Embedded Files
The resources listed below are provided to assist parents/guardians in finding services and/or information. The information is provided as a courtesy, for information only, and the user should understand that no assurances or guarantees regarding providers or organizations are being made by providing this information. The Pleasant Valley School District neither endorses, approves, nor recommends any specific entity on this website. This list is not inclusive of all community agencies, services, or organizations that provide the particular service, and the omission of an agency, service, or organization from this list does not imply disapproval. It is the responsibility of the user of this list to determine whether any of the content is of value to them and whether the agency, service, or organization meets their specific needs. Pleasant Valley School District does not assume responsibility for the services provided by the agencies nor for fees that may be charged to the parent/guardian.
"When the gusty winds blow and shake our lives, if we know that there are people who care about us, we may bend with the wind-but we won't break."
~Mr. Rogers
Parenting & Behavior Resources
Parenting & Behavior Resources
PVSD Parent University
PVSD Parent University
2024-25
2024-25
Scroll on the image to the right to get more information.
PVSD Parent University Classes with Fresno State.pdfBrightLife Kids is a no-cost, state-sponsored program that provides California families with children ages 0-12 access to free behavioral health support. Services include private 1:1 coaching sessions via video, secure chat, digital content, & coordination to community resources. BrightLife Kids coaches families on how to guide their kids through challenging or confusing phases, and children on how to understand themselves and express big emotions in healthy ways. The program is completely virtual and is available in 19 different languages with live translation services. You can reach out to ce@hellobrightline.com for additional information or call the member services line for support with registration at (888)275-5357.
BrightLife Kids is a no-cost, state-sponsored program that provides California families with children ages 0-12 access to free behavioral health support. Services include private 1:1 coaching sessions via video, secure chat, digital content, & coordination to community resources. BrightLife Kids coaches families on how to guide their kids through challenging or confusing phases, and children on how to understand themselves and express big emotions in healthy ways. The program is completely virtual and is available in 19 different languages with live translation services. You can reach out to ce@hellobrightline.com for additional information or call the member services line for support with registration at (888)275-5357.
2024-25 School Year: Saving Lives Camarillo has partnered with The Wellness Institute to offer free parenting classes. Click below to get more information.
Saving Lives Camarillo Free Parenting Classes.pngA Framework for Challenging Behavior: Prevention & Response from Helping Families Thrive: This is a great article/blog for all caregivers whether you are struggling with a difficult behavior or just wanting to learn more. The article focuses on preschoolers but is appropriate for all elementary-aged children. Website link or PDF
30 Ways To Connect With Your Child from Simply On Purpose
Do you have a child struggling with aggressive behavior? Aggression in children is complicated and can be a symptom of many different problems. What Are Some of the Causes of Aggression in Children? from the Child Mind Institute breaks down some of the possible causes. If your child is struggling with aggressive behavior, speak with a medical professional to get help.
1-2-3 Magic is a popular and well-regarded discipline program that helps keep parents and caregivers in charge. This simple and easy-to-follow program is available in a variety of formats: book, DVD, and on-demand. If you are interested in the system, you can talk with Ms. Kasso and borrow the book from her or find more information here:
1-2-3 Magic videos on demand via Vimeo (rent or buy)
*También disponible en español.
How to Talk to Kids About Difficult Subjects from Common Sense Media: In a world where even little kids learn about horrific subjects, it's important for caregivers to put things in perspective, field questions, and search for answers together.
Helping Children Cope With Frightening News from the Child Mind Institute: What caregivers can do to aid scared kids in processing grief and fear in a healthy way.
Positive Discipline For Anxious (and Non-Anxious) Kids from Hey Sigmund. This is a great article for all parents wanting some practical tips for creating discipline at home.
What is self-regulation and how can you help your child better control their emotions? Some children need more help learning how to control their emotions and this article from the Child Mind Institute is a great place for you to learn more. How Can We Help Kids With Self-Regulation?
A behavior contract can help you and your child work on things like self-control and lying. It can also help you develop and implement rewards for meeting goals. Understood.org offers free Parent-Child Behavior Contracts
How to address lying with your child. This article was written for parents of children with ADHD, but it has some great takeaways for all parents. Why Kids With ADHD Lie and What to Do About It! from the Childhood Collective. PDF available here.
Navigating the Playground with a Child Who Seems Too Physical, Shy, Huggy, or Bossy...blog by Janet Lansbury from Elevating Child Care. Janet offers her advice for navigating typical playground behaviors in young children.
Recess: The Best Part of the Day? Or the Worst? As parents, we can drive what our child focuses on in school, simply by how we react and respond to them. This blog post by Lisa Edwards from Champion Your Parenting: Raise Healthy, Confident Kids will help you learn how to talk with your child about trouble on the playground.
Time Out or Not To Time Out
Time-Out: What the Research Really Says We all want what's best for our children. We want them to be happy, healthy, and good citizens of the world. But being a parent is tough and there is so much conflicting information. Helping Families Thrive explores evidence-based parenting in this blog post. PDF or blog link
Time-outs are a widely recommended disciplinary technique, but there are pros and cons. Are Time Outs Harmful to Children? from the Child Mind Institute can help you understand the research and learn how to use time-outs effectively.
Grief
Grief
Bereavement Support Groups through Camarillo Hospice/Livingston Memorial are offered free of charge to the community. Services are also available in Spanish. (805) 389-6870 Good Grief Club (ages 6-12) and Teenage Grief (ages 12-14)
The Compassionate Friends: Compassionate Friends provides support to families experiencing the death of a son, daughter, brother, sister, or grandchild. Additionally, they support those who assist the grieving family. They have local chapters in Ventura County along with online support.
The Children's Room in Arlington, Massachusetts, offers on-site programs and online resources.
The National Alliance for Grieving Children (NAGC) is a nonprofit organization that provides resources for anyone supporting a child or teen grieving a death. NAGC has many online resources, including webinars and a child-caregiver activity book.
The Dougy Center in Portland, Oregon, offers programs, professional training, activities, extensive online grief resources, and a search system for finding grief support groups throughout the United States and some other countries, including Japan.
Hello Grief offers information, including resources listed by state, and was started by Comfort Zone Camp, which runs bereavement camps for children ages seven to seventeen, year-round, throughout the United States.
Divorce & Separation
Divorce & Separation
Sesame Street Divorce Tool Kit https://sesameworkshop.org/topics/divorce/
Fred Rogers Productions: Mr. Rogers Talks About Divorce https://www.fredrogersinstitute.org/archive/mister-rogers-talks-about-divorce
Divorce: A Parent's Guide to Supporting Children from NASP http://www.naspcenter.org/parenting/divorce_ho.html
Trevor Romain's Taking the "Duh" Out of Divorce: A 30-minute animated movie about a young girl and her experience with divorce. Available on iTunes for $1.99
https://itunes.apple.com/us/movie/trevor-romains-taking-the-duh-out-of-divorce/id1268766242
The Gottman Institute: A post titled Divorce is the Most Important Story You'll Ever Tell Your Child...Your story will become their story, so write it well.
Resources for Military Families
Resources for Military Families
The Comfort Crew for Military Kids: The Comfort Crew Programs have created Comfort Crew Kits that are designed to support children ages 6-12. Online materials may be downloaded for free. There are different Comfort Crew Resources for a variety of needs, such as: Dealing With Deployment, Together Again! Reconnecting Military Families, Helping Military Children Handle Loss, and Taking Care of You! Support for Kids of Injured Heroes.
Dealing With Deployment: Family Guidebook Published by The Comfort Crew for Military Kids
Military Child Education Coalition: MCEC delivers programs, services, and professional development to meet the needs of military-connected students, parents, and professionals.
Military One Source: The Military and Family Life Counseling Program supports service members, their families and survivors with non-medical counseling worldwide.
FOCUS: Resilience Training for Military Families - Families OverComing Under Stress (FOCUS) provides resilience training to military children, families, and couples. It teaches practical skills to help families and couples overcome common challenges related to military life. It helps build on current strengths and teach new strategies to enhance communication and problem solving, goal setting, and creating a shared family story.
Military Kids Connect: Military Kids Connect is an online community for military children ages 6-17, and provides age-appropriate resources to support children dealing with the unique psychological challenges of military life.
Center for Deployment Psychology: CDP trains behavioral health professionals to provide high-quality, evidence-based care to Service members, Veterans, and their families. This website has many lists of resources for military families, military children, and lists of books, blogs, and apps that may be helpful.
Helpful Apps:
The Big Moving Adventure by Sesame Street
Breathe, Think, Do by Sesame Street
Hug-A-Hero By Daddy Dolls, Inc: Daddy Dolls was created by two military moms after witnessing how difficult military deployments were on their children.
Nutritional Needs
Nutritional Needs
Apply for California's food stamps (SNAP) program, CalFresh
Details about CalFresh benefits and FAQ during Covid from the County of Ventura Human Services Agency.
Safety
Safety
Personal Safety: The Hot Chocolate Talk: Help Keep Kids Safe- Committee for Children's guide for research-based tools to help start the difficult, yet important conversation about child sexual abuse prevention.
Digital Health & Safety Resources from Lauren's Kids. The lessons and activities focus on different aspects of personal safety and are designed for use with elementary-aged school students.
Internet Safety: From the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, NetSmartzKids is a site with videos, games, and activities that teaches Internet safety.
Self Harm
Self Harm
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline- a 24-hour crisis line for individuals who are contemplating, threatening, or attempting suicide, including their family and friends. An online chat is also available on the website.
Dial 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org
Article: How To Help A Child At Risk of Suicide from MindShift
Self Abuse Finally Ends (S.A.F.E.)- Addresses individuals coping with non-suicidal self-injury, including locally-based information, support and therapy referrals.
1-800-366-8288
Mental Health Awareness for Teens
http://onlinemph.unr.edu/mental-health-awareness-for-teens/
Teen Line (6PM – 10PM) - a hotline for teens operated by teens.
(800) 852-8336
(800) TLC-TEEN
Trevor Project (24 hour hotline) - providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning youth.
(866) 488-7386
The California Peer-Run Warm Line - A non-emergency resource for anyone in California seeking mental and emotional support. They provide assistance via phone and webchat on a nondiscriminatory basis to anyone in need. Some concerns callers share are challenges with interpersonal relationships, anxiety, pain, depression, finances, alcohol/drug use, etc. 1-855-845-7415
Self-Harm: Information for Parents & Families: What you need to know about self-injury. Information about how to tell if your child is self-injuring, dealing with feelings about the discovery, and talking to your child about his/her self-injury.
General Wellness
General Wellness
2-1-1 Ventura County is a comprehensive information and referral service. By simply dialing 2-1-1 or going to http://www.211ventura.org/ you can be connected to a specialist for personalized assistance with health and human services. 211 is available in multiple languages, is free, and confidential. 2-1-1 is one of the best places to gather information for a variety of family and mental health needs.
Aunt Bertha - Connecting People & Programs is a network that connects people seeking help and verified social care providers. Thousands of nonprofits and social care providers serve their communities, but for some people navigating the system to get help is challenging, time-consuming, and frustrating. Aunt Bertha is a social care network that connects people and programs. Find food assistance, help paying bills, and other free or reduced-cost programs.
Interface Children and Family Services is connected with 2-1-1. It is based in Ventura County and has six core programs: Mental Health & Trauma, Youth Crisis Intervention, Reentry Services, Domestic Violence & Child Abuse Prevention, Human Trafficking, and 2-1-1 Information & Referrals.
(805) 485-6114
The Phoenix Project in partnership with SAMHSA and Interface: Evidence-based mental health services to students present in Ventura County during the 2018 Thomas and Woolsey Fires. If you or someone you know would benefit from emotional or psychological support, contact Interface Intake at 805-485-6114 ext. 662 or email intake@icfs.org or utilize the referral form linked here. Services are FREE.
Coalition For Family Harmony is a non-profit organization based in Oxnard that provides direct services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. They provide education to the community regarding violence against women, children, and men. Services include domestic violence safe house, batterer's intervention program, family harmony positive parenting program, rape crisis center, juvenile probation program, legal services, counseling and support groups, LGBTQ+ counseling program, and teen dating violence intervention groups.
24-hour bilingual hotline: 1-800-300-2181
Office Phone: 1-805-983-6014
Wellness Everyday: This website is specific for Ventura County and covers a wide variety of concerns or www.kidshealth.org
Parenting Coach: Practical ideas and advice from experts in the fields of education and child development. Get help for your child's social, emotional, and behavioral challenges.
The California Peer-Run Warm Line - A non-emergency resource for anyone in California seeking mental and emotional support. They provide assistance via phone and webchat on a nondiscriminatory basis to anyone in need. Some concerns callers share are challenges with interpersonal relationships, anxiety, pain, depression, finances, alcohol/drug use, etc. 1-855-845-7415
Finding the Right Counselor/Therapist For Your Child from The Childhood Collective PDF Here
PVSD Community Resource Directory: available in English and Spanish and updated in 2023.
Academics
Academics
5 Myths and Facts About Grade Retention from The Childhood Collective
IEPs and 504 Plans...Oh My! from The Childhood Collective PDF Here
Homework
Homework
Homework Challenges: How to Help Your Child
How to Create a Portable Homework Space
Brain Breaks During Homework Time: What You Need to Know
Homework Contract for Your Child: Free Download from Understood.org
Backpack Checklist: Free Download from Understood.org
Camarillo Library Tutoring as of 1/14/22: Students/families can go to the library home page-> explore-> digital resources -> Brainfuse -HelpNow, then enter their library card and pin to get live online tutoring from 1:00 PM-10:00 PM Mon-Sunday.
HelpNow's features include:
Homework Help Interact with live tutors in math, science, reading/writing, social studies, PSAT/SAT, ACT, AP, and state standardized tests.
Skills-Building Choose your topic to receive real-time help.
Personalized eLearning Tools My File Sharing, My Session Replay, My Tutoring Archive, My Tests Archive, and more!
24-Hour Writing Lab Submit essays and other forms of writing for constructive feedback.
Homework Send Question Submit homework questions for expert guidance.
Adult Learning Center Access a library of rich adult learning content (GED) and live, professional assistance in resume/cover letter writing, U.S. citizenship prep, MS Office Essential Skills Series, and more!
Foreign Language Lab /Spanish-Speaking Support
Anxiety
Anxiety
Worry Wise Kids: A service of the Children's Center for OCD and Anxiety in Plymouth Meeting, PA.
Dealing with School Anxiety: Powerful Things That Adults Can Do
Understanding Anxiety in Children and Teens
For Kids With Anxiety, Parents Learn To Let Them Face Their Fears
App: Breathe, Think, Do with Sesame
Teenagers, Anxiety Can Be Your Friend from The New York Times, PDF Here
Anxiety in Children - 10 Practical Strategies to Help Kids Manage Perfectionism from Karen Young with Hey Sigmund
Help Your Child Take Control of Worry Thoughts by The Childhood Collective: Each time we avoid we are saying to anxiety, "I believe in you." This makes it grow bigger.
The Most Important Strategy To Minimize Your Child's Anxiety from The Childhood Collective: To learn that their fears don't come true, your child must put themselves in the feared situation.
Coping Skills from the Child Mind Institute with Nixie Nimbo. This resource helps parents and caregivers reinforce coping strategies at home. The short animated videos (3 min.) explain worries/anxiety to young children and provide coping strategies they can use to overcome those big feelings. There are five videos in total and while the description states the videos are for kindergarteners, they are appropriate for grades K-2. Additionally, there is a parent guide to help parents process the information with their children. English / Spanish
From the Society of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology, tested, evidence-based therapies for children and adolescents with fear, worry, and anxiety disorders: https://effectivechildtherapy.org/concerns-symptoms-disorders/disorders/fear-worry-and-anxiety/
SPACE: Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions is a parent-based treatment program for children and adolescents with anxiety, OCD, and related problems. SPACE aims to treat children and adolescents with anxiety disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Although children do not have to attend SPACE sessions - they are the patients! When SPACE treatment is successful, children feel less anxious and function better following treatment. Find SPACE providers at this link.
ADHD
ADHD
What's ADHD (and What's Not) in the Classroom
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommendations for ADHD (linked here and here): "For elementary and middle school-aged children (age 6 years to the 12th birthday) with ADHD, the PCC (primary care clinicians) should prescribe US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)–approved medications for ADHD, along with PTBM (Parent Training in Behavior Management) and/or behavioral classroom intervention (preferably both PTBM and behavioral classroom interventions). Educational interventions and individualized instructional supports, including school environment, class placement, instructional placement, and behavioral supports, are a necessary part of any treatment plan and often include an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a rehabilitation plan (504 plan). (Grade A: strong recommendation for medications; grade A: strong recommendation for PTBM training and behavioral treatments for ADHD implemented with the family and school.)”
U.S. Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines and recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of children and adolescents with ADHD: https://www.cdc.gov/adhd/hcp/treatment-recommendations/index.html
CDC recommendations for the treatment of ADHD: https://www.cdc.gov/adhd/treatment/index.html
CDC Parent Training in Behavior Management for ADHD: https://www.cdc.gov/adhd/treatment/behavior-therapy.html
Looking for Evidence-Based Approaches to support your student diagnosed with inattention and hyperactivity (ADHD), the Society of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology has some great resources at this link: https://effectivechildtherapy.org/concerns-symptoms-disorders/disorders/inattention-and-hyperactivity-adhd/
Check out Effective Child Therapy: Evidence-based mental health treatment for children and adolescents from the Society of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology for more evidence-based approaches. Type in the concern or diagnosis in the search bar and you will get mental health information for parents and caregivers based on the best available science. https://effectivechildtherapy.org/
Information from CHADD (Children & Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) about Parent Training and Education: https://chadd.org/for-parents/parent-training-and-education/
ADHD: To medicate or not medicate. Your best source of information is your child's doctor. However, if you are looking for long-term clinical research to help you navigate all the information available, the MTA (Multimodal Treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) Study is a great place to look. Link to the National Institute of Mental Health and information about the MTA study linked here.
Dr. Russell Barkley, PhD, is a retired American clinical neuropsychologist who was a clinical professor of psychiatry until 2022 and the president of the American Psychological Association. He is widely considered the leading expert on AD/HD. He dedicated his career to disseminating science-based information about ADHD. His work helped define AD/HD, its associated risks, adult outcomes, and evidence-based treatments. Before he retired, Dr. Barkley created a YouTube channel to archive his previous lectures about ADHD and related disorders. Additionally, he regularly posts commentary about new research and commentary about ADHD.
YouTube Channel: Russell Barkley, PhD - Dedicated to ADHD Science+
Videos of interest: Why Use Medications to Manage ADHD?, What Its Like to Have ADHD - A Child's View,
Diversity
Diversity
No Place for Hate in PVSD
The Pleasant Valley School District is honored to serve all students is safe, supportive, and inclusive schools. We value and celebrate our diverse students and families. Harmful and hateful words and deeds will not be tolerated. For more information, CLICK HERE.
PVSD needs all families to talk with their children about this important topic.
Beyond the Golden Rule
Summary for Beyond the Golden Rule
PBS Raising the Future: Teaching Kids How to Celebrate Our Differences
PBS: Talking to Young Children about Race and Racism
Teaching Tolerance: Teaching tolerance is a website and publication that provides free resources to help educate children and youth to be active participants in our diverse democracy. The program emphasizes social justice and anti-bias.
Read Alouds to Support Conversations on Race, Racism, and Resistance
LGBTQ
LGBTQ
Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians & Gays (PFLAG) -for individuals or families experiencing issues related to sexual orientation and/or gender identity
The GLBT National Youth Talkline provides telephone, online private one-to-one chat and email peer-support, as well as factual information and local resources for cities and towns across the United States. They serve youth through age 25.
1-800-246-7743
The ChildMind Institute has guidance for families of kids who are questioning their gender or sexual identity. The most important thing is to offer the child unconditional love and support but the process can be difficult and confusing--for kids and their parents. These are two articles that might help: How to Support Kids Who Are Questioning and Transgender Kids and Gender Dysphoria.
Anger
Anger
Positive Discipline For Anxious (and Non-Anxious) Kids
App: Breath, Think, Do with Sesame
School Refusal
School Refusal
Addiction
Addiction
Report abuse