Foster Kinship

 

About Foster & Kinship Care Education (FKCE)

The Ventura College Foster and Kinship Care Education Program provides quality education and support activities to the caregivers of children and youth in out-of-home care so that these providers may meet the educational, emotional, behavioral and developmental needs of children and youth.

Classes are provided in both English & Spanish, at NO COST for anyone wanting to attend. In all classes, first priority will go to Foster Parents and Kinship Providers, now referred to as Resource Parents.
 

For More Information

Please Contact: Clarissa Campos Alvarado, FKCE Office Assistant at (805) 289-6133 or email clarissa_camposalva1@vcccd.edu | Rhonda Carlson, FKCE Specialist at (805) 289-6181 or email rcarlson@vcccd.edu

 

Join Us

We now have in-person classes available as well as many live online trainings. If you still have not joined us for a virtual training, it is not too late to try it! Our team is ready and able to walk any Zoom newbies through the process. Just let us know what you need!

 

February 2025 Class List

New! Grandparents as Parents: You Are Not Alone

Join us in this new series to connect with other kinship caregivers who may be experiencing the same challenges and experiences as you, and learn about specific services and connections you can be making in the community to help you and your kinship family thrive!
Last Thursday of the Month, Beginning January 30, 2025, 6-7:30pm
Instructor: Pam Lehtonen
Register & More Info on Grandparents as Parents

 

Trauma Informed Practices for Schools

In part 1 & 2, participants will recognize the unique support and understanding needed for our youth in foster care as they enter various educational institutions. 
Saturday, February 1, 2025, 9am-1pm
Instructor: Maurissa Szilagi
Register & More Info on TIPS

 

5 Love Languages Series

Discover how to recognize and express the 5 love languages to yourself and the children in your care. Mix & match your attendance: choose one class, any or all! 
Tuesdays & Thursdays in February 2025, 10:30-11:30am
Instructor: Pam Lehtonen
Register & More Info on 5 Love Languages

 

Working with Birth Parents

Navigate these complex relationships and set healthy boundaries while you support the child in your care.  
Wednesday, February 5, 2025, 6-8pm
Instructor: Dr. Judy Sullivan Osterhage
Register & More Info on Birth Parents

 

Mindset and Confidence

Equip and empower yourself and your child with tools to inspire confidence and cultivate a growth mindset. 
Thursday, February 6, 2025, 6-7pm
Instructor: Anne Rodriguez
Register & More Info on Mindset & Confidence

 

In Person! Fostering Nourished Families

Tackle nutrition and feeding challenges in foster care by introducing and implementing new creative approaches that promote healthy mental well-being, physical health, and interpersonal family dynamics. 
Saturday, February 8, 2025, 9am-2pm
Instructor: Renee Cervantez
Register & More Info on Nourished

 

New! Managing Challenging Behaviors Effectively

Discover the background of challenging behaviors in youth and how to effectively intervene and de-escalate.
Wednesday, February 12, 2025, 6-9pm (or attend part 1 only from 6-7:30pm)
Instructor: Lori Switanowski
Register & More Info on Challenging Behaviors

 

New! Impact of Trauma Attachment on Relationships and Behaviors 

Raise your awareness of the different types of trauma attachments then introduce healthy bonding techniques and secure attachments.
Tuesday, February 18, 2025, 6-8:30pm
Instructor: Dr. Judy Sullivan Osterhage
Register & More Info on Trauma Attachment

 

Educational Advocacy: Special Education - Assessments, Services & Supports 

Learn about special education services and how your student in care may benefit. 
Wednesday, February 19, 2025, 5:30-7pm 
Instructor: VCOE & SELPA
Register & More Info on SPED

 

Personality Development

Explore the impact of trauma on identity and equip yourself with tools to empower your youth in healthy self-discovery. 
Monday, February 24, 2025, 5:30-7pm 
Instructor: Anne Rodriguez
Register & More Info on Personality Development

 

Language of Apology

Explore the five apology languages for yourself and your youth in care in order to apologize, forgive and heal family relationships.
Tuesday, February 25, 2025, 6-8pm
Instructor: Pam Lehtonen & Renee Cervantez
Register & More Info on Apology

 

Grandparents as Parents: Be Your Child's Advocate

Join us in this new series to connect with other kinship caregivers who may be experiencing the same challenges and experiences as you, and learn about specific services and connections you can be making in the community to help you and your kinship family thrive!
Last Thursday of the Month, February 27, 2025, 6-7:30pm
Instructor: Pam Lehtonen
Register & More Info on Grandparents as Parents

 

Clases en Español

¡Nos complace anunciar que tenemos de vuelta clases en persona y en línea! Si todavía no haz tomado una clase en línea, ¡no es demasiado tarde! Nuestro equipo está aquí para ayudarte aprender a usar Zoom y hasta puedes acompañarnos por teléfono si se te hace más fácil. Por favor revisa nuestra lista de clases en español, y reserva la fecha para un evento que tendremos en persona en Oxnard College. Todos los detalles de cada clase los recibirás en un correo electrónico después de cada registración.
Si tienes preguntas, puedes comunicarte conmigo, Clarissa Campos Alvarado, por llamada o texto al (805) 289-6133 o puedes envíarme un correo electrónico a clarissa_camposalva1@vcccd.edu

Lista de Clases En Español para Febrero 2025

El Poder de la Esperanza

Reúnase con nosotros para aprender cómo continuar brindando a los niños atención sensible al trauma y analicemos estrategias para responder e infundir esperanza en su niño.
jueves, 20 de febrero, 2025 6:30-8:30pm
Instructora: Raquel Montes
Registracion y más información sobre la clase Poder de la Esperanza

 

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Stay Up-To-Date | Mantengase Informado

Don't miss out on our trainings and events! Sign up for e-newsletter to receive our Monthly Newsletter and class announcements! 

¡Nuestras clases han comenzado! Para recibir nuestro boletín mensual y anuncios de clases cuando se publiquen, puedes consultar aqui regularmente o suscríbase a nuestros correos electrónicos.

 

Office Closures | Nuestra Oficina estará cerrada:

  • December 24 - January 1: Holiday Break