California Department of Education, Special Education Division’s special project, California Services for Technical Assistance and Training (CalSTAT) is funded through a contract with the Napa County Office of Education. CalSTAT is partially funded from federal funds, State Grants #H027A080116A. Additional federal funds are provided from a federal competitively awarded State Personnel Development Grant to California (#H323A070011) provided from the U.S. Department of Education Part D of the Individuals with Disabilities Education act (IDEA). Opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the position of the U. S. Department of Education.
At first glance, the range of centers and networks that provide support and information to parents of children with disabilities in California may look like an abundance of riches. And then the choices can start to feel simply overwhelming. This insert to The Special EDge is designed to offer parents an easily accessible directory for finding the parent center that offers the information and services that best suit their needs and those of their child. Each type of center is defined and then followed by a list of the specific locations of centers of that kind throughout the state. Listings are alphabetized by city and include contact information: telephone numbers along with e-mail and Web addresses, if available. While not every city and town in the state has the perfect parent organization for every family's needs, a telephone call to the one that offers the right services can often provide invaluable support. Parents regularly report that these centers have helped them better understand their children's specific needs, learn how to communicate with teachers and professionals, and become more effective participants in their children's education and planning. Any effort to contact one promises to be well worth it.
This insert to The Special EDge is designed to offer parents an easily accessible directory for finding the parent center that offers the information and services that best suit their needs and those of their child. Each type of center is defined and then followed by a list of the specific locations of centers of that kind throughout the state. Listings are alphabetized by city and include contact information: telephone numbers along with e-mail and Web addresses, if available.
While not every city and town in the state has the perfect parent organization
for every family’s needs, a telephone call to the one that offers the right
services can often provide invaluable support. Parents regularly report that
these centers have helped them better understand their children’s specific
needs, learn how to communicate with teachers and professionals, and becomemore
effective participants in their children’s education and planning. Any effort
to contact one promises to be well worth it.
Population Served: Individuals with disabilities who are underserved, ages birth to twenty-six, and their parents
Focus: Educational needs
Mission/Purpose: To provide training and information to parents of children with disabilities and to people who work with parents; to provide outreach and support for families that may not know about these services. The goal is to enable parents to participate more fully and effectively with professionals in meeting the educational needs of children with disabilities.
Services: Information, parent-toparent support; support for families concerned with their child's education; support for transition to adult services
Range: Six statewide
Web site: See individual CPRCs
Berkeley. Foster Youth Resources for Education,
serving Alameda County;
510-644-2555 or 800-348-4232;
rmiller@drdf.org; www.dredf.org
Los Angeles. Loving Your Disabled Child,
serving most of Los Angeles County;
323-373-0323;
lydc3407@yahoo.com or lydcprc@sbcglobal.net; www.lydcprc.org
Los Angeles. Parents of Watts,
serving most of Los Angeles County (with Loving Your Disabled Child); 323-566-7556;
egertonf@hotmail.com or pow90059@yahoo.com
Los Angeles. Fiesta Educativa, serving East Los Angeles; 323-221-6696;
info@fiestaeducativa.org; www.fiestaeducativa.org
San Gabriel. Chinese Parents Association for the Disabled,
serving Los Angeles and Orange Counties; 626-307-3837;
chen_rachel@hotmail.com; www.cpad.org
Stanton. Vietnamese Parents of Disabled Children Assoc., Inc.,
serving Los
Angeles and Orange Counties (with Loving Your Disabled Child); 714-527-9216;
hgnguyen@vpdca.org; www.vpdca.org
Population Served: Children and young adults who have disabilities and are of school age (3–22 years old)
Focus: Educational needs of individuals with disabilities
Mission/Purpose: To ensure that children and young adults with disabilities receive a free and appropriate education and the support services they need; to ensure that parents have access to information, training, and peer-to-peer support; to ensure that parents are able to partner with professionals in obtaining appropriate education for children with disabilities, fully participate in their child’s education, and navigate the educational system
Services: Information, parent-to-parent support; support for families concerned with their child’s education; support for transition to adult services
Range: 14 statewide
Web site: http://cafec.org
Anaheim. Team of Advocates for Special Kids, Inc. (TASK), serving Orange and
Riverside Counties; 714-533-8275 or 866-828-8275;
taskca@yahoo.com; www.taskca.org
Bakersfield. H.E.A.R.T.S. Connection Family Resource Center, serving Kern County; 661.328.9055 or 800-210-7633; heartsfrc@igalaxy; www.heartsfrc.org
Culver City. Westside Family
Resource and Empowerment Center, serving the Los Angeles area; 310-258-4063;
martham@westsiderc.org; www.wfrec.org
Fairfield. Matrix Parent Network and Resource Center,
serving Marin, Napa,
Solano, and Sonoma Counties; 707-423-2545 or 800-578-2592;
info@matrixparents.org; www.matrixparents.org
Fresno. Exceptional Parents Unlimited, serving Fresno County; 559-229-2000;
559-225-6059 (TTY);
epu1@exceptionalparents.org; www.exceptionalparents.org
Hollister. Special Parents Information Network (SPIN), 831-537-8639;
msandoval@spinsc.org
Northridge. Family Focus Resource and Empowerment Center, serving the San
Fernando, Santa Clarita, and Antelope Valley areas; 818-677-5575;
Family.Focus@csun.edu or Family.Empower@csun.edu; www.csunfamilyfocus.com
Novato. Matrix Parent Network and Resource Center, serving Marin, Napa, Solano,
and Sonoma Counties; 415-884-3535 or 800-578-2592;
info@matrixparents.org; http://matrixparents.org
Quincy. Plumas Rural Services, serving Lassen, Modoc, Plumas and Sierra Counties; 530-283-3611 or 800-284-3340; prsit@plumasruralservices.org; http://plumasruralservices.org
Redding. Rowell Family Empowerment of Northern California, serving Butte and
Shasta Counties; 530-226-5129 or 877-227-3471 (Redding); 530-876-8321 or 888-263-1311
(Paradise);
http://rfenc.org/index.php
San Diego. Exceptional Family
Resource Center, serving San Diego and Imperial Counties; 619-594-7416; 800-281-8252;
efrc@projects.sdsu.edu; www.efrconline.org
San Diego. Team of Advocates for Special Kids, Inc. (TASK), serving San Diego
and Imperial Counties; 619-794-2947 or 866-609-3218;
taskca@yahoo.com; www.taskca.org
San Francisco. Support for Families of Children with Disabilities, serving San Francisco County; 415-282-7494; info@supportforfamilies.org; http://www.supportforfamilies.org
San Jose. Parents Helping Parents (PHP), serving Santa Clara County; 408-727-5775;
nettaa@php.com; www.php.com
Santa Cruz. Special Parents Information Network (SPIN), serving Santa Cruz and San Benito Counties; 831- 423-7713; splageman@spinsc.org; www.spinsc.org
Watsonville. Special Parents Information Network (SPIN), serving South Santa Cruz County; 831-722-2800; cpinheiro@spinsc.org; www.spinsc.org
West Covina. The Parents’ Place Family Resource Center, serving San Gabriel
and Pomona Valleys; 626-919-1091 or 800-422-2022;
empower@parentsplacefrc.com;
www.parentsplacefrc.com
Yuba City. Family SOUP, serving Sutter County; 530-751-1925;
familysoup@familysoup.org; http://familysoup.org
Population Served: Children birth to age three with disabilities or at risk of developmental delays or disabilities; families of these children
Focus: Comprehensive early intervention services for infants and toddlers with disabilities
Purpose: To ensure that parents of children with disabilities have accurate information and parent-to-parent support; and to help parents, families, and children locate and use needed services. Often staffed by parents.
Services: Early intervention services; parent-to-parent support, peer counseling, information and referral, public awareness, parent education, and transition assistance
Range: 47 centers statewide
Web site: www.frcnca.org/about.html
Alhambra. Family Resource Library & Assistive Technology Center; 626-300-9171;
info@elafrc.org; www.elafrc.org
Bakersfield. H.E.A.R.T.S.; 661-328-9055; 800-210-7633;
susan_graham@heartsfrc.org; www.heartsfrc.org
Bellflower. Southeast FRC; 562-461-2986
Bishop. Heart to Hand FRC; 760-872-4604;
ThearttoHand@cs.com
Burlingame. Family Resource Center at Community Gatepath (MORE); 650-295-0189
Canyon Country. The Family Focus Resource & Empowerment Center; 661-250-3943;
victoria.berrey@csun.edu; www.csunfamilyfocus.com
Capitola. Special Connections FRC; 831-464-0669
Clovis. Clovis Unified FRC; 559-327-8455;
carinjackson@cusd.com; www.clovisusd.k12.ca.us (go to “Support Programs”)
Colusa. Colusa County FRC; 530-458-8891, ext. 10818;
colusaFRC@ccoe.net
Crescent City. Northcoast Children’s Services; 707-464-6936
Culver City. Westside Family Resource and Empowerment Center; 310-258-4099;
frc@westsiderc.org; www.wfrec.org
Eureka. Special Needs Connection. 707-445-1195
Fort Bragg. Safe Passage. 707-964-3077;
safepas2@mcn.org
Fresno. Exceptional Parents Unlimited; 559-229-2000, ext. 103;
info@exceptionalparents.org; www.exceptionalparents.org
Hanford. Kings County FRC; 559-584-1551;
debbieg@ccucp.org; www.ccucp.org
Harbor City. Carolyn Kordich FRC; 310-325-7288;
ckfrc@sbcglobal.net
Imperial. Exceptional Family Resource Center (in the Imperial County Regional Center); 760-355-0147; efrc@projects.sdsu.edu; www.efrconline.org
Long Beach. Long Beach FRC; 562-933-8048;
cenriquez@memorialcare.org
Los Angeles. Koch-Young Resource Center; 213-383-1300;
Helpline: 800-546-3676;
kyrc@lanterman.org; www.lanterman.org
Los Angeles. South Central Los Angeles Regional Center; 213-763-7800;
martha@sclarc.org;
www.sclarc.org
Madera. Extra Special Parents FRC; 559-674-0915, ext. 464;
ngallegos@madera.k12.ca.us
Mammoth Lakes. Heart to Hand FRC; 760-935-4602;
ThearttoHand@cs.com
Mariposa. Mariposa FRC—Early Start Connections; 209-966-6299
Martinez. CARE Parent Network; 925-313-0999;
CAREofARC@aol.com; www.careparentnetwork.org
Marysville. Yuba County Office of Education FRC; 530-749-3276, ext. 105;
aliciahrico@yubacoe.k12.ca.us
Merced. Challenged FRC; 209-385-5314;
www.challengedfrc.com
Monterey. Special Kids Crusade; 831-214-6541;
mail@specialkidscrusade.org;
www.specialkidscrusade.org
Napa. Parents CAN; 707-253-7444 ;
parents@parentscan.org; www.parentscan.org
Northridge. The Family Focus Resource & Empowerment Center; 818-677-5575;
family.focus@csun.edu; www.csunfamilyfocus.com
Novato. Matrix Parent Network; 800-578-2692;
laurelf@matrixparents.org; www.matrixparents.org
Oakland. Family Resource Network; 510-547-7322;
info@frnoakland.org; www.frnoakland.org
Oxnard. Rainbow Connection; 805-485-9643;
rainbow@tri-counties.org
Palmdale. The Family Focus Resource & Empowerment Center; 661-225-9598;
familyfocus_av@msn.com; www.csunfamilyfocus.com
Redding. Rowell Family Empowerment of Northern CA; 530-226-5129;
sklowrance@aol.com;
www.EmpowerYourFamily.org
Redondo Beach. Southwest SELPA Special Education FRC; 310-798-2965;
sw_ frc@lacoe.edu
Roseville. Warmline FRC; 916-782-7147;
warmlinefrc@warmlinefrc.com;
Sacramento. Warmline FRC; 916-922-9276;
warmlinefrc@warmlinefrc.com; www.warmlinefrc.org
Salinas. Peaks and Valleys FRC; 831-755-1450;
peaks@monterey.k12.ca.us
San Bernardino. Early Start FRN; 909-890-4788 or 800-974-5553;
esfrn@yahoo.com;
www.esfrn.org
San Diego. Exceptional Family Resource Center; 619-594-7416; 800-281-8252;
efrc@projects.sdsu.edu; www.efrconline.org
San Francisco. Support for Families of Children with Disabilities. 415-920-5040;
info@supportforfamilies.org; www.supportforfamilies.org
San Jose. Parents Helping Parents, Inc.; 408-727-5775;
info@php.com; www.php.com
San Luis Obispo. Parents Helping Parents of San Luis Obispo County; 805-549-8148; Resource Library: 805-543-3277; php@ucp-slo.org; www.ucp-slo.org
San Marcos. Exceptional Family Resource Center (in the North County Regional Education Center). 760-761-5553; efrc@projects.sdsu.edu; www.efrconline.org
Santa Ana. Comfort Connection. 714-558-5400; 888-372-2229
Santa Barbara. Alpha Resource Center-Family First; 805-683-2145;
info@alphasb.org;
www.alphasb.org
Stockton. Family Resource Network; 209-472-3674;
800-847-3030;
frnfamilies@aol.com; www.frcn.org
Susanville. Rainbow Family Support & Resource Network; 530-251-2417;
kcolvinlcfr@yahoo.com
Torrance. Harbor Resource Center; 310-543-0691;
frc-library@harborRC.org; www.harborRC.org
Visalia. Parenting Network, Inc.; 559-731-1481;
asmontes@aol.com
West Covina. The San Gabriel/Pomona Parents’ Place; 626-856-8861;
empower@parentsplacefrc.com;
warmline@parentsplacefrc.com (for help); www.parentsplacefrc.com
Yuba City. Early Start FRC. 530-458-8891, ext. 10345
Yuba City. Family SOUP (formerly Sutter County Parent Network); 530-751-1925;
scpn@scpn.org; www.familysoup.org
Population Served: Children and young adults with disabilities and chronic health conditions
Focus: Health and areas that impact health, such as education
Mission/Purpose: To provide a clearinghouse of information to parents and parent centers about special health care needs of children so that the needs of these children’s families are met and the families have a stronger voice in shaping the system of care
Services: Information, education, and parent-to-parent support on health issues
Range: Coordinates efforts with Family Resource Centers throughout the state
Web site: www.familyvoicesofca.org
Alhambra. Eastern Los Angeles Family Resource Center, serving Los Angeles
County; 626-300-9171;
info@elafrc.org
Culver City. Westside Family Resource Center, serving Los Angeles county;
310-258-4063;
www.wfrec.org
Fresno. Exceptional Parents Unlimited, serving Fresno and Kings Counties;
559-229-2000, ext. 103;
rguimont@exceptionalparents.org; www.exceptionalparents.org
Los Angeles. Eastern Los Angeles Family Resource Center, serving Los Angeles
County; 626-300-9171;
info@elafrc.org
Oakland. Family Resource Network, serving Alameda County; 510-547-7322;
frn@frnoakland.org
Redding. Rowell Family Empowerment of Northern California, serving Butte, Glenn, Shasta,
Siskiyou, Tehama, and Trinity Counties; 530-226-5129; WendyL@rfenc.org;
www.RFENC.org
Sacramento. WarmLine Family Resource Center, serving Alpine, El Dorado, Nevada,
Placer, Sacramento, and Yolo Counties; 916-922-9276;
warmline@warmlinefrc.org;
www.warmlinefrc.org
Santa Barbara. Alpha Resource Center of Santa Barbara, Family First
Program, serving Santa Barbara County; 805-683-2145;
info@alpharesourcecenter.org
San Diego. Exceptional Family Resource Center, serving San Diego and Imperial Counties; 619-594-7416; 800-281-8252; efrc@projects.sdsu.edu; www.efrconline.org
San Francisco. Support for Families of Children with Disabilities, serving San Francisco County; 415-282-7494; info@supportforfamilies.org; www.supportforfamilies.org
Population Served: Individuals with disabilities, ages birth to twenty-six
Focus: Families of children with educational needs
Purpose: To help families understand special education laws, rights, and responsibilities; to work to improve educational results, train and inform parents and professionals about disability issues, resolve problems between families and schools or other agencies, and connect children who have disabilities to community resources that address their needs
Services: Information, education for families and professionals, parent-to-parent support, advocacy for children and families, support for IEPs, transition to adult services
Range: Ten statewide; specific geographical region determined by the U.S. Department of Education
Web site: See individual PTIs
Anaheim. Team of Advocates for Special Kids, Inc. (TASK), serving Orange and
Riverside Counties; 714-533-8275 or 866-828-8275;
taskca @yahoo.com; http://taskca.org
Berkeley. Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund, Inc. (DREDF), serving
Alameda, Contra Costa, and Yolo Counties (includes Foster Youth Resources for Education); 510-644-2555 or 800-348-4232;
info@dredf.org;
www.dredf.org
Fresno. Exceptional Parents Unlimited, serving Fresno, Kern, King, Madera,
Mariposa, Merced, Monterey, Tulare, San Benito, and Stanislaus Counties; 559-229-2000; 559-225-6059 (TTY);
info@exceptionalparents.org; www.exceptionalparents.org
Los Angeles. Fiesta Educativa, serving East Los Angeles; 323-221-6696; 323-221-6696;
info@fiestaeducativa.org; www.fiestaeducativa.org
Novato. Matrix Parent Network and Resource Center, serving Marin, Napa, Solano,
and Sonoma Counties; 415-884-3535 or 800-578-2592;
norat@matrixparents.org; www.matrix parents.org
Redding. Rowell Family Empowerment of Northern California (RFENC), serving
Alpine, Amador, Butte, Calaveras, Colusa, Del Norte, El Dorado, Glenn, Humboldt,
Lake, Lassen, Modoc, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Sacramento, Siskiyou, Shasta, Sutter, Tehama, Tuolumne, Trinity, and
Yuba Counties; 530-226-5129 or 877-227-3471;
www.rfenc.org
San Francisco. Support for Families of Children with Disabilities. 415-920-5040;
info@supportforfamilies.org; www.supportforfamilies.org
San Gabriel. Chinese Parents Association for the Disabled, serving Los Angeles and Orange Counties; 626-307-3837; chen_rachel@hotmail.com; www.cpad.org
San Jose. Parents Helping Parents, serving San Joaquin, San Mateo, Santa Clara,
and Santa Cruz Counties; 408-727-5775;
info@php.com; www.php.com
Stanton. Vietnamese Parents of Disabled Children Assoc., Inc., serving Los
Angeles and Orange Counties;
714-527-9216;
hgnguyen@vpdca.org; www.vpdca.org