Community Advisory Committee

2019-2020 Parent ed series

In partnership with Harbor Council PTA and the Newport Mesa USD Community Advisory Committee, we developed the following Parent Education Series workshops, open to everyone at no cost. No need to RSVP.

All workshops will be a 1 hour presentation with 30 minutes for Q & A and discussion)

Spanish interpretation is available for all meetings.
Additional languages available upon request with advanced notice.
Child care is available for evening sessions only.

Workshop Schedule:

Wed. October 2, 2019 - Behavioral Parent Ed- Primary
Time: 9:00-10:30 AM & 6:00 -7:30 PM
Presenter: NMUSD Autism Specialist

Course Description:
This Behavioral Parent Education workshop will discuss behavioral principles and strategies for parents of Elementary students with autism.

Location: Harper MPR ∙ 425 E 18th Street ∙ Costa Mesa, CA 92627

Thurs. October 17, 2019 from 9:00-10:30 AM &
Wed. October 23, 2019 from 6:00 - 7:30PM
Stress and Anxiety
Presenter: Dr. Marc Lerner, District Medical Consultant

Course Description:
Stress and worrying are common behaviors of students who receive special education services.

In this session, Dr. Lerner will address the following:

Reasons why some students seem to struggle with stress and anxiety when their classmates may not. (the causes or triggers of stress and worry).
The link between eligibilities for special education and worry or anxiety.
Actions that can be taken by parents and teachers to support the needs of these students.
What is known about effective treatment for students with these conditions.
Resources for psychological and medical evaluation and treatment for NMUSD students with stress or anxiety.

Location: District Office - Sanborn Assembly Room ∙ 2985 Bear Street Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Wed. November 20, 2019 - Eating & Psychology/Food Aversion
Time: 6:00-7:30 PM
Presenter: Dr. Patricia Riba, Pediatrician

Course Description:
Parents will learn skills to master the proper psychology of feeding children and meal planning to raise healthy children.

Location: District Office - Sanborn Assembly Room ∙ 2985 Bear Street Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Wed. January 22, 2020 - Basic Parenting: Triple P/ Parenting Self-Care
Time: 6:00-7:30 PM
Presenter: Angela Castellanos, NMUSD Coordinator, Mental Health

Course Description:

Parenting can be rewarding and challenging at the same time. This workshop is designed to help set up your child for success. Parents will learn to prevent – as well as treat – behavioral and emotional problems in children and teenagers. It aims to prevent problems in the family, school and community before they arise and to create family environments that encourage children to realize their potential. It aims to equip parents with the skills and confidence they need to be self-sufficient and to be able to manage family issues without ongoing support.

Location: District Office - Sanborn Assembly Room ∙ 2985 Bear Street Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Wed. February 5, 2020 - Behavioral Parent Ed Secondary
Time: 9:00-10:30AM & 6:00-7:30 PM
Presenter: NMUSD Autism Specialist
Course Description:

This Behavioral Parent Education workshop will discuss behavioral principles and strategies for parent of Secondary students with autism.

Location: Harper MPR ∙ 425 E 18th Street ∙ Costa Mesa, CA 92627

Wed. February 26, 2020 - Social Media / FOMOW
Time: 9:00-10:30 AM & 6:00-7:30 PM
Presenter: Cory Brosch, Phoenix House

Course Description:
The aim of this workshop is to look at the relationship between addiction, technology, and social media with adolescents and how parents can help their teenager have a healthier relationship with social media and the use of technology.

Location: District Office - Sanborn Assembly Room ∙ 2985 Bear Street Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Wed. March 25, 2020 - Safety in the Community/ Human Trafficking
Time: 6:00-7:30 PM
Presenter: Newport Beach and Costa Mesa School Resource Officers

Course Description:
Beyond being enforcers of law and order, our two partner law enforcement agencies in Newport Beach and Costa Mesa work with the District in a variety of ways to provide information on issues facing students and families. In this informative presentation our School Resource Officers, Child Welfare and Attendance Investigator, and local experts will be presenting information on human trafficking as well as skills parents can use to keep kids safe from harm.

Location: District Office - Sanborn Assembly Room ∙ 2985 Bear Street Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Thurs. April 16, 2020 - Autism Fair
Time: 6:00-7:30 PM
More Information to follow!
Location: Costa Mesa High School (Large Gym) ∙ 2650 Fairview Road Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Wed. April 22, 2020 - Setting your Child Up for Success (K-12)
Time: 6:00-7:30 PM
Presenter: Dr. Phil D'Agostino, NMUSD Director, Student Services

Course Description:
Every parent wants their child to be successful and not to miss out on any opportunities in life. However, in their quest to set up their children for success, parents may be unwittingly creating more challenges for their children in the long run. This parent education session focuses on strategies and outlooks that create challenging opportunities for children that will lead to greater resiliency and success.

Location: District Office - Sanborn Assembly Room ∙ 2985 Bear Street Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Wed. May 13, 2020 - Behavioral Parent Ed Special Ed 101
Time: 9:00-10:30AM & 6-7:30PM
Presenter: Justin Micka ^& Karrie Anderson, NMUSD Autism Specialist

Course Description:

Special Education services are based on Federal and State law and are determined through an Individualized Education Program. Although parent involvement is emphasized it can still be a confusing and overwhelming process. The purpose of this training is to provide understanding and practical tips for navigating the process and creating an effective IEP for your child as well as productive relationships with your IEP team.

Location: Harper MPR ∙ 425 E 18th Street ∙ Costa Mesa, CA 92627

Wed. May 20, 2020 - Self Regulation & Mindfulness
Time: 6:00-7:30 PM
Presenter: Kristen Henry, NMUSD Coordinator, Special Education

Course Description:
Studies show that self-regulation is a key to the ultimate success and quality of life of our children (and ourselves!); neuroscience shows that meditation and mindfulness are practices that can support the development of this critical skill. Learn the basics and practical tools of Mindfulness and Meditation to help support your child (and you!) in navigating everyday life.

Location: District Office - Sanborn Assembly Room ∙ 2985 Bear Street Costa Mesa, CA 92626

What is the CAC?

The state of California is divided into 'areas' for the purposes of administering special education services for students with disabilities. These areas are called Special Education Local Planning Areas or 'SELPAS'. Each SELPA must submit a Local Plan to the state every few years describing how services will be delivered to students receiving special education services in their planning area in accordance with the law.

California Education Code (Part 30, Chapter 2, Article 7, 56190 ) requires each Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA) to establish a Community Advisory Committee for Special Education (CAC). CAC membership is comprised of parents with students who receive Special Education services, parents with students in general education, district staff from both special and general education, community agency representatives and any community member who is interested in Special Education.

Purpose of the CAC:

The mission of the Community Advisory Committee for Special Education (CACSE) is to improve outcomes for ALL students by supporting needs-based learning, equal opportunities and appropriate education in the least restrictive environment.

The NMUSD CAC is a working committee that advises the School Board about issues related to special education, participates in the development, amendment and review of the local plan, recommends annual priorities to be addressed by the plan, assists in parent education, assists in recruitment of parents and other volunteers who may contribute to the implementation of the plan, encourages community involvement in the development and review of the plan, supports activities on behalf of individuals with special needs, and assists in parent awareness of the importance of regular school attendance.