Spotlight on Special Education in Valencia: Resources for Students, Teachers, and Parents

Valencia is an upscale neighborhood in Santa Clarita, California; thus, special education teachers, parents and students would find resources mainly in that city.

Special education resources for Valencia residents can also be explored in other nearby areas, such as Burbank and Altadena. These resources are offered mainly through nonprofit organizations focusing on a specific learning or developmental disorder, such as autism or Asperger’s syndrome.

Educational Resources for Special Education Teachers, Parents and Students in Valencia

The Santa Clarita Valley Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA) offers meetings addressing behavior intervention plans and strategies as well as aspects of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Parents will also find networking opportunities through the SELPA, in addition to workshops. Special education training is also provided.

The Community Advisory Committee, in addition to workshops and meetings, also oversees advocacy and outreach practices.

Through the SELPA’s website, parents can access documents containing information about parents’ rights and a glossary of special education terms.

The Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) offers counseling, mobility instruction, and speech, language, occupational and physical therapy services to special education students. LACOE also offers an Early Start program for special needs children.

Other Special Education Resources Available to Valencia Teachers, Parents and Students

The two organizations closest to Valencia that provide special education information and support for professionals and parents are found in Santa Clarita. They are the Family Focus Center of California State University – Northridge and the Santa Clarita Autism Asperger Network (SCAAN).

The former offers support groups, IEP training and parent mentoring at its Santa Clarita branch, which is located in the North Los Angeles County Regional Center. SCAAN is a networking and support service for special needs families.

About 25 miles southeast of Valencia, the SFV (San Fernando Valley) Autism Families in North Hollywood hosts  workshops, lectures and conferences for parents. Activities designed to build social skills for autistic children are also provided.

Talk About Curing Autism (TACA) holds monthly meetings in both North Hollywood and Burbank. Burbank is about 28 miles outside of Valencia. These meetings can feature educational speakers and allow for special education parents to network with other parents.

About 38 miles southeast, in Altadena, California, Education Spectrum offers programs for children with autism, Asperger’s and related disorders and their families. Parent training sessions conducted by the organization targets behavioral management and intervention strategies and techniques. Children can attend social skills camps and individual or family therapy programs.

Valencia parents of special education children who might need or be interested in legal advice or support can turn to California Special Needs Law Group (CSNLG). Though based in Pasadena, the law firm offers its services, which include conflict mediation and IEP development assistance, throughout the state.