostering a Positive School Culture and village mindset, we’ll explore the vital role of Positive Behavior Supports. Join us as we journey through the history of Behavior Supports, its connection to IDEA and Section 504, and the significance of Functional Behavior Assessments.

We can’t wait to share valuable insights with parents, educators, and school leaders to enhance our learning environment together!

Join the Movement in 2026! Stream the Edufaith Essentials Podcast on all major platforms and watch on the Edufaith Essentials YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/@edufaithessentialsandknowledge?si=2hwxRytTzlPjKpE0.

👉 Like, subscribe, and share as we #GetEssential in 2026
New year. New behaviors. New possibilities.

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#getEssential #educational #educationpodcast #specialeducation #education

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Get ready for a meaningful, empowering, and joy-filled December episode of Edufaith Essentials—your monthly source for inspiration, advocacy, and essential knowledge for educators, families, and leaders committed to inclusion.

✨ 1:46 — Edufaith Inspirational Message: “Spreading Holiday Hope: Sensory Santa Brings Joy to Children With Autism.”
We begin with a powerful story of hope and belonging as Sensory Santa events across the nation create calm, inclusive, sensory-friendly spaces so children with autism can fully experience the magic of the holidays.

📅 4:32 — Dates to Remember in December (See more at www.edufaithconsulting.com).
This month is full of celebrations, awareness days, and cultural observances that uplift community, inclusion, and human dignity:

• December 2 — Special Education Day
• December 10 — Human Rights Day
• December 25 — Christmas Day
• December 14–22, 2025 — Hanukkah
• December 26, 2025 – January 1, 2026 — Kwanzaa

These observances center on the values of inclusion, cultural awareness, and shared humanity.

📰 5:58 — Essential News: November/December Special Edition (Find the Links at www.edufaithconsulting.com) on the News and Announcements Page.

Stay informed with critical updates shaping the future of special education and disability rights:

• Special Education Services at Risk Under Federal Cuts
• Advocates Urge Parents to Keep Filing Disability-Rights Complaints
• Department of Education Restructuring Spares Special-Ed Office (OCR & OSEP)
• Plus additional key briefings from the U.S. Department of Education and Office for Civil Rights on IDEA, civil rights protections, and compliance.

These stories highlight both the challenges and the advocacy needed during a time of change.

📚 10:26 — Essential Knowledge: Rewinding 2025 & Looking Ahead (Story Links are located at www.edufaithconsulting.com) Announcements and News Page.

We close the year by reflecting on the Top Inclusive News Stories of 2025, spotlighting significant advancements, challenges, and celebrations impacting individuals with disabilities.

Then we shift to the future with 4 Trends to Watch in 2026, including:

The evolution of AI in schools and accessibility

Expansion of Transition Services and postsecondary pathways

Growth in Accessible Technology and Universal Design

Shifts in inclusive practices and educational leadership

🎙️ Join Dr. Nakia Anywhere You Listen!

Stream the December episode of Edufaith Essentials on all major podcast platforms or watch on the Edufaith Essentials YouTube Page.

Inspiration. Inclusion. Essential Understanding.
Tune in and close out the year empowered, informed, and ready for what’s ahead!

• Essential Tips and Knowledge:
• Essential Tips for Educators: http://bit.ly/3wMlMNn
• Essential Tips for Parents: https://bit.ly/3G7Lqkd
• Essential Tips for Special Education Leaders: https://amzn.to/3yCVufG
• Email: Edufaith4all@gmail.com

www.edufaithconsulting.com

Support the show

www.edufaithconsulting.com
#getEssential #educational #educationpodcast #specialeducation #education

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Thankful for the Village on the November Edufaith Essentials Podcast. November is a month of gratitude, connection, and collaboration at Edufaith Educational Services! As we move into this season of thankfulness, we celebrate the collective effort that helps every child thrive.

1:56 Edufaith Inspirational Story: This month, we are spotlighting a vibrant Atlanta institution where innovation, education, and intentionality converge. Here, students meet high expectations with joy and pride, driven by a strong sense of community.

4:00--Inclusive Dates: This month, we celebrate milestones that recognize the power of education and community:

• 📚 American Education Week (November 17–21)

• 🦃 Happy Thanksgiving (November 28)

• 🫶 Inclusive Celebrations — Recognizing Native American Heritage Month, National School Psychology Week, and Family Engagement Month.

7:08 Essential News In this month's education updates, we're monitoring key national developments impacting schools and leadership:

• The U.S. Department of Education continues to face staffing changes and layoffs.

• New data trends for Students with Disabilities (SWDs)

11:01 Essential Knowledge: It Takes a Village — The Role of a School Psychologist

In this special November episode of Positive School Culture: It Takes a Village, we celebrate the spirit of gratitude and collaboration by spotlighting the essential role of the school psychologist. Our guest, Dr. Millicent Phinizy, a clinical psychology postdoctoral fellow and certified school psychologist, joins us to discuss how school psychologists support students' emotional, academic, and social well-being every day.

57:00 Contact Dr. Phinizy: mphinizy@coraleeinstitute.com

59:00 Words of Wisdom

Promo and Links:

Essential Tips and Knowledge:

• Essential Tips for Educators: http://bit.ly/3wMlMNn

• Essential Tips for Parents: https://bit.ly/3G7Lqkd

• Essential Tips for Special Education Leaders: https://amzn.to/3yCVufG

• Email: Edufaith4all@gmail.com

www.edufaithconsulting.com

YouTube Episode: https://youtu.be/pwePqxjS3zk

Support the show

www.edufaithconsulting.com
#getEssential #educational #educationpodcast #specialeducation #education