Special Education Advocacy
Family Support & Advocacy
Education support services (ESS)
If your child is found for services under the Lanterman Act and you need educational support assistance, please contact the Education Support Services (ESS) unit. The ESS staff provide assistance to clients of Westside Regional Center who are school-age (3 to 22) and pursuing a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in their community. ESS staff can review IEP documents and assessment reports, attend IEP meetings, and/or observe the student in the school setting. You may contact the ESS staff directly or request a referral through your service coordinator.
| Name | Phone Number | |
| Feben Fantu | FebenF@WestsideRC.org | 310-258-4278 |
| Ron Lopez | RonL@WestsideRC.org | 310-258-4002 |
Informed education partners (IEP) support group
This group will informally address families’ questions and concerns about their child’s Special Education services and support. We will share information and provide specific strategies so that parents can become confident and collaborative team members. Come and learn the tools and techniques necessary to ensure an appropriate and meaningful education for all of our children.
| Facilitators | Contact Information | Meeting Date/Time | Registration |
| Feben Fantu | 310-258-4278 | English group:
1st Thursday of each month 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm |
Download the Flyer |
| Ron Lopez | 310-258-4002 | Spanish group:
1st Thursday of each month 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm |
Download the Flyer |
Shows what this word means
Eligibility
Eligibility is whether a person can get WRC services. WRC decides it after an assessment.
WRC’s definition
The process to determine whether, and to what degree, an individual has developmental deficits. An assessment identifies the individual’s strengths, abilities, needs, and developmental level.
IEP (Individualized Education Program)
An IEP is a school's written plan for a student who gets special education.
WRC’s definition
Individual Education Plan. A written statement of objectives and plans to achieve those objectives required for every child in a special education school program.