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, May 1, 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

Lunch chat with Jeanine. Learn about the transition from early start to preschool with Regina Reed, Directory Personnel Development. This is a VC SELPA and Rainbow Connection FRC.

April 12, 2023

English: 12pm - 12:20pm

Spanish Interpretation: 12:30pm - 1:00pm

Join us on zoom: https://zoom.us/j/94364877466

Each session for the past year has been strategically aligned to critical planning times for all educational partners, districts, schools and parent/community members. Each 2-Hour virtual session has built purpose to the WHY inclusive and equitable practices are so necessary and provide immediate actions we can all learn from to improve and support inclusive programs and instructional practices and services for students with disabilities in our communities.

Join us on our collective journey as educational partners in systematic change for inclusion and students with disabilities.

This is our culmination event. You have the option to attend virtually or in person at either locations. Registration is required. If you choose the virtual option, you will receive the Zoom link the day prior to the event as long as we have a valid email address.

MAY 9

8:30am - 11:15am VC SELPA Virtual Session

8:30am to 2:30pm VC SELPA Live & In-Person

Location: Conference and Educational Services Center

5100 Adolfo Road

Camarillo, CA 93012

Click on this link to register at Ventura County SELPA Camarillo, CA. Lunch Provided for In-Person Attendees.There is no cost for this conference but does require registration. For Spanish translation, please request seven (7) days in advance. This conference is In-Person OR Virtual.

MAY 10

9:00am - 11:00am EV SELPA Virtual Session

9:00am to 4:00pm EV SELPA Live & In-Person

Location: Dorothy Inghram Learning Center

670 E. Carnegie Drive

San Bernardino, CA 92408

Click on this link to register at East County SELPA San Bernardino, CA. There is no cost for this conference but does require registration. For Spanish translation, please request seven (7) days in advance. This conference is In-Person OR Virtual.

Katie Novak Ed.D, Consultant

Internationally renowned education consultant

Shelley Moore, PhD, Educator

Internationally recognized teacher, researcher, consultant and storyteller

For Parents and Educators Working Together.

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

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

This April, the Autism Society of America is proud to continue its fifth annual #CelebrateDifferences campaign in honor of Autism Acceptance Month.

Everyday, we work to create connections, empowering everyone in the Autism community to live fully.

We believe that acceptance is creating a world where everyone in the Autism community is connected to the support they need, when they need it.

And by everyone, we mean every unique individual: the implacable, inimitable, and irreplaceable you.

1 in 36 children now have Autism according to the CDC. If your child has recently been diagnosed with Autism, or you have been told that your child is exhibiting “autistic-like” behavior, it can be very challenging and stressful figuring out where to start and who to contact. We can help! Click here to send us a note or give us a call. The national Autism Society has information for Families new to the diagnosis look for local resources in our ASVC Autism Resource Guide.

Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and affects a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others. Autism is defined by a certain set of behaviors and is a “spectrum disorder” that affects individuals differently and to varying degrees. There is no known single cause for autism, but many research studies are underway. Increased awareness and acceptance of individuals and their families is needed, as well as continued funding for services and supports at an early age and into adulthood.

The CDC issued a report in March 2020 that marked the incidence of autism as 1 in 52 births, with the diagnosis given to boys four times more often than girls. The spotlight shown on autism as a result of the prevalence increase opens opportunities for the nation to consider how to serve these children, adults, and families facing a lifetime of support needs.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges. CDC is committed to continuing to provide essential data on ASD, search for factors that put children at risk for ASD and possible causes, and develop resources that help identify children with ASD as early as possible.

Signs and Symptoms

People with ASD often have problems with social communication and interaction, and restricted or repetitive behaviors or interests. People with ASD may also have different ways of learning, moving, or paying attention. These characteristics can make life very challenging. It is important to note that some people without ASD might also have some of these symptoms.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing ASD can be difficult since there is no medical test, like a blood test, to diagnose the disorder. Doctors look at the child’s behavior and development to make a diagnosis.

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

Rainbow's mission is to serve children and adults with developmental disabilities and their community. Rainbow believes that every person should be valued, respected and given the opportunity to reach their fullest potential.

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

Fillmore Office: (805) 292-1101

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