PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
Consultation Services
The Diagnostic Center is committed to utilizing our staff resources and expertise to meet your local needs by providing consultation services in the following areas.
Case Conferencing
Diagnostic Center assessment team members can consult with district IEP team members to assist in assessment planning for an individual student. This can be particularly helpful when a differential diagnosis is in question, or when the IEP team would like consultation regarding “next steps” for an individual student.Medical/Mental Health
Assistance in understanding the educational implications of certain medical and/or mental health conditions. Examples of specific consultation topics include brain injury, genetic syndromes (such as Angelman, Williams, Prader Willi), Tourette Syndrome, Asperger Syndrome, Anxiety Disorders, Depression, etc.Reading
Site or district teams meet with DCS staff for assistance in structuring and implementing a reading program for at-risk readers (grades 3-12). An overview of specific practices necessary for successful reading are presented along with a guided review and demonstration of the 2002 California State Board of Education Adopted Reading Interventions Programs.Assessment Strategies
Tools: Rountable discussions on best practices in assessment instruments and methodologies. These discussions can be individually designed for specific disciplines, disabilities or ages.Techniques: Strategies to assist students with behavior problems to successfully participate in the assessment process. Strategies to assist district staff in giving the hard news well: effective ways of helping families understand new diagnoses such as mental retardation and autism.
How Are These Services Delivered?
These services are available either on-site at the Diagnostic Center or via the use of videoconferencing. Due to staff time constraints we are unable to travel to your site to provide these services. The typical length of consultation services is from one to two hours. The local educational agency is responsible for identifying a local technology site and person to coordinate with the Diagnostic Center for videoconference and for the phone charges. If you have a school site or district team that is interested in receiving these services, please contact Deborah Holt at (323) 222-8090 or dholt@dcs-cde.ca.gov. If you have a particular need that is not listed above, please feel free to call and inquire.
