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.

Who is in the CAC?

• Parents/guardians of individuals with disabilities (the majority)
• Representatives of agencies that serve people with disabilities
• School staff

How can I participate?

Members of the public are always welcome to attend CAC meetings and give public comments. CAC Meetings are governed by the Brown Act and only items on the agenda will be discussed. Staff may follow-up as needed. If you prefer to speak with a CAC member privately or by phone, call the SELPA office at (805) 437-1560 for contact information, including the name of your school district representative.

Monday, January 9, 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.

2022-2023 CAC BOARD

Carole Shelton, Chair

Lee Ann Holland, Vice-Chair

Myra Medina, Membership Secretary

Amanda Alfred, Treasurer

Vacant, Parliamentarian

Flavia Seawright, Public Information Officer

Amber Christensen, Recording Secretary

This presentation will provide an overview of gender differences in the social behaviors of school populations of autistic students. Participants will have opportunities to brainstorm about how current practices to support autistic students can be adapted to support the social development of females on the spectrum.

There is no cost for this conference but does require registration.

December 14, 2022

1:00pm - 3:00pm

Will be held virtually via Zoom

Please register at https://vcoe.k12oms.org/eventdetail.php?gid=1630&id=225537

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.

The workshop will give parents and caregivers:

• Insight into behavior patterns of their child.
  
• Ideas for intervening early as behaviors start to escalate.
  
• Ways to keep everyone safe.
  

The cost is FREE. Space is limited. Register EARLY!

January 25, 2023

8:30am - 3:30pm

Location: Ventura County Office of Education, CESC5100 Adolfo Road, Camarillo, CA 93012 Santa Paula Room

Registration: To register you will need an OMS Account. Go to https://vcoek12oms.org/login.php to create an account. If you already have an OMS Account, go to http://vcoe.k12oms.org/1630-228551 to register.

Jeanine Murphy, MFT Assistant Director: Family and School Collaboration Ventura County SELPA will present "Parent Rights and Procedural Safeguards For Special Education." Please attend to learn more.

English: January 25, 2023

Spanish: January 26, 2023

4:00pm - 5:00pm

There is no cost. This workshop will require online registration.

You will need an OMS account to register for this workshop. Go to https://vcoe.k12oms.org/login.php to create an account. If you already have an account, go to
http://vcoe.k12oms.org/1630-228553 to register.

If you are having trouble accessing the system or youdo not have access to a computer, please call (805)437-1560 or email: Ana Terán aolvera@vcoe.org

There is no cost for this conference but does require registration. For Spanish translation, please request seven (7) days in advance. This is a virtual session.

Register: https://vcoe.k12oms.org/1630-215871

February 7, 2023

3:00pm - 5:00pm

Katie Novak Ed.D, Consultant

Internationally renowned education consultant

Shelley Moore, Educator

Internationally recognized teacher, researcher, consultant and storyteller

The annual observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) on 3 December was proclaimed in 1992 by the United Nations General Assembly resolution 47/3. The observance of the Day aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities.

The 2022 global observance to commemorate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities will be around the overarching theme of innovation and transformative solutions for inclusive development, covering in three different interactive dialogues the following thematic topics:

• Innovation for disability inclusive development in employment (SDG8): this dialogue will discuss the linkages between employment, knowledge and skills required to access employment in an innovative, rapidly changing technological landscape to all and how assistive technologies can increase accessibility to employment and be mainstreamed in the workplace.

• Innovation for disability inclusive development in reducing inequality (SDG10): this dialogue will discuss innovations, practical tools and good practices to reduce inequalities in both public and private sectors, which are disability inclusive and interested in promoting diversity in the workplace.

• Innovation for disability inclusive development: sport as an exemplar case: a sector where all of these aspects coalesce; sport as a good practice example and a site of innovation, employment and equity.

Since its inception in 2001, Inclusive Schools Week has celebrated the progress that schools have made in providing a supportive and quality education to an increasingly diverse student population, including students who are marginalized due to disability, gender, socio-economic status, cultural heritage, language preference, and other factors. The Week also provides an important opportunity for educators, students and parents to discuss what else needs to be done in order to ensure that their schools continue to improve their ability to successfully educate all children.

This year, the Inclusive Schools Week’s theme is “Unity Within Our Community.” Join us in celebrating Inclusive Schools Week December 5-9, 2022!

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.”

The Special Alert from the California Student Aid Commission (Commission) notifies school districts, county offices of education, and California charter schools of the new AB 469 requirement per California Education Code Section 51225.7. Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) are required to confirm that high school seniors complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application (CADAA).

Students may alternatively complete an opt-out form, which shall be collected and retained by the high school. These requirements apply beginning with the 2022-23 school year for the 2023-2024 FAFSA/CADAA application cycle that starts on October 1, 2022.

For more details, please view GSA 2022-33.

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

For more information and to register or for ongoing Support Groups, Training & Activities go to:

www.rainbowconnectionfrc.weebly.com

Sign up for emails here.

Call: 805-485-9643 or 800-332-3679

Email: rainbow@tri-counties.org

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.

Tri-Counties Regional Center Offices

All TCRC offices have re-opened to the public.

On-Call Managers
Simi Valley Office: (805) 456-8020 sv@tri-counties.org
Oxnard Office: (805) 456-8021 ox@tri-counties.org

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. Our clinical and intake teams are fully operational. 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

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

Email Sign-Up!

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

Sign up to receive announcements of informational items for families directly to your email.

To nominate someone (Teacher, Student, Parent, Specialist) for "going above and beyond" in serving special education students and/or families, go to the SELPA website, click on "Information for Families" and look under CAC for an application.

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.

Emily Mostovoy-Luna - Associate Superintendent

Sarah Fontenot- Administrative Assistant III

Local Plan Implementation

Interagency Coordination, Policies & Procedures

SELPA Office Operations

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

Orientation & Mobility Specialists, Residential Placement Consultants

Regina Reed - Director of Personnel Development Anabel Lopez-Penny - Administrative Assistant II Program & Personnel Development

ERSES Program & COEDS

Behavior

Early Start

Related Services Staff: Social/Emotional Services Specialists, DHH Teachers

Joanna V. Della Gatta - Director of Technical Support and Transition Mariella Cazares-Flores - Administrative Assistant II

SIRAS Support, Forms & Instructions

Private Schools

Pattern of Strengths & Weaknesses Model

WorkAbility Program

Transition

Related Services Staff: Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, WorkAbility Specialists

Kim DeAnda - Program Specialist

Jeanine Murphy-Assistant Director, Family & School Collaboration

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Services

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