CAC NEWS
VENTURA COUNTY SELPA, March 2021
INFORMATION FOR FAMILIES AND CAREGIVERS OF STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
A collaborative partnership of
school districts, staff, students, parents/families, and community agencies
Supporting Equitable Learning, Programs and Access
for ALL students.
Respect and Dignity for People with Developmental Disabilities
Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
Each March, the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD), and our partners work together to create a social media campaign that highlights the many ways in which people with and without disabilities come together to form strong, diverse communities.
The campaign seeks to raise awareness about the inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in all facets of community life, as well as awareness of the barriers that people with disabilities still sometimes face in connecting to the communities in which they live.
2021 Developmental Disability Awareness Month Resource Guide
Spread the Word >> Inclusion on the importance of connection.
This past year, we have seen the effects that isolation and exclusion can have on us individually, as a community, as a country, and as a global community.
The Spread the Word campaign was built on the idea that inclusion is a skill each of us can learn and practice, together. Inclusion is a skill that builds togetherness through difference and community through adversity. Having listened to and reflected on the experiences of the grassroots leaders of the Spread the Word campaign, we believe it is more important than ever to build connection through inclusion. In light of this, we are excited to announce a renewed focus of Spread the Word >> Inclusion on the importance of connection.
Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month
National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month in March brings attention to a group of disorders usually diagnosed in early childhood.
There are different forms of cerebral palsy (CP). A physician determines the kind of movement disorder based on the extent, type, and location of the child’s abnormalities. The disability can occur during development in the womb, but it can also occur during birth. Diagnosis may be delayed as parents begin to notice missed milestones.
CP is a life-long condition. Children and adults with CP may require a range of care. While there is no cure, there are many therapies and adaptive strategies to support someone with CP throughout their life. Speech devices make it possible for someone with CP to speak independently. Electric wheelchairs provide mobility. However, accessibility is still an issue in some areas of the country.
Through advocacy, research, and education improved awareness breaks down the barriers many with CP face.
HOW TO OBSERVE:
Wear green in support of Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month. Green represents new growth and inspires a renewed life.
Use #CerebralPalsyAwarenessMonth to share your experiences on social media.
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
Just a Reminder....
Starting again in Fall 2021, you can bring Ability Awareness to your school.
Available to all Schools in Ventura County SELPA
Ideal for PTAs, PTCs, PFCs and special education groups
For Elementary and Middle Schools
Ability awareness fairs are opportunities for helping students understand different disabilities and the challenges their peers face.
All materials are provided for you.
Areas covered are ADHD, Autism, Communication Disorders, Deaf/Blind, Fine Motor Disabilities, Hearing Impairment, Intellectual Disability, Learning Disabilities, Mobility Disabilities, and Visual Impairment. All you need to provide is the volunteers to man the stations! It’s that easy!!
Community Advisory Committee (CAC)
May 3, 4 - 6 p.m.
You are invited, please join us!
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. We meet in early September and on the first Monday of November, February and May. CAC Meeting Schedule
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.
Parent/Caregiver/Educator Distance Learning Tips
At the February 2021 CAC meeting, our members and Special Education Directors from six different districts shared lessons that they had learned about working with students with disabilities during the pandemic.
Here are the some of their top tips:
Encouragement, Praise, Flexibility, Consistency and Creativity are Crucial!
Seek help and learn new skills to support your student
Access Parent Information/Training at the VC SELPA, your district, or surrounding districts geared to help student and families. https://www.vcselpa.org/DL
Maintain good schedules and routines
Use Alexa Blueprints and Alexa Routines With Alexa Blueprints and Routines, parents and educators can help provide structure, help students manage their daily schedules and learn new skills while at home.
Don’t forget to take breaks during the day and to get a good night’s sleep!
Get moving
Use Go Noodle or other movement apps for brain breaks.
Take morning and evening walks for exercise and excess energy.
Use Token Boards as reinforcement
A token board is a system that rewards desired behaviors with tokens, which students can exchange for something they value. It serves as a visual reminder.
Don’t be afraid to think outside the box to solve a problem
One example: Parents and caregivers, have your child’s teacher introduce you as the in-home teacher while wearing a special “teacher hat,” and only wear that hat during distance learning.
Distance Learning/Covid-19 Information
SELPA EVENTS
Sharing Strategies From Nonviolent Crisis Intervention for Parents and Caregivers.
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.
This training is offered via Zoom. Advanced online registration is required.
The Zoom link will be sent to you upon confirmation of your registration.
This training is being offered on three different days/ times for your convenience. Online registration is required.
Go to http://vcoe.k12oms.org/to create an account.
Register Here For March 9, 9:00 to 11:30 a.m.
Register Here For March 11, 4:00 to 6:30 p.m.
Register Here For March 13, 9:30 to 12:00 p.m.
COST:
FREE to parents/caregivers of a student with an IEP in the Ventura County SELPA
All others: $20
(Includes handbook)
*If you are having trouble accessing the system or you do not have computer access please call (805) 437-1560 or Email: Ana Teran at AOlvera@vcoe.org*
*Registration is required 10 days prior to event. You will need a workbook and materials prior to the training. We will make every attempt to mail them to you.
*If your registration is too late for the materials to be mailed, you will need to pick them up at VC SELPA, 5100 Adolfo Road, Camarillo, CA, 93012.
Virtual Spring Transition Fair
March 20
9 to 12 p.m.
Students, parents, teachers and care providers are invited to join us via Zoom for the Spring Transition Fair.
The intended audience is all secondary and post-secondary families, for both diploma bound and certificate bound students, but it is never too early to plan for a quality adult life (all ages are welcome). Help your student prepare for a quality adult life they envision.
There are three ways to access the Virtual Transition Fair:
1. Open House, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
2. Breakout Sessions beginning at 9:00 a.m.
* 9:00 a.m.: Welcome/Introductions * 9:30 a.m.: Transition Planning: the IEP process
* 10:30 a.m.: Prepping for College: program options, accommodations, financial aid
3. Student Center, 10:00 to 11:30 a.m.
Access the Transition Fair Agency Directory (English) and Transition Fair Agency Directory (Spanish) for weblinks and pre-recorded information anytime.
SAVE THE DATES
Autism Conference
Supporting Social Emotional Needs
During These Extraordinary Times
Keynote Presentation by: Michelle Dean, Associate Professor of Special Education, CSU Channel Islands
Michelle completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the UCLA Center for Autism Research and Treatment. Her research interests include the social development of children with disabilities at school, school-based intervention services for children with autism in economically disadvantaged communities and the study of gender differences in the social behaviors of boys and girls with autism.
This conference is designed for families, mental health professionals, educators, speech language pathologists, occupational therapists and other professionals who support individuals from middle school through transition age with autism.
The goal for this conference is for families and staff to walk away with resources they can implement immediately.
April 14, 4:30 - 6 p.m.
April 21, 4 - 5 p.m.
April 28, 4 - 5 p.m.
25th Annual Carpe Diem Conference
Building Resilience
April 30, 9 - 2 p.m.
For parents and professionals who care about children and youth with emotional challenges.
Keynote Presentation by: Ricky Robertson, M.Ed.
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and trauma are prevalent across class, race and gender. ACEs and trauma have been shown to negatively impact students' behavior, academic performance and social/emotional development. Children can display symptoms of trauma, including externalizing behaviors; along with anxiety, depression, substance abuse, emotional outbursts, physical aggression, etc.
During the keynote presentation, we will explore the prevalence and impact of ACEs and childhood trauma, deepen our understanding of vicarious trauma and compassion fatigue and develop practices to cultivate resilience for adults and youth.
This conference will be held via Zoom. Online registration is required
Supporting Inclusive Practices (SIP)
Intentionally designed, equitable and inclusive educational systems for all students.
Innovate. Include. Impact.
Emily Mostovoy-Luna, Assistant Superintendent, VC SELPA, and Lee Ann Holland, CAC Chair, have been participating in the California Department of Education-Special Education Division Family Engagement Network since December 2020. These meetings are facilitated by the SIP team.
One of the upcoming opportunities for families provided by the network is From Surviving to Thriving! with Dr. Michelle Borba.
From Surviving to Thriving!
This series is designed for families, educators, and all champions for kids and youth!
The first 1,000 registrants will receive Dr. Borba's book, Thrivers: The Surprising Reasons Why Some Kids Struggle and Others Shine, so register now!
Please register for either the Spring or Summer webinar series below. If you have any questions, please contact SIP Project Coordinator, Janelle Mercado at: jmercado@edcoe.org or Program Assistant, Jessica Takacs at jtakacs@edcoe.org
Register Here For The Spring Series
Register Here For The Summer Series
Special thanks to the California Department of Education, Riverside County Office of Education, Leadership, Innovations, and Outreach Department for your collaboration in planning and supporting this event.
FUTURE SELPA EVENTS
You can find our Future Events List by clicking on the “Workshops and Conferences” tab. You can also find the fliers for any /all SELPA events by clicking the "Workshops and Conferences" tab on the SELPA website homepage and then clicking on the date.
RAINBOW CONNECTION FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER
For more information and to register or for ongoing Support Groups, Training & Activities go to:
www.rainbowconnectionfrc.weebly.com
Call: 805-485-9643 or 800-332-3679
Email: rainbow@tri-counties.org
TRI-COUNTIES REGIONAL CENTER
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.
Register Here For Regional Email Alerts
Re-Opening TCRC Offices
The tentative date to re-open TCRC offices has been changed to April 5, 2021. TCRC Service Coordinators continue to work remotely and are available to support you, be sure to reach out to yours if needed. Or call an on-call Manager. You are not alone! We are here to support you during this challenging time.
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.
MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES
SELPA COMMENDATIONS
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.
February 2021 Commendation: Lee Ann Holland
“Outstanding Contribution to Special Education”.
Lee Ann “has been recognized for her outstanding achievement in advocating for inclusive education, her leadership roles on several parent advisory committees, and overall dedication to her commitment to help students of all abilities.”
VENTURA COUNTY SELPA
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 PL 94-142 (amended by PL 108-446, 2004).
Emily Mostovoy-Luna - Assistant 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
Barbara Rush - Administrative Assistant II
Program & Personnel Development
ERSES Program & COEDS
Behavior
Early Start
Related Services Staff: Social/Emotional Services Specialists, DHH Teachers
Joanna Della Gatta - Director of Technical Support and Transition
Juanita Delgadillo - 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
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