Resources

What is a UCP complaint? A complaint under the Uniform Complaint Procedures (UCP) is a written and signed statement by an individual, public agency, or organization alleging a violation of federal or state laws governing certain educational programs. What agencies are subject to the UCP? The UCP covers alleged violations by local educational agencies (LEAs) (school districts, county offices of education, and charter schools) and local public or private agencies which receive direct or indirect funding from the State to provide any school programs, activities, or related services. What educational programs and services are covered by the UCP?

• Adult Education • After School Education and Safety • Agricultural Vocational Education • American Indian Education Centers and Early Childhood Education Program Assessments • Bilingual Education • California Peer Assistance and Review Programs for Teachers • Career Technical and Technical Education; Career Technical; Technical Training • Career Technical Education • Child Care and Development • Child Nutrition • Compensatory Education • Consolidated Categorical Aid • Course Periods without Educational Content • Economic Impact Aid • Education of Pupils in Foster Care, Pupils who are Homeless, and former Juvenile Court Pupils now enrolled in a school district • English Learner Programs • Every Student Succeeds Act / No Child Left Behind (Titles I–VII) • Local Control Accountability Plans (LCAP) • Migrant Education • Physical Education Instructional Minutes • Pupil Fees • Reasonable Accommodations to a Lactating Pupil • Regional Occupational Centers and Programs • School Safety Plans • Special Education • State Preschool • Tobacco-Use Prevention Education

What issues are not covered by the UCP? Not all complaints fall under the scope of the UCP. Many concerns are the responsibility of the LEA, including classroom assignments, common core, grades, graduation requirements, hiring and evaluation of staff, homework policies and practices, provision of core curricula subjects, student advancement and retention, student discipline, student records, the Bagley-Keene Open Meeting Act, the Brown Act, and other general education requirements. The LEA, however, may use its local complaint procedures to address complaints not covered by the UCP. In addition, the following complaints are referred to other agencies for resolution and not subject to the UCP:

• Allegations of child abuse are referred to County Departments of Social Services, Protective Services Divisions, or appropriate law enforcement agency. • Health and safety complaints regarding a Child Development Program are referred to the Department of Social Services for licensed facilities, and to the appropriate Child Development regional administrator for licensing-exempt facilities. • Employment complaints are sent to the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing. • Allegations of fraud are referred to the responsible Division Director at the California Department of Education (CDE).

How do I file a UCP complaint and how is it processed? Academy UCP complaint policies and procedures provide the information needed to file a complaint. We are responsible to annually notify students, employees, parents/guardians, school and district advisory committees, appropriate private school officials and other interested parties of our UCP complaint policies and procedures, and the opportunity to appeal our decision to the CDE. What are the responsibilities of the complainant? • Receives and reviews the UCP complaint policies and procedures from AACA • Files a written complaint by following the steps described in the Academy UCP complaint procedures. • Cooperates in the investigation and provides AACA’s investigator with information and other evidence related to the allegations in the complaint. • May file a written appeal to the CDE within 15 calendar days of receiving the Academy’s decision if he or she believes the Academy’s decision is incorrect. • Must specify the basis for the appeal and whether the Academy’s facts are incorrect and/or the law is misapplied. The appeal packet must contain a copy of the original complaint to the Academy and a copy of the Academy’s decision. • Where applicable, within 35 calendar days of receiving the CDE’s decision or report, may submit a request for reconsideration by the Superintendent of Public Instruction at the CDE.

The CDE’s decision or report will notify the complainant if there is a right to request reconsideration. The request for reconsideration must designate the finding(s), conclusion(s), or corrective action(s) in the CDE’s decision or report for which reconsideration is requested, and the specific basis for requesting reconsideration. The request must also state whether the findings of fact are incorrect and/or the law is misapplied. What are the responsibilities of the District? • Ensures compliance with applicable federal and state laws and regulations. • Adopts UCP complaint policies and procedures consistent with the California Code of Regulations, Title 5 Sections 4600– 4687. • Designates a staff member to be responsible for receiving, investigating and resolving complaints and makes sure the staff member is knowledgeable about the laws/programs he or she is assigned. • Must give the filing party an opportunity to present information and/or evidence relevant to the complaint. • Protects complainants from retaliation. • Resolves the complaint and completes a written report within 60 calendar days of receipt of the complaint unless extended by written agreement of the complainant. • Must advise the complainant of the right to appeal the District’s decision to the CDE within 15 calendar days of receiving the decision. What are the responsibilities of the CDE?

The UCP authorizes the CDE to process appeals of the District’s decision on UCP complaints; or, in certain specified situations, to intervene directly and investigate the allegations in the complaint. The CDE: • Reviews, monitors and provides technical assistance to all Districts regarding the adoption of UCP complaint policies and procedures by the District's governing board. • Refers a complaint to the LEA for resolution when appropriate. • Considers a variety of alternatives to resolve a complaint or appeal when: 1. The complainant alleges and the CDE verifies that, through no fault of the complainant, the District fails to act within 60 calendar days of receiving the complaint. 2. The complainant appeals the District’s decision if he or she believes the decision is factually and/or legally incorrect. 3. When requested by the complainant, the CDE determines when direct intervention is applicable. • Requires corrective action by the District if noncompliance issues are identified during the investigation. • Provides monitoring and technical assistance to Districts to ensure resolution of findings of noncompliance. • Where applicable, notifies the parties of the right to request reconsideration of the CDE’s decision/report by the Superintendent of Public Instruction at the CDE within 35 calendar days of the receipt of the decision/report. • For those programs governed by part 76 of Title 34 of the Code of Federal

Regulations, notifies the parties of the right to appeal to the United States Secretary of Education.

Williams Complaints A Williams complaint concerns instructional materials, emergency or urgent facilities conditions that pose a threat to the health and safety of pupils, and teacher vacancy or misassignment. They may be filed anonymously. The District must have a complaint form available for these types of complaints, but will not reject a complaint if the form is not used as long as the complaint is submitted in writing. Under applicable regulations, a notice must be posted in each classroom in each school notifying parents and guardians of the matters subject to a Williams complaint and where to obtain a form to file a complaint. A Williams complaint must be resolved by the school principal or by the District superintendent or his or her designee. A complainant who is not satisfied with the resolution has the right to describe the complaint to the Board of Education at a regularly scheduled Board meeting. Except for complaints involving a condition of a facility that poses an emergency or urgent threat, there is no right of appeal to the CDE. In the case of complaints concerning a condition of a facility that poses an emergency or urgent threat, a complainant who is not satisfied with the resolution has the right to file an appeal to the Superintendent of Public Instruction at the CDE within 15 calendar days of receiving the LEA’s decision. Additional Information For additional information please go to the CDE Web site and search for Williams Facilities Complaints and Appeals or visit the UCP Web page at: http://www.cde.ca.gov/re/cp/uc. Revised: 10/31/2017 Contacts for Programs and Services Covered Under the UCP Adult Education, Downey Adult School: 562.940.6200 Career Technical Education, STEM; Support Programs: 562.469.6601 Child Care and Development (including State Preschool), Early Education; Special Education: 562.469.6582 Child Nutrition, Food Services: 562.469.6672 Discrimination, Harassment, Intimidation, Bullying, Student Lactation Accommodations, and LGBTQ Resources, Education Equity UCP Appeals Office; Certificated Human Resources: 562.469.6542 Education of Pupils in Foster Care, Pupils who are Homeless, and former Juvenile Court Pupils now enrolled in a school district, Student Services: 562.469.6565 Local Control Accountability Plans (LCAPs); Instructional Support Programs: 562.469.6569 Peer Assistance and Review Programs for Teachers; Elementary Education: 562.469.6567 Every Student Succeeds Act, compensatory education, consolidated categorical aid, economic impact aid, English learner programs, migrant education, school safety plans, Instructional Support Programs: 562.469.6569 Physical Education Instructional Minutes; Elementary Education: 562.469.6567 Course Periods without Educational Content, Categorical Programs Complaints Management (CPCM) Office: 916-319-0929 School Facilities (for Williams Complaints), Certificated Human Resources: 562.469.6542 Special Education; Special Education: 562.469.6582 Tobacco-Use Prevention Education; Certificated Human Resources: 562.469.6542 Pupil Fees; Certificated Human Resources: 562.469.6542 For further information or to file a Williams complaint you may contact: Rena Thompson, Ed.D., Asst. Superintendent Certificated Human Resources 11627 Brookshire Avenue Downey, CA 90241 rethompson@dusd.net 562.469.6542 (office) 562.469.6546 (fax) Uniform Complaint

Click me for Sexual Harassment Resources

The website provided is from the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights (OCR) and specifically focuses on resources related to sexual harassment in the school setting. The website offers valuable information, guidelines, and tools to address and prevent sexual harassment in educational institutions.

The importance of sexual harassment awareness in the school setting cannot be overstated. Schools play a vital role in creating safe and inclusive environments for all students. By raising awareness about sexual harassment, educating students, staff, and administrators about their rights and responsibilities, and providing resources to address and prevent incidents, schools can actively work towards fostering a climate that is free from harassment.

The website provides access to a range of resources, including policy guidance, fact sheets, case examples, and best practices. These resources help schools develop effective policies and procedures to respond to sexual harassment, promote reporting mechanisms, and conduct investigations. Additionally, the website offers information on preventive measures, such as educational programs and training, to promote a culture of respect and prevent sexual harassment from occurring in the first place.

Understanding the impact of sexual harassment on victims and the broader school community is essential. It can have significant negative consequences on the mental, emotional, and academic well-being of students. By prioritizing sexual harassment awareness, schools can create an environment where students feel safe, respected, and supported, thereby enhancing their overall educational experience.

The OCR website serves as a valuable tool for schools, providing comprehensive information and resources to help combat sexual harassment. By utilizing these resources, schools can take proactive steps to address and prevent sexual harassment, ensuring a conducive learning environment that promotes equality, respect, and the well-being of all students.

Discrimination Complaint, Click Here for more information

The website provided is from the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights (OCR) and offers guidance on various topics related to civil rights in educational settings. Specifically, the webpage focuses on providing information and resources on how to file a complaint with OCR.

The website outlines the process and steps involved in filing a complaint, including who can file a complaint, the types of complaints that OCR investigates, and the information required for a complaint to be considered. It provides clear instructions on how to submit a complaint, either electronically or through mail, and offers contact information for regional OCR offices for further assistance.

Understanding how to file a complaint with OCR is important for individuals who believe their civil rights have been violated in an educational context. By providing this information and guidance, the website empowers individuals to take action and seek recourse when they believe they have experienced discrimination or other civil rights violations.

The website also includes additional resources and links to related information, such as frequently asked questions and other OCR guidance documents, which can provide further clarification and support during the complaint filing process.

Overall, the webpage serves as a valuable resource for individuals who need to file a complaint with OCR, offering clear instructions and access to necessary forms and contact information. By making this information readily available, the website ensures that individuals can exercise their rights and seek resolution in cases of alleged civil rights violations in educational settings.

Title IX, Click for more information

The website provided offers a comprehensive resource center on Title IX, a federal law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in educational institutions that receive federal funding. The website serves as a valuable source of information and guidance related to Title IX and its implementation in schools and colleges.

Title IX is crucial in ensuring equal educational opportunities and addressing issues such as sexual harassment, sexual assault, gender-based discrimination, and retaliation. The website offers a wealth of information on these topics, including explanations of Title IX regulations, guidance documents, case law, and relevant court decisions.

Through its resources, titleix.info aims to educate students, parents, educators, administrators, and the general public about their rights and responsibilities under Title IX. It provides clear explanations of key concepts, such as the scope of Title IX, reporting requirements, the role of Title IX coordinators, and the complaint process. The website also offers practical tools, sample policies, and best practices for institutions to effectively respond to Title IX violations and create safer environments.

Additionally, titleix.info features links to external resources, including government agencies, advocacy organizations, and legal services, for individuals seeking further assistance or guidance in Title IX matters.

By providing accessible and comprehensive information, titleix.info empowers individuals to understand and exercise their rights under Title IX. It plays a vital role in promoting awareness, fostering accountability, and advocating for gender equality and safety within educational settings.

Click for more DDS Information & Resources

The website provided, dds.ca.gov, is the official website of the California Department of Developmental Services (DDS). It serves as a comprehensive resource center for individuals with developmental disabilities, their families, and service providers in California.

The website offers a wide range of information and resources related to developmental disabilities, including intellectual disabilities, autism, cerebral palsy, and epilepsy. It provides details about available services and programs offered by DDS, such as regional centers, early intervention services, community living supports, and vocational rehabilitation.

Individuals and families can access information on eligibility criteria, rights, and advocacy for individuals with developmental disabilities. The website also features news updates, publications, and events related to developmental disabilities in California.

Service providers can find valuable information on licensing and certification, funding opportunities, and guidelines for delivering quality care and support to individuals with developmental disabilities.

The dds.ca.gov website aims to ensure that individuals with developmental disabilities have access to the resources and services they need to live fulfilling lives and participate in their communities. It serves as a central hub for information, support, and guidance, connecting individuals and families to essential programs and services provided by the California Department of Developmental Services.

Overall, dds.ca.gov plays a crucial role in promoting awareness, accessibility, and inclusivity for individuals with developmental disabilities in California. It provides a comprehensive platform for information and assistance, empowering individuals, families, and service providers to navigate and access the supports and services they require.