Best Start Panorama City & Neighbors

Community Partnership Meeting Notes

At New Horizons

June 28, 2016 5:45pm to 8:00pm

Participants: 53

Welcome & Instructions

Everyone was welcomed to the meeting. New attendees introduced themselves and shared who invited them to the Meeting. The vision of statement, meeting agreements and agenda were reviewed.

1st Raffle

Social Connections Activity

Yanci Panameño led the Social Connection activity by giving everyone the opportunity to introduce and get to know one another. The question for table discussion was: What is your favorite summer time activity to do with your children/family?

Everyone shared

  • One of the members did not know their cousins growing up, but as an adult she met one of them and has made the habit of visiting them by going on a road trip with her children
  • Vacation to Mexico.
  • The library and the Parks.
  • The beach and walks on the beach.
  • Swimming at the pool.
  • Long walks to stay active.
  • Go to the MovieTheater.

The goal of the meeting is to reach out to isolated families, to make social connections with the community.

2nd Raffle

CommunityInformation Presentation

Kathy Schreiner introduced Cal Enriquez / early start director at North Los Angeles Regional Center located at 15400 Sherman Way #170, Van Nuys, Ca, 91406. You can contact him at phone: 1-818-756-6279

Cal Enriquezwas grateful for the invitation to the meeting. The goal of the presentation is to share all the available resources available for special need children. He started the presentation by explaining the word “Special” which is a very strong word in this field because they work with children with special needs. He said we are all special whether or not they have a disability; he asked to always remember that. Another word he does not like is “Can’t”. It is important to focus on what you “can” do, not what you cannot do.

He asked everyone to define the word “retarded”. Some members expressed it is a very offensive word. Cal clarify they never use that word; they do not even use it as a diagnosis anymore. He asked who has heard the word “autism”. They receive a lot of referrals from parents that have 14 month-old babies that cannot walk or talk calling the office asking for help. One in 66 children are diagnosed with Autism; and it is usually because they cannot talk or walk, these concerns can start as young as 9 monthsold. Unfortunately there is not a cure for most of these diseases.

He also talked about Regional Centers which serve people (provides services) with developmental disabilities in California. The first two centers started in 1966 to a network of 21 agencies covering the area of the state. Each center is private, nonprofit corporation, funded by a contract with the State Department of Developmental Services. Each has a board of Directors that includes clients, parents, professionals, and other concerned community members. There is no charge for diagnosis and assessment for eligibility. Once eligibility is determined, most services are free regardless of age or income. Regional centers are required by law to provide services in the most cost effective way possible; but they must use all other resources, including generic resources, before using any regional center funds.

The early start program is different in every state. It is a federal program; they focus on age 3.Andit ends at age 3. After that responsibility transfers to the school districts. Through the school district they can then get an individual Education Plan (IEP). The younger the child is the sooner they have a chance to address the delay. They get 280 referrals a month. Hisintent is to promote awareness.

When in doubt if you feel a child under 3 is exhibiting development issues, call them. They have 45days from the day the child parents calls to diagnose the child. By law they have to test and assess children in all the domains. How does a child qualify?

1st Criteria (DEVELOPMENTAL DELAY) – Performing 33% (or 1/3) delay of their chronological or adjusted age based on only on (1) of the developmental domain(s): Cognitive; Language (Expressive and Receptive); Social-Emotional; Physical (Gross Motor and Fine motor); Adaptive-Self-Help

2nd Criteria (ESTABLISHED RISK) – Autism; Mental Retardation (Down Syndrome); Cerebral Palsy; Epilepsy/Seizures

3rd Criteria (HIGH RISK) – Prematurity (Less than 32 - Weeks gestation and under 1,500 grams); Paternal or Maternal Disability; Muscle Tonal issues; Multiple significant medical issues.

Adicional Resources:

  • Child Development Institute (CDI) Early Learning Center
    7260 Owensmouth Avenue,Canoga Park,CA91303
    Offers free monthly developmental screenings.
  • Website:cdikids.org
  • Phone #:818-712-0453
  • Especial Needs Network -- Resources for parents -- Website:
  • LAUSD Preschool Services – Call to start the application process – Phone #:213-241-4713

Questions

Q. Where are the regional centers located?

A. Sherman way and Sepulveda, they have an office in SantaClarita and downtown LA, Long Beach, South Central LA, Inglewood etc.

  1. Is there a website with locations?

A.

  1. Is there only one evaluation?

A. The evaluation is to know if they are eligible or qualify under the categories. They are reassessed every 4 to 5 years... They may retest in a time line process. If they are age 3 and you notice something wrong. Call the school system to allow them to start the IEP.

  1. Does the school have the right to close the IEP just because they feel the child doesn’t need it any longer?

A. The main figure in any school is the Principal and Vice Principal; Set up and appointment withthem and tell them your concern.If you don’t agree with the school, you have the right to fight for the child and defend the decision and disagree with the school district and hopefully get a response in 30 days.

  1. What about kids that are not born here in the USA how can they get help with the Regional Center?
  1. They take them all. They serve everyone. Income is not a deal with them. This is not income or citizen based.

Guidance Body Election

Annual elections for the open Guidance Body seats took place. Only partnership members are eligible to vote. Each candidate made a one minute statement. Ballots were distributed with meeting materials. The Candidates were:

Sofia Irhaheta

Michelle Garcia

Leticia Flores

Margarita Lopez

Yamilet Guerra

Olvia Diaz

Alma Rodriguez

Denis Lucerna

Edwin Rosales

Kathy Schreiner

Veronica Montaňo Sanchez

Joshigey Perez-Toro

Yanci Panameno

Amelia Rojas

Cecilia Ayala

Eveyln Mendoza

Paricia Montes

Severiana Pablo

Tony Wilkinson

Estela Romo

Partnership announcements and reports

ROC / NAC Update

Family fun day at Marson Park 15262 Marson Street, Panorama City, 91402 Saturday, July 23rd– 11:00am-2:00pm

If you or someone you know would like to start or join a connection group please contact: Susana Camona 818-415-8381 Email: / Facebook: ROC Susie Camona

PanoramaCiyMelba Martinez 818-621-6588 Email:

Guidance Body Update

Current projects include: revising bylaws; preparing for a retreat, and continuing to work with Friends of the Family (FoF) on the LBD (Learn by doing) activities.

Communications Workgroup

Update on the activities and projects of the workgroup including plans for: summer readings in the community, community clean up, and outreach activities.

PCN July Meeting Schedule

Planning Team Meeting – Cancelled

Guidance Body Meeting – Cancelled – Leadership Retreat scheduled for Saturday, July 29th, 2016

Community Partnership Meeting – Tuesday, July 26th, 5:45pm-8:00pm

Communication Workgroup Meeting – Fridays, July 8th & 29th – 8:45am-11:0am

Please RSVP for the meetings with Karlo –

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