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

May 6, 2024

4 – 6 PM

(Preceded by Local Plan Review)

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.

The Ventura County SELPA is dedicated to providing information and support to families of children 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.

Website

For Families

For Educators

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.

Website

Resources Overview

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.

Website

Resources

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.

Website

Services

United Parents provides resources to empower, strengthen and support parents and other caregivers who have youth and/or children with mental health, behavioral, and/or emotional disorders.

Website

Programs

February 29th is Rare Disease Day!

Raising awareness and generating change for the 300 million people worldwide living with a rare disease, their families and carers.

What is a rare disease?

A disease is rare when it affects less than 1 in 2000 people.

What are the universal challenges faced by those living with a rare disease?

• The lack of scientific knowledge and quality information on the disease often results in a delay in diagnosis.
• The need for appropriate quality health care engenders inequalities and difficulties in access to treatment and care. This often results in heavy social and financial burdens on patients.
• Owing to the broad diversity of disorders and relatively common symptoms which can hide underlying rare diseases, initial

Rare Disease Day is the globally-coordinated movement on rare diseases, working towards equity in social opportunity, healthcare, and access to diagnosis and therapies for people living with a rare disease.

Since its creation in 2008, Rare Disease Day has played a critical part in building an international rare disease community that is multi-disease, global, and diverse– but united in purpose.

Rare Disease Day is observed every year on 28 February (or 29 in leap years)—the rarest day of the year.

February 15th is International Angelman Day!

Every year, over 50 organizations world-wide come together on February 15 to raise awareness for Angelman syndrome and honor our loved ones with AS.

On this page, you’ll find ways you can help spread awareness and educate your community about Angelman syndrome.

What is Angelman Syndrome?

Angelman syndrome (AS) is a rare neuro-genetic disorder that occurs in one in 15,000 live births or 500,000 people worldwide. It is caused by a loss of function of the UBE3A gene in the 15th chromosome derived from the mother.

Angelman syndrome shares symptoms and characteristics with other disorders including autism, cerebral palsy and Prader-Willi syndrome. Due to the common characteristics, misdiagnosis occurs often.

People with Angelman syndrome have developmental problems that become noticeable by the age of 6 – 12 months. Other common signs and symptoms usually appear in early childhood like walking and balance disorders, gastrointestinal issues, seizures and little to no speech. Despite these symptoms, people with Angelman syndrome have an overall happy and excitable demeanor.

An individual with AS will light up a room with their smile and laughter

Non-Violent Crisis Intervention training is a training that focuses on prevention and offers proven strategies for safely defusing anxious, hostile or violent behavior at the earliest possible stage. This training includes evidence based effective skills that to manage and prevent difficult behavior.

FEBRUARY 1, 2024

8:30AM - 3:00PM

Are you worried about your child's behavior at home or in the community? Do you need strategies to prevent or manage behaviors? If so, this training is for you! All parents of children with disabilities are encouraged to attend.

The workshop will give parents and care givers:

· Insight into behavior patterns of their child.

· Ideas for intervening early as behaviors start to escalate.

· Ways to keep everyone safe.

This workshop will provide parents and caregivers with an overview of some of the concepts and strategies taught in the Nonviolent Crisis Intervention training programs.

PRESENTED BY:

Michele Harding

M.S., M.A., Program Specialist

Ventura County Office of Education

Julie Affronti

LMFT, BCBA, Behavior Specialist

Ventura County Office of Education

A workshop on working together, maintaining connections

and collaboration through challenging times.

February 8, 2024

3:00 - 4:30 PM

This workshop is being held via Zoom.

Please log in at least 5-10 minutes prior to the scheduled start time.

Presented by: David Dowling, JD, MDR

A virtual training for parents, educators, and community agencies.

View Flyer

Who is David Dowling?

After receiving his B.A. from Brigham Young University, he earned his JD from Chapman University School of Law. He went on to earn Masters of Dispute Resolution (MDR) from the Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution and Pepperdine University School of Law.

David was identified as a natural mediator by one of his professors and he knew that mediation was the right path for him and that he wanted to develop a career as a mediator.

"Over the years I have mediated a wide range of cases. Two key elements that always stand out to me, no matter the case, are relationships and emotions. Both drive and influence each mediation."

"I want to create an environment where clients feel comfortable sharing their stories and find strength and support."

February 15, 2024

1:00 - 4:00 PM

Do you want to learn about resources in your community? Do you have a child with a disability? Do you want to connect with community partners? If so, this open house is for you!

All parents of children with disabilities are encouraged to attend!!

Location:

VCOE Conference Center

Resources for families of at-risk children & youth.

Learn about community resources, fees, eligibility requirements, funding streams, etc.

Learn about new services available to youth & families

*Prevention*Legal / Law Enforcement*Child Care*Employment Programs *Child / Family Services*Housing*After School Care*Juvenile Justice Options*Health Benefits*Education*

*Mental Health Programs*Respite Care

This workshop is FREE! Everyone is welcomed to attend.

Save the date flyer (English and Spanish) / Folleto (ingles y español)

Norman & Ellen Linder Carpe Diem Conference

CARPE DIEM: Making Connections to Success and Wellbeing

For Parents and Professionals Who Care for Children with Emotional Challenges

3/07/2024

9:00AM–3:05PM

Check-In: 8:30am.

Training 9:00AM–3:05PM

CLICK HERE FOR REGISTRATION BROCHURE (ENGLISH) (SPANISH)

_________________________________________________

Keynote Presenter: Dr. Jacqueline Sanderlin

Accomplished educator, leadership guru, and author Dr. Jacqueline Sanderlin (Dr. Jackie) is an expert in developing meaningful community partnerships and is the Founder and CEO of the Why Not? Incubator, a non-profit organization designed to provide community partnership support to low-income schools.

This year there are two sessions with five workshop options each. You are able to choose the workshops you would like to attend. Please be sure to complete that portion of your registration as you will be assigned according to your choices.

Location:

Conference and Educational Services Center

5100 Adolfo Road

Camarillo, CA 93012

If you are interested in earning Continuing Education Units, please contact Casa Pacifica at (805) 366-4064 or training@casapacifica.org PRIOR to the Conference by March 1, 2024.

Continuing Education Unit (4 Hours Offered)
Affiliation: CA Board of Behavioral Sciences

Help young adults with disabilities prepare for the

quality adult life they envision.

Students, parents, teachers, and care providers are invited to

join us at the Transition Fair.

Saturday, March 23, 2024

9am-12pm

VCOE Conference and Educational Service Center

5100 Adolfo Rd. Camarillo, 93012

Meet local agency representatives and gain information to assist with making adult life decisions.

*Attend and interact with agency representatives from the Department of Rehabilitation,

Tri-Counties Regional Center, Local Colleges, Universities, Ventura County Behavioral Health, and more

Wednesday, May 8

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.

Live Music

Dance

Food & Drink

Vendors

Kids Activities

Silent Auction

Raffle

February 11, 2024

1–5 PM

Oxnard Performing Art Center

Focusing On The Six Pillars Of IDEA!

• Individualized Education Program (IEP)

• Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE)
• Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)
• Appropriate Evaluation
• Parent and Teacher Participation
• Procedural Safeguards

February 13, 2024

6:30 PM

Come learn about Special Education and connect with Rainbow Connection Family Resource Family and Empowerment Center.

There will be a Q&A session at the end of this informative presentation.

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.

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/VenturaCOE
Twitter: @VenturaCOE