Foster and Kinship Care Education Program

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

If you need information on past trainings, please email our office @ vcfostercare@vcccd.edu.

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Join Us

We’re excited to announce that we now have trainings back in session. Please be sure to stay updated through our website and subscribe to our email list.

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!

August 2026 Class List

All classes are on Zoom, unless otherwise shown. All classes meet written directives for Resource Parent training.

Creating a Welcoming Home: Fostering Comfort & Trust from Day One

Learn practical, trauma-informed strategies for easing a child's transition, reducing their anxiety, and laying the groundwork for a secure, trusting relationship starting the moment they walk through the door.
Monday, August 31, 2026, 6-8pm
Instructor: Anne Rodriguez
Register & for more Info on Welcoming Home

September 2026 Class List

All classes are on Zoom, unless otherwise shown. All classes meet written directives for Resource Parent training.

IEP Basics: What Caregivers, Advocates, and Educational Rights Holders Need to Know

Learn about special education services and how your student in care may benefit.
Tuesday, September 1, 2026, 6-8pm
Instructor: Special Education Local Plan Area (VCOE SELPA), CASA of Ventura County
Register & More Info on IEP

Compassionate Parenting: Trauma-Informed Tools That Work

Discover compassionate, relationship-based tools that promote emotional safety, strengthen connection, and encourage positive behavior without using shame, fear, or punishment.
Thursday, September 10, 2026, 6-8pm
Instructor: Anne Rodriguez
Register & More Info on Compassionate Parenting

In Person! PAUSE: From Overwhelmed to Resilience

After deepening your understanding of childhood trauma & ACEs, discover strategies to help you stay grounded, look beyond behaviors, and respond in ways that nuture resilience in children & youth.
Saturday, September 12, 2026, 9:30am-2pm
Instructor: Maurissa Szilagi
Register & More Info on PAUSE

Trauma & Thought Distortion

Understand the "why" behind distorted thinking and gain practical tools for supporting healthier thought patterns in your child or youth's inner narrative.
Tuesday, September 15, 2026, 6-8pm
Instructor: Dr. Judy Sullivan Osterhage
Register & More Info on Distortion

Insights on Kinship Care

Honor this Kinship Care Awareness month by recognizing, understanding, and appreciating the vital role that kinship caregivers play in the lives of their relative children and youth in foster care.
Tuesday, September 22, 2026, 6-7:30pm
Instructor: Pam Lehtonen
Register & More Info on Kinship

Clases en Español

En este momento no tenemos clases en español, por favor manténgase actualizado en este sitio web para las próximas clases o suscríbase a nuestros correos electrónicos.
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