The Center for Exceptional Families

Step Up for Down Syndrome 2025
2025-10-11 13:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | The Jones Center, 922 E. Emma Ave, Springdale, AR, 72764, United States
Come spend your Saturday afternoon with us at the Step Up For Down Syndrome Fundraiser! There is tons of fun to be had for the whole family with an Art Show, Inflatables, Characters to visit with, a DJ and Dancing, long with great snacks and games to be played.
500 drawstring backpacks with goodies and handouts will be handed out at check in while supplies last.
Tickets: Pre-Purchase at www.dscnwa.org/stepup or Purchase tickets at the door.
Pricing:
Ages 13+: $15
Ages 2-12: $10
Under 2: Free

Sensory Cinema
2025-10-14 00:00, 2025-11-29 09:30 - 11:00
Join us for Sensory Cinema on November 29th at 9:30 at the Malco Towne Theater in Jonesboro and The Malco in Van Buren! Tickets are $8.68 cash only when you arrive, and concessions are available for sale. Adults with disabilities living in group or residential homes get FREE admission!
November’s movie will be: Zootopia 2!
Show starts at 9:30 we skip the previews and jump right into the movieCash Only upon entry. Concessions are available to purchase Showing at The Jonesboro Malco on Parker Rd & The Malco in Van Buren

TCFEF Parent Toolkit Training
2025-10-16 10:00 - 11:30 | Forrest City Public Libary, 421 S. Washington St, Forrest City, AR, 72335, United States
📣 Join Parent Mentor Keith Watson for a special TCFEF Training!Keith will introduce the Parent Toolkit, an exciting initiative created by the The Center For Exceptional Families (TCFEF) and funded through generous grants and donors.
The Parent Toolkit was designed to help parents and caregivers of students with disabilities stay organized and confident during IEP and 504 meetings. Each FREE toolkit includes a 3-ring binder, page dividers, labels, IEP/504 information, and more—everything you need to keep important documents and resources at your fingertips.
Learn how this toolkit is empowering families across Arkansas to better advocate for their children and access the support they deserve!
Target Audience: Parents and Community Groups
Age range covered: 0-26 years old

TCFEF Support Every Family
2025-10-18 10:30 - 12:00 | Bradley County Library, 115 Cypress Street E, Warren, AR, 71671, United States
Join one of our TCFEF Parent Mentor Karen Lutrick for an engaging training session all about the The Center For Exceptional Families (TCFEF)! Learn who we are, what we do, and how we’re supporting families across Arkansas through advocacy, resources, and connection.
This session is perfect for parents, professionals, Educational Staff, and community members who want to better understand how TCFEF can help families navigate special education and other support systems.

IFTW TCFEF Webinar Wednesday
2025-10-29 18:00 - 19:00 | Online, AR, United States
Join Parent Mentor Karen Lutrick for a free webinar this Wednesday focused on helping parents navigate the world of technology and communication with their children.This session, “Social Media Do’s and Don’ts: Appropriate Cell Phone, Texting, and Email Usage,” is designed for parents of children ages 5–12, and young adults with disabilities.
Karen will share practical tips, safety guidelines, and strategies to help families promote responsible and positive digital habits in young children. Learn how to set healthy boundaries and support your child’s online and digital communication in safe, age-appropriate ways.
Target Audience: Parents and caregivers of children with disabilities, ages 5–12, Young Adults, Professionals, and IFTW

TCFEF Board Meeting
2025-10-30 16:00 - 17:00 | Online, AR, United States

STAR ORBB meeting
2025-11-12 09:00 - 15:00
Shelby Knight, TCFEF’s Director will be presenting and discussing how our organization helps to support families and professionals within children with disabilities during the November STAR ORBB meeting.

TCFEF Supports Every Family (rescheduled from 10/18/25)
2025-11-15 10:30 - 12:00 | Bradley County Library, 115 Cypress Street E, Warren, AR, 71671, United States
Join Parent Mentor Karen Lutrick for a special TCFEF Training!Karen will introduce and discuss how TCFEF helps parents, professionals, and young adults learn to a confident advocate for themselves, and/or their child.
This training is sponsored by: The Center For Exceptional Families, Pilot Prevention Program for Children and Families, along with University of Arkansas Partners program.
Target Audience: Parents, Professionals, Organizations, Education Staff, and Young Adults

Child Age Focus: Early Childhood (0-4), Child (5-12), Young Adult (13-18), Adult (18-26).

NEA Transition Fair
2025-11-18 08:00 - 15:00
Come join TCFEF at the NEA Transition Fair! Stop by our table to talk with one of our Parent Mentors and collect valuable information and support about the future.

Independent Living, Here We Come! Checklist
2025-11-19 18:00 - 19:00 | Online, AR, United States
Come join Parent Mentor Karen Lutrick for an evening review of the IFTW Independent Living, Here We Come! Checklist and how to utilize this checklist to better prepare for your own future or for your child’s future.

Target Audience: Parents, Professionals, Organizations, Educational Staff, Young Adults, and IFTW

Child Age Focus: Child (5-12), Young Adult (13-18), and Adult (18-26)

Autism: The Way I See It. A night with Temple Grandin
2025-11-20 17:30 - 21:00 | Arkansas State University, 101 N Caraway Road, Jonesboro, AR, 72401, United States
One Special Night with Temple Grandin!
TCFEF is a sponsors of this great event and will also have a booth set up with our Parent Mentors ready to see you and talk about all the supports and programs we offer!

Youth Hangout
2025-12-02 18:00 - 19:00 | Online, AR, United States
🎉 **Join TCFEF’s New Youth Hangout — On Zoom!** 🎉
Are you a transition-aged youth ready to learn how to speak up for yourself and become your own best advocate? Come hang out, connect with others, and learn valuable self-advocacy skills — plus, there’s a **$15 Amazon gift card giveaway at every session!** 💸
🗓**Upcoming Schedule:**
📅 **TUE 12/2 @ 6PM** **Session 3: Speaking Up — How to Ask for What You Need** Learn how to use your voice confidently to ask for help or accommodations in everyday situations.
📅 **TUE 12/9 @ 6PM** **Session 4: Confidence in Action** Practice speaking up in real-life situations and learn tips to stay calm and confident when it matters most.
🧾 **Registration Required!** Register here 👉 [https://forms.gle/iitdCW1HtJNkjit8A](https://forms.gle/iitdCW1HtJNkjit8A)

Youth Hangout
2025-12-09 18:00 - 19:00 | Online, AR, United States
🎉 **Join TCFEF’s New Youth Hangout — On Zoom!** 🎉
Are you a transition-aged youth ready to learn how to speak up for yourself and become your own best advocate? Come hang out, connect with others, and learn valuable self-advocacy skills — plus, there’s a **$15 Amazon gift card giveaway at every session!** 💸
🗓**Upcoming Schedule:**
📅 **TUE 12/9 @ 6PM** **Session 4: Confidence in Action** Practice speaking up in real-life situations and learn tips to stay calm and confident when it matters most.
🧾 **Registration Required!** Register here 👉 [https://forms.gle/iitdCW1HtJNkjit8A](https://forms.gle/iitdCW1HtJNkjit8A)

Let's Get Organized!
2025-12-11 18:00 - 19:00 | Center for Nonprofit, 1200 W Walnut St, Rogers, AR, 72756, United States
📣 Join Parent Mentor Tiffany Slone for a special TCFEF Training!
Tiffany will introduce the Parent Toolkit, an exciting initiative created by The Center for Exceptional Families (TCFEF) and funded through generous grants and donors. Along with helping families to organize their own paperwork into the Toolkit that they will take home.
The Parent Toolkit was designed to help parents and caregivers of students with disabilities stay organized and confident during IEP and 504 meetings. Each FREE toolkit includes a 3-ring binder, page dividers, labels, IEP/504 information, and more—everything you need to keep important documents and resources at your fingertips.
Learn how this toolkit is empowering families across Arkansas to better advocate for their children and access the support they deserve!
Target Audience: Parents and Community Groups
Age range covered: 0-26 years old
This training is sponsored by: The Center for Exceptional Families, Arkansas Disability Coalition, and Autisum Involves Me.

TCFEF Parent Toolkit Training
2025-12-13 10:30 - 12:00 | Bradley County Library, 115 Cypress Street E, Warren, AR, 71671, United States
📣 Join Parent Mentor Karen Lutrick for a special TCFEF Training!Karen will introduce the Parent Toolkit, an exciting initiative created by the The Center For Exceptional Families (TCFEF) and funded through generous grants and donors.
The Parent Toolkit was designed to help parents and caregivers of students with disabilities stay organized and confident during IEP and 504 meetings. Each FREE toolkit includes a 3-ring binder, page dividers, labels, IEP/504 information, and more—everything you need to keep important documents and resources at your fingertips.
Learn how this toolkit is empowering families across Arkansas to better advocate for their children and access the support they deserve!
Target Audience: Parents and Community Groups
Age range covered: 0-26 years old
This training is sponsored by: The Center For Exceptional Families, Pilot Prevention Program for Children and Families, along with University of Arkansas Partners program.

Webinar Wednesday: IFTW Learning Independently and College Ready, Here We Come! Checklist
2025-12-17 18:00 - 19:00 | Online, AR, United States
Come join Parent Mentor Karen Lutrick for an evening review of the IFTW Learning Independently and College Ready, Here We Come! Checklist and how to utilize this checklist to better prepare for your own future or for your child’s future.

Target Audience: Parents, Professionals, Organizations, Educational Staff, Young Adults, and IFTW

Child Age Focus: Child (5-12), Young Adult (13-18), and Adult (18-26)

Click Here to register for our Webinar Wednesday event: https://apricot.socialsolutions.com/auth/autologin/org_id/115692/hash/26b13385600002ad2e6f0bcd08e31196a7efb747

Sensory Cinema
2025-12-20 09:30 - 23:30
Join us for Sensory Cinema on December 20 at 9:30 at the Malco Towne Theater in Jonesboro and The Malco in Van Buren! Tickets are $8.68 cash only when you arrive, and concessions are available for sale. Adults with disabilities living in group or residential homes get FREE admission!
You will have two options with the movies offered in December: The SpongeBob Movie: Search for Squarepants or Avatar: Fire and Ash
Show starts at 9:30 we skip the previews and jump right into the movieCash Only upon entry. Concessions are available to purchase Showing at The Jonesboro Malco on Parker Rd & The Malco in Van Buren

Supporting Every Families: All about TCFEF
2026-01-05 17:30 - 19:30 | Batesville Community Center, 1420 20th Street, Batesville, AR, 72501, United States
Join Parent Mentor Teresa Hendrix for a special TCFEF Training!Teresa will introduce and discuss how TCFEF helps parents, professionals, and young adults learn to be a confident advocate for themselves and/or their child. She will discuss the supports, programs, and trainings that TCFEF offers.
Child Care and Dinner will be provided for all who attend
This training is sponsored by: The Center For Exceptional Families, Pilot Prevention Program for Children and Families, along with University of Arkansas Partners program.
Target Audience: Parents, Professionals, Organizations, Education Staff, and Young Adults

Child Age Focus: Early Childhood (0-4), Child (5-12), Young Adult (13-18), Adult (18-26).

Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Savings Account
2026-01-13 11:30 - 12:30 | Online, AR, United States
Lunch & Learn / ABLE Accounts / Participants will learn how an ABLE account can help individuals save, invest, and pay for qualified disability expenses while preserving eligibility for important benefits such as SSI and Medicaid.
Presented by: Anita Kelley

Child Age Focus

Early Childhood (0-4)

Child (5-12)

Young Adult (13-18)

Target Audience

Parents

Advocating with Hear: How to be an Effective Advocacy
2026-01-26 17:30 - 19:30 | Batesville Community Center, 1420 20th Street, Batesville, AR, 72501, United States
Join Parent Mentor Teresa Hendrix for a special TCFEF Training!
Parent Mentor Teresa will cover the steps to become an informed and prepared advocate for your child or young adult. We are partnering with the Pilot Prevention Programs for Children & Families through the University of Arkansas and Partners to offer this training along with several others.
Child Care and Dinner will be provided for all who attend!
This training is sponsored by: The Center For Exceptional Families, Pilot Prevention Program for Children and Families, along with University of Arkansas Partners program.
Target Audience: Parents, Professionals, Organizations, Education Staff, and Young Adults

Child Age Focus: Early Childhood (0-4), Child (5-12), Young Adult (13-18), Adult (18-26).

Where to Find Post Secondary Transition Services in Arkansas
2026-01-28 12:00 - 13:00 | Online, AR, United States
Webinar Wednesday with Parent Mentor Karen Lutrick.

Target Audience

Parents

Professionals, Organizations, Educational Staff

Young Adults

IFTW

Child Age Focus

Child (5-12)

Young Adult (13-18)

Adult (18-26)

Benton High School College, Career and Job Fair
2026-02-12 13:30 - 18:00 | Benton High School, 211 N Border St, Benton, AR, 72015, United States
Come out and visit with TCFEF’s Parent Mentor, Karen Lutrick, during the College, Career, and Job Fair. Karen will have information and resources to share about our IFTW program and supports that TCFEF offers for young adults as they plan and move past high school.

Sensory Cinema
2026-02-14 09:30 - 11:00 | Malco Towne Cinema, 2407 E Parker Rd, Jonesboro, AR, 72401, United States
Join us for Sensory Cinema on February 14th at 9:30 at the Malco Towne Theater in Jonesboro and the Malco in Van Buren! Tickets are $8.00, cash only when you arrive, and concessions are available for sale. Adults with disabilities living in group or residential homes get FREE admission!
The movie offered in February: GOAT
Show starts at 9:30, we skip the previews and jump right into the movieCash Only upon entry. Concessions are available for purchase
Showing at:
The Jonesboro Malco on Parker Rd & The Malco in Van Buren

From Chaos to Organized: Learn about our Parent Toolkit
2026-02-16 17:30 - 19:30 | Batesville Community Center, 1420 20th Street, Batesville, AR, 72501, United States
Join Parent Mentor Teresa Hendrix for a special TCFEF Training!Teresa will introduce the Parent Toolkit, an exciting initiative created by The Center for Exceptional Families (TCFEF) and funded through generous grants and donors.
The Parent Toolkit was designed to help parents and caregivers of students with disabilities stay organized and confident during IEP and 504 meetings. Each FREE toolkit includes a 3-ring binder, page dividers, labels, IEP/504 information, and more—everything you need to keep important documents and resources at your fingertips. Learn how this toolkit is empowering families across Arkansas to better advocate for their children and access the support they deserve!
This training is sponsored by: The Center for Exceptional Families, Pilot Prevention Program for Children and Families, along with the University of Arkansas Partners program.
Child care and Dinner will be provided for all who attend
Target Audience: Parents, Professionals, and Community Groups
Age range covered: 0-26 years old

Family Resource and Education Training
2026-02-19 18:00 - 19:30
JOIN US TO LEARN ABOUT KINDERGARTEN TRANSITION & IEPs, ADVOCATING FOR YOUR CHILD, MEDICAID/TEFRA/WAIVER, AND MORE!

Parent toolkit training
2026-02-23 06:30 - 19:30 | The Learning Hub, 215 AR-27, Marshall, AR, 72650, United States
Parent toolkit training, gift card giveaway, and come meet other parents.

Target Audience*

Parents

Child Age Focus*

Early Childhood (0-4)

Child (5-12)

Young Adult (13-18)

Parent toolkit training
2026-02-23 18:30 - 19:30 | 215 AR-27, Marshall, AR 72650, 215 AR-27, Marshall, AR, 72650, United States

Advocacy Bootcamp: How to be an Effective Advocate and Parent Toolkit
2026-02-24 18:00 - 20:00 | Center for Nonprofit, 1200 W Walnut St, Rogers, AR, 72756, United States
Your child deserves a strong advocate — and that starts with YOU.
Join our FREE Advocacy Bootcamp hosted by The Center for Exceptional Families, Arkansas Disability Coalition, and Autism Involves Me — a powerful 7-training series designed to help you confidently navigate IEPs, behaviors, services, and your child’s future.
✨ Starts THIS WEEK!✨ Completely FREE to attend✨ Giveaways at EVERY training✨ Attend all sessions → 🎉 Enter to win 1 of 2 $100 gift cards
📍 In-Person (Recommended!)We strongly encourage attending in person — even if you need to arrive a few minutes late!We’re working on providing a light dinner + you’ll be eligible for in-person giveaways 🎁
💻 Virtual Option AvailableCan’t make it in person? We’ve got you covered! Most sessions are also available via Zoom (excluding the morning Kindergarten session and full-day Saturday training).
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Whether you’re new to special education or have been navigating it for years — this bootcamp is for YOU.
👉 You MUST register to attend (so we can plan materials, space, and meals)
📲 Scan the QR code on the flyer

Ag for Autism Supporting Children and Adults with Disabilities
2026-02-26 08:00 - 17:00 | First Baptist Church, 322 W. 1st Street, Dewitt, AR, United States
Topics that will be covered: Autism Waiver, TEFRA, ARHipp, CES, Waiver, Alternatives to guardianship options, and considerations. Key services, tools, and supports to plan for the future. Advocacy supports for special education

Target Audience*

Parents

Young Adults

Child Age Focus*

Child (5-12)

Young Adult (13-18)

Adult (18-26)
