Are you a foster parent, kinship caregiver, or resource parent dedicated to nurturing children and youth in out-of-home care? Ventura College’s Foster and Kinship Care Education (FKCE) Program offers a comprehensive Care Education Program designed to empower you with the knowledge and skills needed to make a profound difference. We provide high-quality, no-cost education and support activities, ensuring you are well-equipped to meet the unique educational, emotional, behavioral, and developmental needs of the children and youth in your care.
Discover the Foster & Kinship Care Education Program
The Ventura College FKCE Program stands as a beacon of support for those who open their hearts and homes to children in need. We understand the rewarding yet challenging journey of caregiving, and our care education program is meticulously crafted to provide you with the best possible resources. Our classes are available in both English and Spanish, completely free of charge to anyone interested in expanding their caregiving knowledge. While all are welcome, priority enrollment is given to foster parents and kinship providers, now warmly recognized as Resource Parents.
Why Invest in a Care Education Program?
Participating in a structured care education program is an investment in your abilities and the well-being of the children you care for. These programs are vital for several reasons:
- Enhanced Skills: Gain practical, evidence-based strategies to address the specific needs of children who have experienced trauma and transitions.
- Deeper Understanding: Develop a comprehensive understanding of child development, trauma-informed care, and effective communication techniques.
- Increased Confidence: Feel more confident in your role as a caregiver, knowing you have the support and education to handle diverse situations.
- Improved Outcomes for Children: Children thrive in stable, nurturing environments provided by educated and supported caregivers.
- Community Connection: Connect with other caregivers, share experiences, and build a supportive network.
Our care education program goes beyond basic training, offering specialized workshops and series that delve into crucial topics relevant to modern caregiving. From understanding trauma’s impact to navigating educational advocacy, we cover a wide spectrum of essential knowledge.
February 2025 Class Highlights: Your Path to Enhanced Caregiving
We are excited to present our February 2025 class schedule, featuring a diverse range of topics to bolster your care education. Whether you prefer the dynamic interaction of in-person classes or the flexibility of online learning, we have options to suit your needs.
Featured In-Person Care Education Classes:
- Fostering Nourished Families: Tackle nutrition and feeding challenges with innovative approaches to promote healthy well-being for the entire family. (Saturday, February 8, 2025, 9am-2pm)
Featured Online Care Education Classes:
- Grandparents as Parents: You Are Not Alone: Connect with fellow kinship caregivers, share experiences, and discover community resources to help your family flourish. (Last Thursday of the Month, Beginning January 30, 2025, 6-7:30pm)
- Trauma Informed Practices for Schools: Learn to provide crucial support for youth in foster care within educational settings. (Saturday, February 1, 2025, 9am-1pm)
- 5 Love Languages Series: Master the art of recognizing and expressing love languages to yourself and the children in your care. (Tuesdays & Thursdays in February 2025, 10:30-11:30am)
- Working with Birth Parents: Navigate complex relationships and establish healthy boundaries while supporting the child’s well-being. (Wednesday, February 5, 2025, 6-8pm)
- Mindset and Confidence: Equip yourself and your child with tools to cultivate confidence and a growth mindset. (Thursday, February 6, 2025, 6-7pm)
- Managing Challenging Behaviors Effectively: Uncover the root causes of challenging behaviors and learn effective intervention and de-escalation techniques. (Wednesday, February 12, 2025, 6-9pm)
- Impact of Trauma Attachment on Relationships and Behaviors: Deepen your understanding of trauma attachments and learn healthy bonding techniques. (Tuesday, February 18, 2025, 6-8:30pm)
- Educational Advocacy: Special Education – Assessments, Services & Supports: Gain insights into special education services and how they can benefit your student in care. (Wednesday, February 19, 2025, 5:30-7pm)
- Personality Development: Explore trauma’s impact on identity and empower youth in healthy self-discovery. (Monday, February 24, 2025, 5:30-7pm)
- Language of Apology: Learn the five apology languages to foster forgiveness and healing in family relationships. (Tuesday, February 25, 2025, 6-8pm)
- Grandparents as Parents: Be Your Child’s Advocate: Further empower yourself within the kinship caregiving journey and learn to advocate effectively for the children in your care. (Last Thursday of the Month, February 27, 2025, 6-7:30pm)
Spanish Language Care Education Classes Available
We are proud to offer care education classes in Spanish as well! Expand your skills and knowledge in your preferred language. Please see our Spanish class list for February 2025 for a full schedule.
Connect With Us Today
Ready to take the next step in your caregiving journey? Contact our FKCE team for more information about our care education program and class registration.
Clarissa Campos Alvarado, FKCE Office Assistant:
(805) 289-6133 | [email protected]
Rhonda Carlson, FKCE Specialist:
(805) 289-6181 | [email protected]
Stay Informed and Enhance Your Caregiving Journey
Don’t miss any updates on our training and events! Sign up for our e-newsletter to receive monthly newsletters and class announcements directly to your inbox: Sign up for e-newsletter.
Invest in yourself and the children in your care by participating in our exceptional care education program. We are here to support you every step of the way.
