Talk to an Education Advocate
If you live in Alameda, Contra Costa or Yolo Counties, an Education Advocate can talk to you about special education and give you resources so you can make informed decisions about your child's education and other individual needs.
Call 800-348-4232
Foster Youth Resources for Education (FYRE)
In October 2006, the first center focused on the educational needs of foster youth with disabilities to be funded by the US Department of Education opened its doors. DREDF's Foster Youth Resources for Education (FYRE) trains and provides follow up technical assistance and advocacy support to foster caregivers, family members, older foster youth, child welfare workers, and dependency personnel in Alameda County, California. The education advocates at FYRE work collaboratively with the Alameda County Office of Education's Foster Youth Services program, local education agencies and the Alameda County Social Services Agency.
NEW DAY! IEP CLINIC – Third Tuesday of Every Month
DREDF holds a free Individual Education Program (IEP) clinic once a month for parents who want help strategizing and preparing for an upcoming IEP meeting. Please note that there are two prerequisites to fulfill before you can participate in an IEP Clinic:
1. You must have attended a basic special education workshop. We offer training on the second Monday of the month. Please call (510-644-2555) or email Tyler Zoanni (tzoanni@dredf.org) to reserve a spot.
2. You must speak with an education advocate by phone. Call 510-644-2555 ext. 227 and ask to speak with an education advocate.
Appointments are required. Call or email Tyler Zoanni at 510-644-2555 ext. 227 or tzoanni@dredf.org
Where: Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund (DREDF), 2212 Sixth St, Berkeley, CA
Date: Third Tuesday of every month
Time: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm (30 minute appointments)
Contact: Tyler Zoanni at tzoanni@dredf.org or 510-644-2555 ext. 227
NEW! A workshop on special education - Second Monday of the Month
"Understanding Special Education" is an overview of the special education process, Section 504 and IDEA laws.
Where: Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund (DREDF), 2212 Sixth St, Berkeley, CA
Date: Second Monday of the month
Time: 6:30 to 9:00 (Pizza and salad included!)
Contact: Tyler Zoanni at tzoanni@dredf.org or 510-644-2555 ext. 227
