Welcome back! We hope you had a great winter break with your loved ones. Here's our latest monthly newsletter with updated information and several opportunities for learning and supporting your child. I encourage all of you to sign up for the training opportunities provided through the District and NCCSE. The links to sign up are in the newsletter. As always if you have any questions or concerns please feel free to reach out to the Special Education Department. We are here to support your child.

Nereida Gutierrez

Director, Special Education

Parent workshops are currently being planned with our Special Education Community Liaison, Doris Cruz. More information to come with specific dates and times.

The North County Consortium for Special Education (NCCSE) has several training opportunities for parents. Here is a list of upcoming free events.

De-escalating Challenging Behaviors: Parent/Caregiver Training from Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI)

Click here to register: http://sdcoe.k12oms.org/884-228697

Click here to register: https://sdcoe.k12oms.org/884-230338

A Community Advisory Committee (CAC) is made up of parents, educators, and community members who are involved in special education. The CAC of the North Coastal Consortium for Special Education (NCCSE) provides meetings and special events throughout the year and advises the superintendents of the 14 school districts about special education services. Each meeting includes information on a special education topic, resources for families, and opportunities to meet with other parents to exchange resources, information, and ideas.

Whether you are a student who qualifies for special education services, a parent or family member of a student, or a district teacher or staff person, we can help!

CAC meetings are open to the public!

Anyone with an interest in special education is encouraged to attend, especially if your child receives special education services from one of the NCCSE school districts.

More information on meeting times, location, agenda, as well as past meeting minutes.

Why is it worth your time to attend CAC meetings?

Parents who have attended Community Advisory Committee meetings report that they have found opportunities to:

• Connect with other parents and with school district teachers and administrators,
• Learn about resources for their child and family,
• Participate in shaping the activities of the committee, including conversations with school district staff and administrators, parent workshops, an awards ceremony, and
• Develop and expand their leadership skills.

Next meeting schedule for 04/19/2023

Location TBA

Come explore local recreation programs and resource agencies who serve children with special needs and their families! Include resources for ages birth through young adult.

Click here for the event flyer

North Coastal Consortium of Special Education (NCCSE), Regional Center, FRC/FEC is proud to partner with the California Autism Professional Training and Information Network, (CAPTAIN ) by promoting the use of evidence- based practices for students with Autism.

CAPTAIN is part of the California Department of Education Statewide System of Support in collaboration with Marin County SELPA

CAPTAIN website

It's time to apply! Magnet school application are open. If you need additional assistance please make sure to reach out to school site support and review Student Support Services website for more information.

Magnet School Frequently Asked Questions 2023-2024

Yes. Magnet schools in Vista Unified School district are inclusive and do NOT discriminate based upon disability. However, it is important to note that not every school in Vista Unified has the full continuum of special education programs and services. In the event that your child’s IEP calls for a specialized program that is not available at a specific magnet school, the VUSD Special Education Department will work with you to find an appropriate program for your child at another school. If you have any questions about the availability of a specialized program for your child at a specific magnet school, please feel free to reach out to the school or the VUSD Special Education Department prior to submitting an application.

A current copy of the student’s IEP or 504 should be provided to the school at the time of acceptance.

*To request student copies of their IEP please contact your child's school site Case Manager.

Please don't hesitate to communicate with our Community Liaison. We are here to facilitate communication between VUSD and families.

If you need assistance please reach out to Doris Cruz.

Phone number: (760) 726-2170 ext. 92914

Email: doriscruz@vistausd.org

SpEd Community Liaison Flyer

A popular San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE) resource from 2022 has been updated with new apps, information, and support for teen mental health and well-being. The English and Spanish versions of the Teen Guide to Mental Health can be downloaded from the SDCOE Student Support Services website. It is one of the many mental health resources listed on the site. Visit the SDCOE Facebook page to download image files for sharing on social media.

Do you know of anyone who is looking for a job in education? If so, please encourage them to apply for our open positions.

Classified:

• INSTRUCTIONAL ASSISTANT II-LH/CH/RSP - Permanent
• INSTRUCTIONAL ASSISTANT-BEHAVIORAL INTERVENTION, Permanent & Substitutes (OPEN and CONTINUOUS Application)
• SPECIAL EDUCATION ASSISTANT IV-SH/PH - OPEN and CONTINUOUS application
• Early Childhood Education Specialist - California Avenue School (Repost)
  

Certificated:

• Education Specialist-Moderate/Severe Teacher
  
• Education Specialist-Mild/Moderate Teacher

Nereida Gutierrez, Director, Special Education, specialeducationdept@vistausd.org

Steffanie Rupp, Coordinator, Special Education, steffanierupp@vistausd.org

Rachel Schmidt, Principal, California Avenue School, rachelschmidt@vistausd.org

Katherine Abraham, Principal, Vista Adult Transition Program, katherineabraham@vistausd.org

Jennifer Gruman, Program Supervisor, jennifergruman@vistausd.org

William Foley, Program Supervisor, williamfoley@vistausd.org

Kinga Nagorny, Program Supervisor, kinganagorny@vistausd.org

Dr. Charyn Socket Berg, Program Supervisor charynberg@vistausd.org

Dafnee Ramirez, Administrative Secretary, Special Education, dafneeramirez@vistausd.org

Debra Harris, Data Tech, debraharris@vistausd.org

Yvonne Fortin, Data Tech, yvonnefortin@vistausd.org

Doris Cruz, Community Liaison, Special Education, doriscruz@vistausd.org

Special Education Department: specialeducationdept@vistausd.org

Address: 1234 Arcadia Avenue Vista, CA, 92084

Phone number: (760) 726-2170 ext. 92914

Email: Specialeducationdept@vistausd.org

Twiter: @VUSDSpEd