CAC NEWS
VENTURA COUNTY SELPA, APRIL 2024
INFORMATION FOR FAMILIES AND CAREGIVERS OF STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
A collaborative partnership of
school districts, staff, students, parents/families, and community agencies
Supporting Equitable Learning, Programs and Access
for ALL students.
WHAT IS THE CAC?
You Are Invited To The Next CAC Meeting:
Monday
May 20, 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.
Local Plan Review
You are invited to attend a meeting where the update to the Local Plan will be reviewed.
April 29, 2024
4 – 5 PM
The purpose of the Local Plan is to:
- Outline the special education policies/procedures and services that are offered throughout the SELPA.
- To assure access to special education and related services for all individuals with exceptional needs residing within the geographic areas served by the plan
- To assure compliance with all Federal and State codes and statutes
SELPA Commendations Are Being Accepted!!!!
To nominate someone (Teacher, Student, Parent/Caregiver, Specialist) for "going above and beyond" in serving special education students and/or families please download the application below.
HIGHLIGHTS
RESPECT AND DIGNITY FOR PEOPLE WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES
April is Autism Acceptance Month!!!
This April, the Autism Society of America
is proud to continue its sixth 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.
What is Autism?
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain. Some people with ASD have a known difference, such as a genetic condition. Other causes are not yet known. Scientists believe there are multiple causes of ASD that act together to change the most common ways people develop. We still have much to learn about these causes and how they impact people with ASD.
People with ASD may behave, communicate, interact, and learn in ways that are different from most other people. There is often nothing about how they look that sets them apart from other people. The abilities of people with ASD can vary significantly. For example, some people with ASD may have advanced conversation skills whereas others may be nonverbal. Some people with ASD need a lot of help in their daily lives; others can work and live with little to no support.
LOCAL AUTISM RESOURCES
1 in 36 children now have Autism according to the CDC. If you, your child, or a loved one have recently been diagnosed with Autism, it can be challenging to know where to start. We can help!
Click here to send us a note or give us a call.
ASVC supporters are individuals, families and businesses who love someone with Autism. Our ASVC extended family is comprised of local service providers, educators and professionals who are interested in furthering the organization’s mission.
Our board and the people who invest their time are all volunteers. Our events are open to any individual, family, or community member who could benefit from them.
By supporting Autism Society Ventura County, we can work together to ensure that all individuals within our community can access our programs.
UPCOMING PARENT/CAREGIVER WORKSHOPS
Autism Conference: Antecedent-Based Training
04/17/2024
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
This workshop is for both parents/caregivers and professionals working with students with autism. Participants wil l learn about antecedent based interventions as an evidence-based practice used to prevent behaviors both in the school and home setting. Participants wil l have the opportunity to discuss strategies and develop a visual schedule.
Ventura County Behavioral Health (VCBH)
Ventura County Behavioral Health offers services for people looking for help for mental health and substance use issues. We reach out to the general population, those already getting help, and those seeking help.
Virtual Lunch Chat
12 – 12:30 PM
Join the SELPA Family and School Collaboration Team and Rainbow Connection Family Resource and Empowerment Center staff for a lunch chat.
Bring your questions about special education and the IEP process.
What is Pathways2Partnership?
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.
UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS
15K Hero Run
(9.3 miles Run both the 10K + 5K Events)
Runners receive 1 medal with a superhero cape!
10K Trail Race
(6.2 miles) Starts at 7:00am
5K Run/Walk
(3.1 miles) Starts at 8:30am
1 Mile Run/ Walk
Starts at 10:15am
Fun-K
Starts at 10:45am
Virtual Race - run with us from anywhere.
A Quick Guide to the IEP and Special Education Process
April 9, 2024
6:30 PM
Come learn about Special Education and connect with
Rainbow Connection Family Resource Center/Family Empowerment Center.
There will be a Q&A session at the end of this
informative presentation.
Record Keeping With Rainbow!!
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
LOCAL RESOURCES
Disability Celebrations Toolkit
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 RESOURCES
What is Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)?
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
Rainbow Connection Family Resource and Empowerment Center
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
Tri-Counties Regional Center
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.
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
State Council on Developmental Disabilities (SCDD)
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
SPECIAL EDUCATION LOCAL PLAN AREA (SELPA) LOCAL PLAN
SELPA LEADERSHIP AND STAFF
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
Jeanine Murphy - Director, Family & School Collaboration
Lisa Garcia - Administrative Assistant II
Nick Vlahos - Director
Ruben Ramirez - Program Specialist
Peter Aguirre - Program Specialist
Email: vcselpa@vcoe.org
Website: www.vcselpa.org
Location: 5100 Adolfo Road, Camarillo, CA, USA
Phone: 805-437-1560
Facebook: https://facebook.com/VCSELPA
X (formerly Twitter): @VenturaCOE