Special Ed Family Newsletter
October 2022
Happy fall season!
Here is 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 you and your children.
Nereida Gutierrez
Director, Special Education
SPED Department Updates:
Chelsie Isa, our interim secretary is no longer assisting at the District Office. If you need to get in touch with our Secretary please contact Dafnee Ramirez dafneeramirez@vistausd.org.
We currently have a SPED Community Liaison Vacancy. Please reach out to Doris Cruz, she is here to provide resources for your children.
Contact information:
Email: doriscruz@vistausd.org ​
(760) 726-2170 ext 92914​
On September 26 we had our first parent workshop of the year
Welcome to Special Education - What to Expect in the IEP Process
Thank you to all of our parents who attended the training! We appreciate your input and support.
Special Education Coordinator Steffanie Rupp
Congratulations
Community Advisory Committee (CAC)
The 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, the CAC can help!
Parents who have attended CAC meetings report they have found opportunities to:
- Connect with other parents and 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
- Develop and expand their leadership
CAC Meetings are open to the public. The next meeting will be on November 9, 2022.
Social Emotional PD at NCCSE
October 28, 2022 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. PT Live Online
Next Month: cac meeting and educational topic
November 9, 2022
Educational Topic:
Supporting Families in Addressing Mental Health Challenges for Students with IEPs
Presenters:
Lauren Hughey, LMFT, Program Director San Diego START
Director for San Diego START, (Systemic, Therapeutic Assessment, Resources, and Treatment) her team has become the first START Certified Team in the state of California.
District Behavior Support Team
Purpose:
The purpose of the District Behavior Support Team (DBST) is to provide timely support to Vista Unified school sites with positive behavioral interventions for both general and special education students with social, emotional, and behavioral barriers to learning.
The DBST is designated to provide sites with program support, staff training, and student-specific intervention. The intent is to build the capacity of general education teachers, special education teachers, and family members to support the behavioral needs of all learners.
2 Behavior Specialists
Kathleen May - kathleenmay@vistausd.org
Kristen Perry - kristenperry@vistausd.org
3 Instructional Assistants (Intensive Behavior Interventionists)
The District Behavior Support Team (DBST) is part of Vista Unified's Blueprint Strategy 4 which promotes equitable access to high-quality teaching and learning and supports an inclusive learning environment.
California Autism Professional Training and Information Network (CAPTAIN):
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
Parent Portal
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. 92914 or email specialeducationdept@vistausd.org
Community Resources
- Mental Health Resources for Teens - SDCOE
- Teen Guide Mental Health & Wellness
- Understanding Different Types of Learning Disabilities
- Resources for Transition to Adulthood
- Tutoring resources for students - The HelpNow pilot program
- Low-Cost Internet Program: COX and Everyone
- Computers: Low-cost refurbished computer systems to individuals and families who qualify.
Special Education Community Liaison
If you need assistance please reach out to Doris Cruz.
Phone number: (760) 726-2170 ext. 92914
Email: doriscruz@vistausd.org
vusd is hiring - spread the word!
Do you know of anyone who is looking for a job in education? If so, please encourage them to apply for our open positions.
Ed Join Special Education Supervisor
Certificated:
Ed Join - VUSD Speech and Language Pathologist Posting
Ed Join - VUSD Mild/Mod Ed Specialist Posting
Ed Join - VUSD - School Psychologist Posting
Classified:
District Interpreter/Translator (Spanish) - Substitute Only
Instructional Assistant - Behavior Intervention
Special Education Department Contacts
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
Doris Cruz, Community Liaison, Special Education, doriscruz@vistausd.org
Special Education Department: specialeducationdept@vistausd.org
Special Education Department
Vista Institute for Parents (V.I.P.)
Special Needs Resource Foundation of San Diego
VIP ​Social and Emotional Support​
Email: Specialeducationdept@vistausd.org
Website: https://www.vistausd.org/departments/special_education
Location: Vista Unified School District, 1234 Arcadia Avenue, Vista, CA, USA
Phone: 760-726-2170
Twitter: @VUSDSpEd