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

January 22, 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.

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.

Inclusive Schools Week™ is an annual event sponsored by the Inclusive Schools Network (ISN) and Stetson & Associates, Inc., which is held each year during the first full week in December.

2023 Inclusive Schools Week: Draw Me In!

As far back as the days of cave drawings, art has been a way for humans to express themselves. Many children begin to communicate through the language of art even before using words. We’ve often heard, “A picture is worth a thousand words.”

Our theme for Inclusive Schools Week 2023 is Draw Me In! Participating in art provides a pathway to self-discovery, and sharing art opens doors to understanding and respecting different ways of thinking. Do we see the faces of all children and youth drawn into the canvas of our schools and society today?

The need to belong is a basic need of all students and an integral component of effective inclusive schools. To be inclusive implies a fundamental commitment to building relationships among students, families, educators, and the community to support safe and positive learning environments.

Artist and muralist, Kyle Holbrook, founder of Moving the Lives of Kids, has joined us at the Inclusive Schools Network to share his vision and knowledge of public art as a way to reach and include all kids. As we celebrate Inclusive Schools Week 2023, let us respond—Draw Me In!

The holidays can be fun – but for some people, they can lead to anxiety or depression – the “holiday blues".

Be kind to yourself and to others who might be at risk. Plan ahead for things you can do to make the holiday season healthier for everyone.

Boost Mental Wellness

Resolve to Stay Connected

Resolve to Reach Out

Not Sure About Getting Help?

Mental Health

Depression

Holiday Blues can be a normal reaction to recent stressful events or triggered by:

• Recent loss of family members
• Comparing yourself to other people
• Unrealistic expectations that family time will be perfect
• Trying to do too much
• Changes in diet and routine

THINGS YOU CAN DO:

• “Take some time alone – but not too much.”
• “Be realistic about what you can and can’t do.”
• “Ask your family to do more". “We let our boys put up and decorate the tree.”
• “Don’t drink alcohol if you are feeling down.”
• “Stick to normal routines as much as possible.”

International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) is a UN day that is celebrated every year on 3 December.

The theme of the 2023 International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) is:

"United in action to rescue and achieve the

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for, with and by persons with disabilities."

The day is about promoting the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities at every level of society and development, and to raise awareness of the situation of persons with disabilities in all aspects of political, social, economic, and cultural life.

Tuesday, December 5

6:30 PM

Presented by:

EPU–Exceptional Parents Unlimited

PHP–Parents Helping Parents

Would you like to improve your skills and knowledge to become active partners in developing your child’s educational program?

This online training will help you understand the special education process; it is an overview of the IEP document and process. The goal is to help you understand your rights, recognize the value of your parenting expertise, and improve your communication and problem-solving skills. Your participation as a valued member of your child's team is essential whether the IEP team is meeting virtually or in person!

Join Rainbow Connection Family Resource and Empowerment Center:

12/5 6:30 PM https://bit.ly/3OK2r9C

Presented by:

Eric Castaniero,
Principal, Triton Academy

Elissa Francis,
BCBA, Simi Valley Unified School District

This workshop is for both parents/caregivers and professionals working with students with autism. Participants will learn about prompting as an evidence-based practice and how to apply prompting in a positive behavior environment to support students.

Wednesday, January 10

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.

Seeking local artists to submit their art for our January 2024 Art Show!

For Questions or to submit your art, call (805)496-1632 or email ivonne@autismventura.org

or use the QR Code from the flyer.

Please join our community of autistic artists as they showcase their art.

January 11 – 14, 2024

Held at the Museum of Ventura County

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 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 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.

Regina Reed - Director of Personnel Development

Anabel Lopez-Penny - Administrative Assistant II

Ana Teran - Administrative Assistant II

Joanna V. Della Gatta - Director of Technical Support and Transition

Lisa Garcia - Administrative Assistant II

Jeanine Murphy - Director, Family & School Collaboration

Alexandra Ibarra - Administrative Assistant II

Nick Vlahos - Director

Ruben Ramirez - Program Specialist

Peter Aguirre - Program Specialist

Sarah Fontenot - Administrative Assistant III

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