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.

Monday

September 9, 2024

4 – 6 PM

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

To receive Meeting Notices Click Here.

As you are settling into your school year please know that the CAC is here to support you!

Please welcome our newly elected Executive Board:

Amanda Alfred, Chair

Lee Ann Holland, Vice Chair

Jasmine Duron, Membership Secretary

Ashley Pope, Treasurer

Denise Benic, Parliamentarian

Flavia Seawright, Public Information Officer

Vacant, Secretary

Commendations are for someone (Teacher, Student, Parent/Caregiver, Staff) who have "gone above and beyond," in serving special education students and/or families.

Starting as early as preschool and kindergarten, regular attendance is essential for students gaining the academic and social skills they need to thrive. Research shows that when students are chronically absent (missing 10% or more of the school year or 18 days over an entire school year), they are less likely to read proficiently by third grade, achieve in middle school and graduate from high school. In addition to the well-publicized learning losses, students also lost opportunities to develop socially and gain skills in problem-solving and self-regulation, all which are needed to grow and learn.

Since the pandemic, national data shows chronic absence almost doubled from 8 million 14.7 million students nationwide in 2021-22. That’s one out of three students. Absenteeism has surged among all student groups, at every economic level. Black, Latino, and Native American students, students living in poverty, students with disabilities and English language learners have been especially affected.

We can nurture a culture of engagement and attendance at school. This starts by helping everyone in the community, because schools certainly can’t do it alone. We all prosper when children and youth, regardless of their race, ethnicity, neighborhood, family income or disability status, have the opportunity to gain skills and abilities that prepare them for success in school, work and life.

HELPING YOUR CHILD SHINE: A PARENT’S GUIDE TO NEURODIVERSITY (VIRTUAL) WORKSHOP

DATE: SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

TIME: 4:00PM - 6:00PM

LOCATION: MUST REGISTER FOR ZOOM

Are you seeking to know more as a parent about neurodiversity? Is your child a creative thinker who learns differently? This session explores how parents can celebrate unique learning styles! Learn about neurodiversity and how you can unlock your child's full potential through your parenting choices and strategies. Join us and discover practical ways to empower all learners!

Presented by: Dr. Amy Merenda

To Register click here.

There is no cost to attend this training.

Date: OCTOBER 16, 2024

Time: 4:00PM – 6:00PM

VCOE CONFERENCE AND

EDUCATIONAL SERVICES CENTER

CONEJO Conference Room (in-person)

Cost is Free. Registration required. Click here.

PRESENTED BY:

Taylor Bernardez,

B.C.B.A, Ventura County Office of Education

Courtney Forbes,

AMFT, Ventura County Behavioral Health

Ciara Kapp,

LMFT, Ventura County Behavioral Health

Scott Lessin,

LMFT, Ventura County Behavioral Health

Kristen O’Cain,

LMFT, Ventura County Behavioral Health

This engaging and informative workshop delves into the latest evidence-based practices designed to support the mental health and well-being of students with autism Understanding and addressing the unique challenges faced by these students is crucial for fostering an inclusive and supportive educational environment. Participants will gain a comprehensive overview of the best practices and innovative strategies that have proven effective in improving mental health outcomes

for students with autism.

In 2022, new legislation in California went into effect that states that local education agencies (LEAs) should offer all qualifying students with disabilities a new pathway to a high school diploma. This legislation was amended in 2023 and clarified by the California Department of Education (CDE) in a 2024 guidance letter and frequently asked questions.

National PTA has a long-standing commitment to arts education. The Reflections program provides opportunities for recognition and access to the arts which boost student confidence and success in the arts and in life.

Each year, students in Pre-K through Grade 12 are invited to create and submit original works of art in the areas of Dance Choreography, Film Production, Literature, Music Composition, Photography and Visual Arts. Students participate in the appropriate division for their grade: Primary (Pre-K - Grade 2); Intermediate (Grades 3-5); Middle School (Grades 6-8); High School (Grades 9-12); and Accessible Arts** (All grades welcome).

Based on State PTA rules and guidelines, these works of art may be submitted for state and national level awards and recognition opportunities.

**Students who identify as having a disability and may receive services under IDEA or ADA: Section 504 may enter in the Accessible Arts Division (formerly the Special Artist division) or grade division most closely aligned to their support needs.

The Ventura County SELPA recognizes that we can't do our best for our students with disabilities without the care and support of their parents, guardians and others who know and love them. The SELPA and its member districts are committed to involving parents as important members of the team in reviewing assessments and progress and making decisions about their children. In addition, the SELPA is committed to including parents of children with disabilities in evaluating programs, providing ideas for improvement, and developing educational opportunities for other parents along the way. Our Special Education administrators appreciate your input regarding program improvements and encourage you to call or write with constructive suggestions. In addition, the Ventura County SELPA Community Advisory Committee (CAC) is mandated by California Education code to receive input and make recommendations about Special Education programs.

Are you looking for a replacement for the Abilities Awareness Kit? Are you looking for a way to celebrate people with disabilities? Are you looking for a way to foster #DisabilityPride?

This kit is for you!

This kit was created and curated by Conejo Valley Unified School District's Special Education District Advisory Committee

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.

The Pathways to Partnership consortium envisions a statewide educational community with the necessary skill sets to prevent, reduce, and resolve conflicts building trust and mutual understanding between families and educational agencies.

Pathways to Partnership provides professional learning and continuous improvement for educators and families throughout California with the goal of building capacity, expertise, and resources in the prevention and resolution of conflict with a student-centered focus. Visit our website for professional development opportunities at no cost to participants.

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 Connection serves children and adults with developmental disabilities, their families, the professionals who work with them, and their communities, families of children and young adults with disabilities between the ages of 3 and 22 navigating special education and the IEP process throughout Ventura County.

Rainbow Connection believes that every person should be valued, respected, and given the opportunity to reach their fullest potential. Rainbow Connection is dedicated to offering understanding, support, information, education, and resources to all members of the community in both English and Spanish.

Email: rainbow@tri-counties.org
Website: https://rainbowconnectionfrc.weebly.com/
Phone: 805-485-9643
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/rainbowconnectionfrc

Rainbow Connection offers training sessions to help parents and caregivers keep track of their child's paperwork!

Please call for more information:

Rainbow Connection

805-485-9643

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.

Are you eligible?

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. 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

Oxnard

2401 East Gonzales Road, Oxnard, CA 93036

(805) 485-3177 (800) 664-3177 FAX (805) 988-9521

Simi Valley

2635 Park Center Drive, Suite A, Simi Valley, CA 93065

(805) 522-8030 (800) 517-2524 FAX (805) 522-8142

Fillmore

970 W. Ventura Street, Fillmore, CA 93015

(805) 292-1101 (844) 926-5992 FAX (805) 292-1103

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.

Joanna V. Della Gatta - Executive Director

Sarah Fontenot - Administrative Assistant III

Regina Reed - Director of Personnel Development

Anabel Lopez-Penny - Administrative Assistant II

Ana Teran - Administrative Assistant II

Kerry Newlee, Director, Technical Support and Transition

Vacant - Director, Family & School Collaboration

Peter Aguirre - Program Specialist, Family & School Collaboration

Lisa Garcia - Administrative Assistant II

Nick Vlahos - Director

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