CARES GROUP, KERN COUNTY & BEYOND
Empowering Parents, Guardians, and Educators
Knowledge is power when it comes to navigating the educational system and supporting students with diverse learning needs. At CARES, we are committed to providing parents, guardians, and educators with the tools, information, and strategies they need to create positive outcomes for every child. Our training and workshops are designed to be informative, engaging, and immediately applicable, offering real-world solutions grounded in nearly three decades of experience within the education system.
As a Board Certified Educational Advocate trained through the National Special Education Advocacy Institute, and with extensive experience as a teacher, reading specialist, and principal, we bring a comprehensive “inside-out” understanding of how schools work and how to effectively advocate for student success. Our training sessions combine this deep expertise with a collaborative, supportive approach that empowers participants to make meaningful change.
Training for Support Groups
Navigating the System with Confidence
We offer specialized training designed specifically for family support groups who want to become more effective advocates for their children. Our workshops provide a supportive and collaborative environment where you can learn essential skills, ask questions, and connect with other families who share similar experiences. You shouldn’t have to navigate the education system alone, and our training ensures you have the knowledge and confidence to be your child’s strongest advocate.
What We Cover
Our support group training addresses the topics that matter most to families navigating the special education system. Each workshop is tailored to meet the specific needs of your group, and we encourage questions and discussion throughout.
Understanding Your Rights and Responsibilities
We provide a comprehensive overview of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, helping you understand your child’s legal rights and your role in the process. You’ll learn what schools are required to provide, what Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) really means, and how to ensure your child is educated in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE).
Mastering the IEP and 504 Process
From initial referral through annual reviews, we walk you through every step of the IEP and 504 process. You’ll learn how to prepare for meetings, how to develop meaningful and measurable goals, how to request appropriate accommodations and services, and how to monitor implementation to ensure your child’s plan is working effectively.
Building Effective Communication and Collaboration
Strong partnerships between families and schools lead to better outcomes for students. We teach practical strategies for communicating effectively with teachers, administrators, and related service providers, even when you disagree. You’ll learn how to advocate firmly while maintaining positive relationships, how to document your concerns, and when to escalate issues appropriately.
Understanding and Addressing Challenging Behaviors
Many families struggle when their child exhibits challenging behaviors at school. We help you understand the root causes of these behaviors, learn about Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs) and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs), and discover positive behavior supports that can be implemented both at school and at home. We also cover your rights during disciplinary situations, including Manifestation Determinations.
Preparing for Assessments and Understanding Results
Educational and psychological assessments can feel overwhelming. We demystify the assessment process, explain what different tests measure, help you understand assessment reports, and teach you how to use assessment results to advocate for appropriate services and supports.
Training for Educators
Supporting Every Student, Every Day
We provide professional development opportunities for educators who are committed to creating inclusive, supportive, and effective learning environments for all students. Our training is grounded in evidence-based practices and designed to provide practical strategies that can be immediately implemented in the classroom. Drawing on nearly three decades of experience as a teacher, reading specialist, and principal, we understand the realities of today’s classrooms and the challenges educators face.
What We Offer
Our educator training sessions are tailored to meet the specific needs of your school, district, or organization. We work collaboratively with you to identify areas of focus and deliver training that makes a real difference for both teachers and students.
Creating Truly Inclusive Classrooms
Inclusion is more than just placement—it’s about creating learning environments where every student can access the curriculum and experience success. We provide strategies for differentiating instruction, making sure all learners receive the supports they need, and creating classroom cultures that celebrate diversity and support all learners.
Understanding and Supporting Students with Disabilities
We offer comprehensive training on common disabilities and effective instructional strategies for supporting students with diverse learning needs. Topics include learning disabilities, ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, emotional and behavioral disorders, and speech and language impairments. You’ll learn how to recognize signs, implement appropriate accommodations, and collaborate with specialists to support student growth.
Improving Behavior In Classrooms and Schools
Creating a positive school climate reduces challenging behaviors and improves outcomes for all students. We provide training on implementing school-wide PBIS systems, developing effective classroom management strategies, working with learners that have Behavior Intervention Plans that actually work and incorporating Restorative Practices that build relationships, strengthen school culture, reduce disciplinary incidents, and support accountability while keeping students connected to learning.
Effective Collaboration with Families
Strong family-school partnerships are essential for student success, particularly for students with disabilities. We teach educators how to communicate effectively with families, conduct and participate in productive IEP meetings, address concerns and conflicts constructively, and build trust with families who may have had negative experiences with schools in the past.
Navigating Special Education Law and Compliance
Understanding special education law helps educators fulfill their legal obligations while focusing on what’s best for students. We provide training on IDEA requirements, IEP development and implementation, procedural safeguards, and how to avoid common compliance pitfalls.
Our Approach
Every training session we provide is grounded in our core belief in educational equity and our commitment to helping every student reach their full potential. We bring a unique “inside-out” perspective, having worked as educators within the system and now as advocates supporting families and schools. This dual perspective allows us to bridge the gap between families and educators, fostering understanding and collaboration.
Our training style is interactive, practical, and supportive. We encourage questions, welcome discussion, and tailor our content to address the specific challenges and concerns of each group. Participants leave our sessions with concrete strategies they can implement immediately, resources for continued learning, and the confidence to make a positive difference.
Get Started
Ready to learn more about our training and workshop opportunities? We work with parent groups, family support organizations, school districts, individual schools, and educational organizations throughout Kern County and beyond. Whether you’re looking for a one-time workshop or ongoing professional development, we can create a training program that meets your specific needs.
Contact us today to discuss how we can support your group and help you achieve your goals. Together, we can ensure every child has the opportunity, support, and equity they need to thrive.