In Conejo Valley Unified School District (CVUSD) we provide a full continuum of special education services and placements for students who are eligible for special education services with an Individual Education Plan (IEP). A Specialized Program, also known as a Self-Contained Class, is one component of the continuum. CVUSD offers a Therapeutic Learning Center serving students with a disability that presents with difficulties in (one, some and/or all) emotional-regulation skills, executive functioning, social skills, learning to learn skills (ie. managing impulsivity, following basic directions) and school refusal that interferes with their ability to access their education.  The Therapeutic Learning Center serves students in TK through 2nd grade.  Placement into one of our Specialized Programs is discussed during IEP meetings and is an IEP team decision. 

The Therapeutic Learning Center (TLC) is a Specialize Program designed to maximize students' access to the general education program with intensive supports in the areas of: emotional-regulation skills, executive functioning, social skills, learning to learn skills (ie. managing impulsivity, following basic directions), school refusal, and specific behavior support in a safe and nurturing environment. The TLC provides a low teacher to student ratio and the class is staffed with paraeducators, who, under the direct supervision of the classroom teacher, assist students. Additionally, our related service providers (e.g. School Psychologists, Mental Health Clinician, Speech Language Pathologists, Board Certified Behavior Analysts, Occupational Therapists, and Adapted Physical Education Specialists) work closely with the special education teacher and paraeducators to provide modeling and consultation to implement strategies that specifically address each students’ needs in the Specialized Program setting as well as in the general education setting. The students have access to embedded social emotional support daily through mental health professionals, who are on the campus 5 days per week.  Additionally, the mental health professionals provide group therapy and restorative circles weekly with all students in the program.  The teacher utilizes curriculum aligned with common core grade level standards and provides accommodations and/or modifications based upon the needs of each student as indicated in their IEP.

The overall goals of our Therapeutic Learning Center Program are to:

1.  Provide the support students need, while maximizing time in general education, at a comprehensive school campus within the least restrictive setting.
2. Teach students emotional and behavioral regulation skills so that they may apply the skills to access their learning.   

This document serves as a summary. For more information about our Social-Emotional Specialized Programs, please contact:
Dr. Erin Roderick, Director of Special Education, Preschool/Elementary at 805-497-9511