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

NOVEMBER 6, 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.

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.

There's No NEAM Without ME

November is National Epilepsy Awareness Month (NEAM), and this year, we’re taking big actions!

Our theme is “There is no NEAM without ME”. We chose this theme because November is all about our community — YOU. Without your collaboration and support, we wouldn’t be able to build a seizure safe nation. Together with you, we can raise awareness and funds, educate the general public about the epilepsies and seizures, and push for more research to improve outcomes for you.

During this month, we are highlighting individuals and partners in our community who are using their stories, talents and efforts to help people with epilepsy overcome the challenges that come with their diagnosis.

• 1 in 10 people will have a seizure and 1 in 26 will develop epilepsy during their lifetime.
• There are 3.4 million people living with epilepsy in the United States; 470,000 of them are children.
• Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that can affect any one of us regardless of race, age, or gender.
• Seizures are a symptom of epilepsy. Not all seizures are the same. Many people with epilepsy have more than one type of seizure.

JOIN US in spreading the word about 22q11.2 deletion and duplication during November’s 22q Awareness Month.

“What’s 22q?” … Our goal during this month is to let the world know what a complex condition this is, how much support is sometimes required, and how these amazing, beautiful children overcome many obstacles to survive and thrive! Not forgetting the few that are lost far, far too soon.

We want the world to know all our stories and to recognize the beauty within these individuals.

You are important and we need you to get the word out about 22q11.2 Syndromes. There are many ways you can get involved to make a difference and shine the light on 22q!

22q11.2 duplication syndrome is a condition caused by an extra copy of a small piece of chromosome 22 which contains about 30 to 40 genes. The features of this condition vary widely, even among members of the same family (intrafamilial variability).

Affected individuals may have:

• Intellectual or learning disability
• Developmental delay
• Slow growth leading to short stature
• Weak muscle tone (hypotonia)

Many people with the condition have no apparent physical or intellectual disabilities. It is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner. While many affected people inherit the condition from a parent, others are affected due to having a new mutation that occurs for the first time. In either case, the condition can be passed on to children.

22q11.2 deletion syndrome is a disorder that involves many different areas of the body and can vary greatly in severity among people with the condition.

Signs and symptoms may include:

• cleft palate,
• heart defects
• recurrent infections
• unique facial characteristics
• feeding problems
• kidney abnormalities
• hypoparathyroidism
• thrombocytopenia
• scoliosis
• hearing loss
• developmental delay
• learning disabilities

People with this condition are also more likely to develop certain autoimmune disorders and personality disorders. 22q11.2 deletion syndrome is caused by a deletion of a small part of chromosome 22 near the middle of the chromosome at a location known as q11.2. In most cases, the syndrome occurs for the first time in the affected person; about 10% of cases are inherited from a parent. It is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner. Although there is no specific treatment or cure, there can be ways to manage the symptoms. A team of doctors is often needed to figure out the treatment options based on each person’s symptoms.

Tuesday, November 14th

10 AM

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:

11/14 10:00am https://bit.ly/3ruSK5H

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

Wednesday, November 15th

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.

Wednesday, November 15th

5:30 – 7:30 PM

Meet with Agency Representatives and learn about the transition process...

Student attendance is encouraged!!

Parents and caregivers frequently have questions about the discipline process for students with disabilities. Come hear an overview of rules and ed code governing suspension and expulsion of students and how districts are supporting students.

Presented by:

Eric Castaniero,
Principal, Triton Academy

Elissa Francis,
BCBA, Simi Valley Unified

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.

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!

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.

Associate Superintendent

Sarah Fontenot - Administrative Assistant III

Local Plan Implementation

Interagency Coordination, Policies & Procedures

SELPA Office Operations

Related Services Staff: Residential Placement Consultants

Regina Reed - Director of Personnel Development

Anabel Lopez-Penny - Administrative Assistant II

Ana Teran - Administrative Assistant II

Program & Personnel Development

Early Start

Related Services Staff: Adapted PE Teachers, Assistive Technology Assessment Center,

Orientation & Mobility Specialists, DHH Teachers

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

Vacant - Administrative Assistant II

SIRAS Support, Forms & Instructions

Private Schools

Pattern of Strengths & Weaknesses Model

WorkAbility Program

Transition

Related Services Staff: WorkAbility Specialists

Jeanine Murphy - Director, Family & School Collaboration

Alexandra Ibarra - Administrative Assistant II

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Services

Nick Vlahos - Director

ERSES Program & COEDS

Behavior

Related Services Staff: Social/Emotional Services Specialists, Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists

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