Special Ed Family Newsletter
September 2022
Dear Families,
Welcome Back! We hope everyone had a restful summer. We are looking forward to a great school year with many enriching activities and fun learning experiences. Several parent workshops are scheduled throughout the year to meet and collaborate with each other and members of the Special Education Department. We look forward to continuing the collaborative efforts to ensure a successful school year to support your children.
We are working closely with Human Relations in helping to recruit new staff to fill our various vacant positions. If you know someone who is interested in working in the Special Education Department please encourage them to apply online.
With gratitude,
Nereida Gutierrez
Director, Special Education
THE Leadership Academy and Roosevelt Middle School welcoming All of our students back!!
VUSD is still actively recruiting to fill various certificated and classified positions
Open positions include: bus drivers, child nutrition assistants, and instructional aides for our special education students and after school programs. Instructional assistants, or paraprofessionals, work directly with students who receive special education services and play an invaluable role in providing instructional, physical and even medical support for students.
Interested in working in VUSD?
Vista Unified continues to look for dependable people that are excited about working with our students. Vista has a need for both permanent and substitute employees! We can get you working immediately! Come work with a district that is making a difference in the lives of children!
For more information, click below:
Instructional Assistant II - LH/CH/SP
Please Welcome Our New Secretary Dafnee Ramirez
Dafnee has worked for VUSD for almost sixteen years. She has been the Administrative Secretary for California Avenue for almost eight years. She started her journey in the education field as a GEAR UP tutor and mentor. She has also worked as a translator and interpreter for the Special Education Department. Dafnee is excited to continue her journey with VUSD in our Department as the new Secretary for the Special Education Department.
Parent Portal
A friendly reminder. If you haven't done so, please update your student's parent portal (Aeries) It is important that VUSD has the most current contact information for your student, to facilitate communication.
Transportation
If your child qualifies for transportation during the school year per their IEP, please make sure you have filled out a new transportation form for the 2022-23 school year. Just a reminder that not all students qualify for transportation during the school year.
Questions? Please call or email the Special Education Department at 760-726-2170, ext. 92900 or email specialeducationdept@vistausd.org
NCCSE Parent Workshop Opportunities (NCCSE)
Parenting the Love and Logic Way
The Nuts and Bolts of the IEP Process
Adult Transition Program (NCCSE)
What are the options students have after graduating from high school? Watch the following video to see a sample of what an Adult Transition Program
Additional Resources
Resources for Transition to Adulthood
Understanding Different Types of Learning Disabilities
YMCA Behavior Support Services
Food, Housing, Mental Health Resources
California Autism Professional Training and Information Network, (CAPTAIN): CAPTAIN Website
North Coastal Consortium for Special Education SELPA 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
Community Advisory Committee Meeting:
CAC Meeting Agenda (English and Spanish)
Next Meeting: Wednesday, October 12, 2022
- 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!
Special Education Community Liaison
Finish Strong by Simple Truths
Special Education Department
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
Dafnee Ramirez, Administrative Secretary, Special Education, dafneeramirez@vistausd.org
Chelsie Smith, Interim Secretary, Special Education, chelsieisa@vistausd.org
Doris Cruz, Community Liaison, Special Education, doriscruz@vistausd.org
Special Education Department: specialeducationdept@vistausd.org