The Center for Exceptional Families

Sensory Cinema
2025-11-29 09:30 - 11:00 (America/Chicago) | AR
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

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 | AR
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 | AR
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)

Transitioning to Kindergarten
2026-03-05 18:00 - 19:30 | Center for Nonprofit, 1200 W Walnut St, Rogers, AR, 72756, United States
Starting kindergarten is a big step — and we’re here to help make that transition smoother for both you and your child.
Join us for this FREE Advocacy Bootcamp training where we will cover:

What to expect during the transition to kindergarten

How to prepare your child for a new environment

Understanding the supports and services available

Tips for a successful start

✨ Open to all families of children with disabilities✨ In-person attendance encouraged (light dinner + giveaways!)✨ Virtual option available for those who need it
👉 Registration is required: https://forms.gle/ctzGy5JKYdAWBWvU7

Sensory Cinema
2026-03-07 09:30 - 11:00 | Malco Towne Cinema, 2407 E Parker Rd, Jonesboro, AR, 72401, United States
Join us for Sensory Cinema on March 7th 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 March: HOPPERS
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

Pre-Teen & Beyond with Dr. Ruth Eyres & Stephanie Barr
2026-03-09 17:30 - 19:30 | Center for Nonprofit, 1200 W Walnut St, Rogers, AR, 72756, United States
As children grow, their needs change — and planning ahead is key.
Join us for this FREE Advocacy Bootcamp training featuring Ruth Eyres and Stephanie Barr as they guide families through the pre-teen years and beyond.
Topics include:

Preparing for adolescence

Building independence

Navigating changes in school and services

Planning for the future

✨ Free to attend✨ In-person attendees receive dinner + giveaways✨ Virtual option available
👉 Registration required: https://forms.gle/wPNmPEch9nUFBkKj8

A Night of Learning with TCFEF
2026-03-10 18:00 - 20:00 | Horatio First Assembly of God, Fellowship Hall, 200 South Blackhawk, Horatio, AR, 71842, United States
Come out and spend the evening with TCFEF Parent Mentor Karen Lutrick in a two-in-one training, Support Every Family and From Chaos to Clarity.
Karen will walk attendies through our TCFEF Toolkit Binder, explaining how to use this toolkit to get organized so you can attend school meetings, therapy meetings, and more prepaired to support your child. Karen will also spend time showing how TCFEF works and supports families throughout Arkansas.
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 the University of Arkansas Partners program.

Target Audience:

Parents

Professionals, Organizations, Educational Staff

Young Adults

Child Age Focus

Early Childhood (0-4)

Child (5-12)

Young Adult (13-18)

Adult (18-26)

Nettleton PK Transition Toolkit Training
2026-03-13 | Jonesboro, Jonesboro, AR, United States
Come join Teresa and ask questions

Nettleton District Sped Toolkit Training
2026-03-16 | Jonesboro, Jonesboro, AR, United States
Teresa will be offering families Toolkit Training and handout Toolkits

Advocating with Heart
2026-03-17 18:00 - 20:00 | Horatio First Assembly of God, Fellowship Hall, 200 South Blackhawk, Horatio, AR, 71842, United States
TCFEF PowerPoint Presentation

Target Audience*

Parents

Professionals, Organizations, Educational Staff

Young Adults

Child Age Focus*

Early Childhood (0-4)

Child (5-12)

Young Adult (13-18)

Adult (18-26)

Transition to Kindergarten
2026-03-19 10:00 - 11:00 | Center for Nonprofit, 1200 W Walnut St, Rogers, AR, 72756, United States

TCFEF Law Enforcement Training ( Poinsett County)
2026-03-27 | AR

Autism in the Ozarks
2026-03-28 12:00 - 15:00 | 216 Warren St, mountain view, 216 Warren St., Mountain View, AR, 72560, United States
We’re so excited to announce our 2nd Annual Autism Awareness In The Ozarks event!!! Come out and visit with Parent Mentor Brandy!
Maybe you don’t know much about autism, and you’d like to learn more about it, or maybe you or someone you know is autistic, and you’d like to spend some time with other people who can relate to and understand autism. We’d love to invite you to our 2nd annual Autism Awareness In The Ozarks event!!! We’ll have some special guest speakers, including Grace Armour, M. Ed, Kids First Clinic Director, and Trena Hickinbotham, Independent Case Manager with the Arkansas Autism Partnership Program. We’ll also have special activities for the kids, hosted by Crystal Peters, a special education teacher and para-professional from Winnsboro, La, musical entertainment by local group The Prince & The Paupers, and a hotdog lunch. We’ll also be giving away some very special door prizes! There will be NO CHARGE to attend this event, but we do ask that you register in advance using the link below. Please follow this Facebook page for updates and news about this event. We hope to see you at the 2nd Annual Autism Awareness In The Ozarks!!!
Registration Link: https://forms.gle/JMuXdR6Pu4EykqqG7
Contact Info: Phone: 870-615-4179
Email: autismawarenessintheozarks@gmail.com

Sensory Cinema
2026-04-04 09:30 - 11:00 | Malco Towne Cinema, 2407 E Parker Rd, Jonesboro, AR, 72401, United States
Join us for Sensory Cinema on April 4th 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 April: The Super Mario Galaxy Movie
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
