CAC NEWS

A collaborative partnership of

school districts, staff, students, parents/families, and community agencies

Supporting Equitable Learning, Programs and Access

for ALL students.

The Ventura County SELPA has a Community Advisory Committee (CAC) that facilitates communication between districts and families, has regular meetings to discuss issues with SELPA leadership, and provides parent trainings on topics such as the IEP process, behavior strategies, life after high school and social skills. The CAC promotes services and resources for special education students and their families.

Who is in the CAC?

• Parents/guardians of individuals with disabilities (the majority)
• Representatives of agencies that serve people with disabilities
• School staff

How can I participate?

Members of the public are always welcome to attend CAC meetings and give public comments. CAC Meetings are governed by the Brown Act and only items on the agenda will be discussed. Staff may follow-up as needed. If you prefer to speak with a CAC member privately or by phone, call the SELPA office at (805) 437-1560 for contact information, including the name of your school district representative.

Promote connection, collaboration and communication between districts and parents

Creating Community:

• Outreach to families and connecting with the broader community
  

Building Capacity:

• Fostering connections between districts, parents, and community organizations
  

Inclusion and Beyond:

• The Why, What & How of Inclusive Practices
  

Mental and Social Emotional Health:

• Provide parent education and resources available to help families understand mental health with an emphasis on destigmatization and fostering their child’s social emotional development.
  

Legislative Action:

• Participate in Legislative Action Day, connect with local and federal lawmakers
  

Transition Across the Grade Spans:

• Virtual and In-Person Transition Fairs

• Transition IEP training
  

CAC and Leadership Development:

• Receive leadership development support and training
  
• Develop updated VC SELPA CAC Best Practices
  
• Update Parent Guide and CAC Handbook
  

Email Sign-Up!

The Ventura County SELPA is dedicated to providing information and support to families and caregivers of students with disabilities so that they can be informed partners in the educational process of their children. There are numerous activities and resources that are provided to fulfill that mission.

Sign up to receive announcements of informational items for families directly to your email.

To nominate someone (Teacher, Student, Parent, Specialist) for "going above and beyond" in serving special education students and/or families, go to the SELPA website, click on "Information for Families" and look under CAC for an application.

Monday, March 6, 2023

4 - 6 PM

Members of the public are always welcome to attend CAC meetings and give pubic comments.

To receive Meeting Notices Click Here.

2022-2023 CAC BOARD

Carole Shelton, Chair

Lee Ann Holland, Vice-Chair

Myra Medina, Membership Secretary

Amanda Alfred, Treasurer

Vacant, Parliamentarian

Flavia Seawright, Public Information Officer

Amber Christensen, Recording Secretary

Come learn about various evidence-based reading programs being used in districts in the SELPA. For Parents and Caregivers

March 22, 2023

4:00pm - 5:00pm

Via Zoom

There is no cost for this presentation, however, online registration is required. Spanish interpretation will be available upon request.

You will need an OMS account to register for this workshop. Go to https://vcoe.k12oms.org/login.php to create an OMS account.

If you already have an account, go to http://vcoe.k12oms.org/1630-227956 to register for this training.

For Parents and Educators Working Together.

Location: Ventura County SELPA - 5100 Adolfo Rd., Camarillo, CA, 93012

Tier 1: Foundational Skills for Engaging Challenging Conversations.

Thursday, March 23, 2023

9:00am - 2:00pm

CONEJO Conference Room

There is no cost to attend, however registration is required. To register, go to

Tier 1 Registration Session. Lunch is provided in Tier 1 session.

Tier 2: Operating From The Third Side: Supporting Others To Navigate Conflict

Thursday, May 18, 2023

9:00am - 2:00pm

BOARD Conference Room

Friday, May 19, 2023

9:00am - 2:00pm

CONEJO Conference Room

There is no cost to attend, however registration is required. To register, go to Tier 2 Registration Session. Lunch is provided in both Tier 2 session dates.

If you are having trouble accessing the system or you do not have access to a computer, please call (805) 437-1560 or email: Ana Teran aolvera@vcoe.org

Carpe Diem - "Mapping The Way to Wellness"

Registrants have the option to choose between three (3) breakout sessions. Please be sure to complete that portion of your registration as you will be assigned according to your choices.

To view brochure, Click Here

For registration, Click Here

You are responsible for ensuring that payment is received at the SELPA prior to the event. Spanish translation provided if requested at least 2 weeks in advance.

When:

Thursday, March 9th

8:30am-3pm

Where:

5100 Adolfo Road Camarillo, CA

Cost:

$ 25.00 - Parents/College Students. Early Registration

Lunch is included

Keynote Presenter: R. Keeth Matheny

Flipping the Script Around Student and Staff Supports

This session is all about Flipping the Script around student supports to a more proactive rather than reactive model and tying in Social and Emotional Learning as foundational to
that work. Strategies for building a proactive multi-tiered system to build skills ahead of challenges, target emerging issues, and get needy students and staff to quality services.

Specific strategies to create an anchor point adult relationship and to have meaningful “check ins” on students will be covered. Educators will leave inspired and equipped with actionable strategies to seize the day and build proactive systems for students. You have the option to choose between three breakout sessions. Please be sure to complete that portion of your registration as you will be assigned according to your choices.

Website: www.SELlaunchpad.com

Social-Emotional Learning Starts with Us: Empowering Parents and Caregivers
This SEL training is designed specifically to support and meet the needs of parents and guardians. Warning: life may get a bit easier at home after attending.

Presented by: Trisha DiFazio

Wellness and Behavioral Techniques that Work

Self-care techniques and when to use them will help parents and caregivers increase their capacity for patience and tolerance. Learning new behavioral tools will also be taught to increase more positive behaviors and create more balance and flexibility with your child.

Presented by: SELPA and COEDS

Pandemic Trauma – How to Help Children Heal
This workshop will help parents and educators learn strategies to break the pandemic disconnection for children by using tried and true coping skills and methods of connection. Parents and educators will also learn how to fill the post pandemic social-emotional gaps.
Presented by: Shaleena Tareen and Maurissa Szilagi

What if happiness is a skill?

FUN! BUCKET FILLING! EXTREMELY USEFUL! This is a walkthrough of the major components of Social Emotional Academic Development through a happiness lens. This is a major feel-good session that gives real research-based tools for inducing positive emotions, being fully present, and enhancing school and classroom climates. A wonderful jolt of positive energy to your staff wellness, teacher morale, and school climate!
Presented by: R. Keeth Matheny

Social-Emotional Learning Starts With Us: Empowering Mental Health Professionals Research has shown that SEL increases academic achievement, improves behavior and contributes to the overall sense of well-being for children and adults. However, many mental health professionals are being overwhelmed by SEL related issues in schools. This session is designed specifically to support mental health professionals by providing them with tips, tricks and templates to promote SEL skill development in adults and students.

Presented by: Trisha DiFazio

Restorative Practices in Action
Participants will have the opportunity to participate in a community circle, foundational component of restorative practices. Participants will also be provided with resources and opportunities for further training.
Presented by: Chris Ridge

Over 5 million Americans are estimated to have a developmental disability

The Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act (DD Act) is the law that provides support to states to enhance the lives of people with developmental disabilities and their families. This law promotes the independence, productivity, integration, and inclusion in society of people with Intellectual Developmental Disability (IDD).

According to the DD Act, the term developmental disability means a severe, chronic disability that occurs before an individual is 22 that is likely to continue indefinitely, and results in substantial functional limitations in three or more of the following areas of major life activity:

• self-care
• receptive and expressive language
• learning
• mobility
• self-direction
• capacity for independent living
• economic self-sufficiency
• These impairments require the individual to sustain lifelong or extended supports or assistance. Diagnosed conditions may include autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, or spina bifida.

Each March, The National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD), and our partners work together to create a social media campaign that highlights the many ways in which people with and without disabilities come together to form strong, diverse communities.

The campaign seeks to raise awareness about the inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in all facets of community life, as well as awareness of the barriers that people with disabilities still sometimes face in connecting to the communities in which they live.

Going All In(clusive)

People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) still face exclusion, social isolation, and social abuse in schools, workplaces, and communities. This prevents us from building truly inclusive societal structures, where we can learn and grow together.

To drive change and help create a more inclusive society, Spread the Word to End the Word was founded in 2009 by college students Soeren Palumbo (Notre Dame 2011) and Tim Shriver (Yale 2011).

Spread the Word Inclusion is led and continuously re-imagined by our youth activists. Their efforts are designed to rally schools, organizations, and communities to commit to the inclusion and acceptance of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

As we head into 2023, our continuing mission with Spread the Word is blessed with an opportunity we have not had in three years: We can stop and take a breath. We can assess where we’ve been and be deliberate about where we go next.

The thematic for 2023 is Going All In(clusive): This thematic is action-oriented—a motivational rallying cry that doubles down on the belief that everyone is the goal of our efforts. We are calling on our youth, our Special Olympics athletes and ambassadors to share their stories of courage, dedication, and engagement for inclusion. There are encouraged to share when the last time was that they went all in(clusive)—totally committed to something, bet everything on a hand, stood up for something they believed in. In a call to action, each individual message is encouraged to end with a personal commitment on how they plan to “go all in” to take their own action for inclusion.

Going all in(clusive) also means speaking up against the wrong and demeaning use of the R-word in conversations. It is part of an education effort that showcases that language informs attitudes and attitudes impact actions.

In 2023, the annual day of awareness is held on March 1, 2023. While most activities are centered on or near that awareness day in March, people everywhere are encouraged to spread the word throughout their communities and schools throughout the year through pledge drives, youth rallies and online activation.

What Is National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month?

During the month of March, individuals living with cerebral palsy as well as family members and activists come together by advocating for the cerebral palsy community.

The goal of National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month is to push for positive change in education programs, the health care system, and the job market to give opportunities to those living with cerebral palsy.

To support Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month, you can:

• Donate to organizations such as the Cerebral Palsy Foundation
• Join an advocacy group for those with cerebral palsy
• Share photos online
• Use the #GoGreen4CP hashtag on social media
• Wear the color green whenever you can

Another important step in becoming an ally is to understand the power of your language. One of the best things that an ally can do is to learn how to rephrase problematic sentences and eliminate stereotypes.

For example, you want to make sure that you don’t make assumptions that people with disabilities are incapable of doing anything that others without the condition can do.

What is World Down Syndrome Day?

World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD), 21 March, is a global awareness day which has been officially observed by the United Nations since 2012.

When is World Down Syndrome Day International?

The date for WDSD being the 21st day of the 3rd month, was selected to signify the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome which causes Down syndrome.

#WorldDownSyndromeDay

What is Down Syndrome?

• Down syndrome (or Trisomy 21) is a condition in which a person has an extra chromosome.

• Chromosomes are “packages” of genes in the body. They determine how a baby’s body forms and functions as it grows.

• Around 1 in every 800 babies will be born with Down syndrome.
  

• Down syndrome occurs naturally – there is no known cause.
  

• Down syndrome usually causes varying degrees of intellectual and physical disability and associated medical issues.

Ventura County SELPA is committed to supporting families and districts as they work towards early resolution options. Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) provides a neutral environment and a variety of choices and utilizes consultation, collaboration, and communication to resolve disagreements, preserve relationships and maintain focus on the needs of our students. ADR allows the decision-making process to stay in the hands of the family and district.

Transition Resources

Special Education Rights at Age of Majority

Transition Information For Students

Transition Agency Padlet

Educationally Related Social Emotional Services (ERSES)

Social Emotional Services

Social Emotional Continuum

Residential Care Fact Sheet

For more information and to register or for ongoing Support Groups, Training & Activities go to:

www.rainbowconnectionfrc.weebly.com

Sign up for emails here.

Call: 805-485-9643 or 800-332-3679

Email: rainbow@tri-counties.org

Tri-Counties Regional Center is one of twenty-one non-profit regional centers in California providing lifelong services and supports for people with developmental disabilities residing in San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties.

TCRC provides person and family-centered supports for individuals with developmental disabilities to maximize opportunities and choices for living, working, learning, and recreating in the community.

Tri-Counties Regional Center Offices

All TCRC offices have re-opened to the public.

On-Call Managers
Simi Valley Office: (805) 456-8020 sv@tri-counties.org
Oxnard Office: (805) 456-8021 ox@tri-counties.org

Early Start Program – Newborn to Age 3, No Referral Needed

Are you concerned about your child's development? Does any aspect of their speech, physical abilities, behavior, or any other area seem delayed? We want you to know that the Tri-Counties Regional Center Early Start program is here to identify and treat developmental delays in children 0-3 years of age. These services are free; there is no cost to you. Our clinical and intake teams are fully operational. Please share the word that anyone may refer to our Early Start program. If you are concerned about your child’s development, visit our Connect with an Intake Coordinator web page. Learn more about our Early Start program here.

Register Here For Regional Email Alerts

Welcome to SCDD!

The State Council on Developmental Disabilities (SCDD)is established by state and federal law as an independent state agency to ensure that people with developmental disabilities and their families receive the services and supports they need.

Consumers know best what supports and services they need to live independently and to actively participate in their communities. Through advocacy, capacity building and systemic change, SCDD works to achieve a consumer and family-based system of individualized services, supports, and other assistance.

Vision:

Californians with developmental disabilities are guaranteed the same full and equal opportunities for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness as all Americans.

Mission:

The Council advocates, promotes and implements policies and practices that achieve self-determination, independence, productivity and inclusion in all aspects of community life for Californians with developmental disabilities and their families

The Ventura County SELPA office is responsible for the implementation of the Ventura County Special Education Local Plan, and for ensuring a free appropriate public education to all students with identified disabilities according to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

Emily Mostovoy-Luna - Associate Superintendent

Sarah Fontenot- Administrative Assistant III

Local Plan Implementation

Interagency Coordination, Policies & Procedures

SELPA Office Operations

Related Staff: Adapted PE Teachers, Assistive Technology Assessment Center,

Orientation & Mobility Specialists, Residential Placement Consultants

Regina Reed - Director of Personnel Development Anabel Lopez-Penny - Administrative Assistant II Program & Personnel Development

ERSES Program & COEDS

Behavior

Early Start

Related Services Staff: Social/Emotional Services Specialists, DHH Teachers

Joanna V. Della Gatta - Director of Technical Support and Transition Mariella Cazares-Flores - Administrative Assistant II

SIRAS Support, Forms & Instructions

Private Schools

Pattern of Strengths & Weaknesses Model

WorkAbility Program

Transition

Related Services Staff: Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, WorkAbility Specialists

Kim DeAnda - Program Specialist

Jeanine Murphy-Assistant Director, Family & School Collaboration

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Services

Email: vcselpa@vcoe.org
Website: www.vcselpa.org
Location: 5100 Adolfo Road, Camarillo, CA, USA
Phone: 805-437-1560
Facebook: https://facebook.com/VenturaCOE
Twitter: @VenturaCOE