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

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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!

Event Spotlight: Turning Dreams into Degrees & College Tour at Ventura College

Don't miss this special event hosted for the first time at our own Ventura College! Unlike our traditional resource parent trainings, we encourage you to bring your middle school, high school, and college youth, as they will be getting a special introduction to our new resource program for youth in foster care, NextUp! Resource parents and adult supporters of our youth in foster care will gain insight into college exploration, preparation, and key steps that they can take to help youth turn their dreams into degrees. All attendees will have the opportunity to experience a special tour of the campus, feast over provided breakfast and lunch, and ultimately leave with special swag and overall knowledge they need to turn dreams into degrees!
Saturday, October 25, 2025, 9:30am-12:30pm
Partners: Next Up of Ventura College, Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE), & CASA of Ventura County
Register & More Info on Dreams to Degrees

October 2025 Class List

Choices and Decision Making

Encourage problem solving and self-control in your child by gaining tips you can add to your parenting style.
Thursday, October 2, 2025, 10:30-11:30am
Instructor: Dr. Judy Sullivan Osterhage
Register & More Info on Choices

Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Caregivers

Learn what AI is, explore common myths and concerns, and discover practical, trauma-informed ways AI can support foster/resource parents and the children in their care.
Monday, October 6, 2025, 5:30-7pm
Instructors: Anne Rodriguez & Dwayne Dunlevy
Register & More info on AI

Love Languages Series

Recognize, express, and incorporate the 5 love languages into your caregiving to form effective and healing bonds with the children in your care. Mix & match your attendance: choose one class, any or all!
Tuesdays and Thursdays in October 2025, 10:30-11:30am

Tuesday, October 7^th: Physical Touch

Thursday, October 9^th: Words of Affirmation

Tuesday, October 14^th: Quality Time

Thursday, October 16^th: Acts of Service

Tuesday, October 21^st: Gifts

Instructor: Pam Lehtonen
Register & More Info on Love Languages

FKCE Resources for Success: Seasonal Celebrations

Become equipped with the tools you need to help your family thrive!
Wednesday, October 8, 2025, 6:30-8pm
Instructor: FKCE Team (Renee Cervantez & Pam Lehtonen)
Register & More Info on FKCE Resources

In Person! FKCE Success Strategies: Preparing for the Season

Bring the kids and join us in person to increase your awareness & preparation for all the factors that come with the fall and winter season. The class is exclusively for Resource Families in Ventura County!
Wednesday, October 8, 2025, 6:30-8pm
Instructor: FKCE Team
Register & More Info on FKCE Success

In Person! CSEC 101

This course will equip participants with an understanding of the psychological and social dynamics, life events, and contributing factors that can lead to the sexual exploitation of a child.
Monday, October 13, 2025, 6-8pm
Instructor: CASA of Ventura County
Register & More Info on CSEC 101

Connecting with Teens

This training offers tools to connect with teens, respond with empathy, and build strong relationships that support their growth and identity.
Tuesday, October 14, 2025, 6-9pm or Part 1 only from 6-7:30pm
Instructor: Dr. Judy Sullivan Osterhage
Register & More Info on Teens

In Person! CSEC 102

Get practical and useful strategies to support prevention of youth exploitation and to participate in effective response to youth who have victimized.
Wednesday, October 15, 2025, 6-8pm
Instructor: CASA of Ventura County
Register & More Info on CSEC 102

Effects of Domestic Violence

Build your awareness of family violence & its' effects on children.
Monday, October 20, 2025, 5:30-7pm
Instructors: Anne Rodriguez
Register & More info on Domestic Violence

Grandparents as Parents: Making the Most of Holiday Traditions

Join the fall series of Grandparents as Parent to discover resources and gain tips that are available so you can best support your grandchild.
Thursday, October 23, 2025, 6-7:30pm
Instructor: Pam Lehtonen
Register & More Info on Grandparents

Supporting Survivors with Forever Found

Gain more information about trafficking in Ventura County and the services Forever Found offers.
Wednesday, October 23, 2025, 6-8pm
Instructor: Forever Found in partnership with CASA of Ventura County
Register & More Info on Forever Found

In Person! Turning Dreams into Degrees & College Tour at Ventura College

Join us for this in person event to learn how you can encourage and empower your youth's educational goals! Participants are encouraged to bring their middle school, high school, and college youth, as they will be getting a special college tour and introduction to VC's new resource program for youth in foster care, NextUp!
Saturday, October 25, 2025, 9:30am-12:30pm
Partners: Next Up of Ventura College, Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE), & CASA of Ventura County
Register & More Info on Dreams to Degrees

Cycle of Escalation & Strategies for Deescalating Explosive Behaviors

Learn the factors involved during the process of escalation and de-escalation and how to intervene successfully in each phase of escalation.
Thursday, October 30, 2025, Pt 1 & 2 6-9pm or part 1 only from 6-7:30pm
Instructor: Lori Switanowski
Register & More Info on Explosive Behaviors

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! Por favor revisa nuestra lista de clases en español. Todos los detalles de cada clase los recibirás en un correo electrónico después de cada registración. Mantente actualizado en este sitio web o suscríbete 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

Guarda la Fecha! El Impacto de la Adicción en los Niños y Bebés

Martes, 28 de Octubre, 2025, 6:30-8:30pm
Instructora: Raquel Montes