OUR MISSION
Dreamplex Therapeutic School guides children of all diversities to their full educational and functional potential
through quality education and multi-disciplinary therapies.
ABOUT
DTS is dedicated to providing an effective environment to support the goals and development of children of diverse neurological and physical diversities. The teachers and staff facilitate hands-on activities to promote the development of language, math, and science skills while collaborating with parents, teachers, assistants, aids, and school administrators to facilitate a positive learning experience for all children.
Is DTS the right fit for my family?
Each student must receive at least 2 therapeutic services (OT, PT and/or SLP) to attend Dreamplex Therapeutic School.
Students with complex educational and therapeutic needs thrive in the unique environment we’ve created. An infusion of academic instruction with various therapies addresses the child as a whole, allows them to build the skills required to reach their fullest potential, and prepares them to be participants in their natural environment.
Some of Our Students’ Diagnoses
Autism, Behavior Disorders, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Learning Disabilities, Brain Injury, ADD, ADHD, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Spina Bifida
MEET THE DIRECTOR
SHIRICA GULLEDGE, Director & Lead Teacher — Shirica Gulledge, an accomplished and passionate educator, brings a wealth of experience to her new roles as DTS Director. With over 20 years of teaching experience, Shirica has dedicated her career to inspiring and empowering students and teachers alike.
Born and raised in small town Benton Harbor, Michigan, Shirica developed an early love for learning and teaching. She pursed her higher education at the University of Phoenix, earning a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education.
Throughout her teaching career, Shirica has been recognized for her exceptional dedication and innovative approach to education. She has been instrumental in transforming classrooms into dynamic learning environments, where students are encouraged to think critically, collaborate, and discover their passions. Her commitment to fostering inclusivity and diversity has played a pivotal role in creating safe and nurturing learning environments for all her students.
As Director, Shirica is thrilled to embark on this new chapter of her career. With her extensive experience, she is excited to lead and support a team of educators, working tirelessly to enhance the quality of education for students at Central Florida Dreamplex. Her vision aligns with that of the school and encompasses not only academic excellence, but also the holistic development of each student, ensuring they are equipped with the necessary skills to thrive in an ever-changing world.
Beyond her role as educator, Shirica also advocates for teacher professional development. She firmly believes in the power of continuous learning and has facilitated workshops and meetings to empower, motivate, and encourage teachers to help them stay abreast of instructional strategies. This has not only earned her the respect and admiration of her colleagues and peers, but also awarded her Teacher of the Year in 2023.
With her wealth of experience, unwavering dedication, and infectious enthusiasm, Shirica Gulledge is poised to make a lasting impact as Director at Central Florida Dreamplex. She is excited to collaborate with educators, parents, and the community to shape a future where every student has an opportunity to reach their full potential.
APPROACH
The staff seeks to educate the heart, mind, and body of each student by:
- Recognizing the dignity, self-worth, esteem, integrity, and identity of each student
- Integrating a balanced functional-academic curriculum effective and accountable to the parents through progress report monitoring
- Challenging the students to achieve their maximum potential in academic subjects
- Providing an educational atmosphere that promotes social and emotional growth in value-centered relationships and meaningful leisure time activities
- Developing an appreciation of aesthetic values through cooking, music, and art instruction
- Providing physical therapy, speech and language pathology, occupational therapy, and third-party ABA services to address the needs of each child as a whole
CURRICULUM
Dreamplex Therapeutic School utilizes the Unique Learning System for Functional Academics
Functional/Academic Domains
Functional Reading
Colors
Shapes
Location Concepts
Technology
Writing
Time Telling
Calendar
Money Math
Community-Based Training
Portfolio/Independent Skills
Each skill domain is evaluated individually during an initial assessment to determine the level at which the student is performing and then to identify the next skills in the sequence to teach.
APPLY
STEP 1
Contact Us to Schedule a Tour
Call 352-394-0212 Ext. 300
OR Click Here
STEP 2
Complete the Online Application
& Submit $125 non-refundable Application Fee
Click Here
STEP 3
We will contact you to discuss your application and to schedule a therapeutic evaluation
FOR PARENTS
Wish List
We are always in need of new supplies and equipment to elevate our students’ learning experience. We appreciate any and all donations to the school.
Donations made through our Wish List can be applied to Parent Volunteer Hours. Please check your Parent Student Handbook for details.
Connect
Parents are encouraged to join our Dreamplex Therapeutic School Facebook Group. This group is private and only parents, caregivers, staff, and school volunteers are permitted access.
After Care & School Break Care
After school care and School Break Camps are affordable and available on a full- or part-time basis. Children ages 5-22 enjoy arts, crafts, games, outdoor playtime, and tutoring, all tailored to their special needs. Children must be independent in toileting or require minimal bathroom assistance (children requiring diapers are accepted).
After school care is available Monday-Friday 2:45-6:00 PM.
School Break Care is available 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (extended care available). We follow the Lake County School calendar.
CONTACT
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