Accordion

Curriculum, extracurricular activities, school supplies, and other academic items that support student learning. All items purchased MUST possess educational merit. After deducting the price of a core curriculum, parents and teachers can decide to use the remaining balance for supplemental curricula, extracurricular activities, and/or educational items/technology.

Click here to access a list of some of the basic school supplies that can be purchased with the Learning Fund.

Click here to access a list of some of the other items that can and cannot be purchased with the Learning Fund.

NOTE: These lists are not exhaustive, and are subject to change. If there is an item your student would benefit from having and it is not listed, please inquire by emailing learningfund@epiccalifornia.org

The Learning Fund Portal provides access to the student’s fund history and is where orders can be placed, whereas the Parent Portal shows student information such as grades and test scores.

Parents and teachers both have access to place orders. Log in to the Learning Fund Portal with the username and password emailed to you upon enrollment. (The login box is also located on the right-hand side of the screen on many of our website pages.)

Click here to learn more about the Learning Fund Portal and placing orders.

2000: Uniform Complaint Policy and Procedures

Adopted 2019-02-28

Revised 2024-09-26

Visions In Education (“Visions”) complies with applicable federal and state laws and regulations. Visions is the local agency primarily responsible for compliance with federal and state laws and regulations governing educational programs. Visions shall investigate and seek to resolve uniform complaints in accordance with this uniform complaint procedure (“UCP”) and policy. Pursuant to this policy, persons responsible for compliance and/or conducting investigations shall be knowledgeable about the laws and programs which they are assigned to investigate.

 

Scope

This complaint procedure is adopted to provide a uniform system of complaint processing for the following types of complaints:

1. Complaints alleging unlawful discrimination, harassment, intimidation or bullying against any protected group as identified under Education Code sections 200 and 220 and Government Code section 11135, including any actual or perceived characteristic as set forth in Penal Code section 422.55 (which may include but is not necessarily limited to age, ancestry, color, mental disability, physical disability, ethnic group identification, immigration status, citizenship, gender expression, gender identity, gender, genetic information, nationality, national origin, race or ethnicity, religion, medical condition, marital status, sex, or sexual orientation, or on the basis of a person’s association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics in any Visions program or activity. Unlawful discrimination further includes, but is not limited to, noncompliance with Education Code sections 243(a) and 244(a).
2. Complaints alleging a violation of state or federal law or regulation governing the following programs:

1. 1. Accommodations for Pregnant and Parenting Students;
   2. Adult Education;
   3. After School Education and Safety;
   4. Agricultural Career Technical Education;
   5. Career Technical and Technical Education and Career Technical and Technical Training Programs;
   6. Childcare and Development Programs;
   7. Compensatory Education;
   8. Consolidated Categorical Aid Programs;
   9. Course Periods without Educational Content (grades nine through twelve);
   10. Education and Graduation Requirements of Students in Foster Care, Students who are Homeless, former Juvenile Court Students now enrolled in a public school, Migratory Children, Students participating in a newcomer program, and Children of Military Families;
   11. Every Student Succeeds Act;
   12. Local Control and Accountability Plans;
   13. Migrant Education;
   14. Physical Education Instructional Minutes;
   15. Pupil Fees, which include a purchase that a pupil is required to make to obtain materials, supplies, equipment, or clothes associated with an educational activity (see section 3 below for more information);
   16. Reasonable Accommodations to a Lactating Pupil;
   17. Regional Occupational Centers and Programs;
   18. School Plans for Student Achievement;
   19. School Safety Plans;
   20. School site Councils;
   21. State Preschool;
   22. State Preschool Health and Safety Issues in Local Education Agency (LEA) Exempt from Licensing;
   23. Any other state or federal educational program the State Superintendent of Public Instruction or Designee deems appropriate.

1. More information on pupil fees is provided below.
   1. “Educational activity” means an activity offered by the charter school that constitutes an integral fundamental part of elementary and secondary education, including, but not limited to, curricular and extracurricular activities.
   2. “Pupil fee” means a fee, deposit or other charge imposed on students, or a student’s parents/guardians, in violation of Education Code section 49011 and Section 5 of Article IX of the California Constitution, which require educational activities to be provided free of charge to all students without regard to their families’ ability or willingness to pay fees or request special waivers, as provided for in Hartzell v. Connell (1984) 35 Cal.3d 899. A pupil fee includes, but is not limited to, all of the following:
      1. A fee charged to a student as a condition for registering for school or classes, or as a condition for participation in a class or an extracurricular activity, regardless of whether the class or activity is elective or compulsory or is for credit.
      2. A security deposit, or other payment, that a student is required to make to obtain a lock, locker, book, class apparatus, musical instrument, uniform or other materials or equipment.
      3. A purchase that a student is required to make to obtain materials, supplies, or uniforms associated with an educational activity.
   3. If Visions finds merit in a pupil fees complaint, or the California Department of Education (“CDE”) finds merit in an appeal, Visions shall provide a remedy to all affected students and; parents/guardians that, where applicable, includes reasonable efforts by Visions to ensure full reimbursement to all affected students and parents/guardians, subject to procedures established through regulations adopted by the state board.
   4. Nothing in this policy shall be interpreted to prohibit solicitation of voluntary donations of funds or property, voluntary participation in fundraising activities, or Visions and other entities from providing student prizes or other recognition for voluntarily participating in fundraising activities.

Complaints alleging noncompliance regarding child nutrition programs established pursuant to Education Code sections 49490-49590 no longer fall under the UCP. Instead, they are governed by Title 7, Code of Federal Regulations (“C.F.R.”) sections 210.19(a)(4), 220.13(c), 225.11(b), 226.6(n), and 250.15(d) and Title 5, California Code of Regulations (“C.C.R.”) sections 15580 – 15584.

Complaints alleging noncompliance regarding special education programs established pursuant to Education Code sections 56000-56865 and 59000-59300 no longer fall under the UCP. Instead, they are governed by the procedures set forth in 5 C.C.R. sections 3200-3205 and 34 C.F.R. sections 300.151-300.153.

Visions acknowledges and respects every individual’s right to privacy. Unlawful discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying complaints shall be investigated in a manner that protects (to the greatest extent reasonably possible and as permitted by law) the confidentiality of the parties as appropriate, including but not limited to the identity of the complainant, and maintains the integrity of the process. Visions cannot guarantee anonymity of the complainant. This includes keeping the identity of the complainant confidential. However, Visions will attempt to do so as appropriate. Visions may find it necessary to disclose information regarding the complaint/complainant to the extent required by law or necessary to carry out the investigation or proceedings, as determined by the Superintendent/Executive Director or Designee on a case-by-case basis. Visions shall ensure that complainants are protected from retaliation.

 

Compliance Officer

The Board of Directors (“Board”) designates the following compliance officer(s) to receive and investigate complaints and to ensure Visions compliance with law:

 

Uniform Complaint Procedure Coordinator

The below position is hereby designated as Visions’ UCP coordinator. The coordinator shall ensure that all UCP complaints are received and investigated by the appropriate designee(s) (such as the ADA/Title II Coordinator and/or Equity Compliance Officer, see below) subject to this board policy.

Director, Human Resources

Visions In Education

5030 El Camino Avenue

Carmichael, CA 95608

(916) 883-1614

hr@viedu.org

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)/Title II Coordinator

The below position is hereby designated as Visions’ ADA/Title II coordinator. This coordinator (or designee) shall receive and address requests for accommodation submitted by individuals with disabilities and shall investigate and resolve complaints regarding their access to Visions programs, services, activities, or facilities.

Director, Human Resources

Visions In Education

5030 El Camino Avenue

Carmichael, CA 95608

(916) 883-1614

hr@viedu.org

Equity Compliance Officer

The below position is designated as the Visions’ Equity Compliance Officer. This individual (or designee) is responsible for receiving and addressing, investigating and/or resolving Visions’ responses to complaints and for complying with state and federal civil rights laws.

Chief Academic Officer

Visions In Education

5030 El Camino Avenue

Carmichael, CA 95608

(916) 883-1636

cao@viedu.org

 

The Superintendent/Executive Director or Designee shall ensure that the compliance officer(s) designated to investigate complaints are knowledgeable about the laws and programs for which they are responsible. The compliance officer may have access to legal counsel as determined by the Superintendent/Executive Director or Designee.

Should a complaint be filed against the  Superintendent/Executive Director, the compliance officer for that case shall be the President/Chairperson of the Visions Board.

 

Annual Notifications

The  Superintendent/Executive Director or Designee shall make available copies of this policy free of charge. The annual notice of this policy may be made available on Vision’s website.

Visions shall annually provide written notification of Vision’s UCP to employees, students, parents/guardians, advisory committees, private school officials or representatives as appropriate, and other interested parties as applicable that includes information regarding allegations about discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying

The annual notice shall be in English. When necessary, under Education Code section 48985, if fifteen (15) percent or more of the students enrolled in Visions speak a single primary language other than English, this annual notice will also be provided to the parent/guardian of any such students in their primary language.

The annual notice shall include the following:

1. A list of the types of complaints that fall under the scope of the UCP.
2. Visions does not operate a preschool program, but pursuant to applicable law: A statement that in order to identify appropriate subjects of state preschool health and safety issues pursuant to Section 1596.7925 of the California Health and Safety Code a notice shall be posted in each California state preschool program classroom in each school in the local educational agency notifying parents, guardians, pupils, and teachers of both of the following:
   1. The health and safety requirements under Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations (5 CCR) apply to California state preschool programs pursuant to HSC Section 1596.7925.
   2. The location at which to obtain a form to file a complaint. Posting a notice downloadable from the California Department of Education (CDE) website shall satisfy this requirement.
3. A statement that Visions is primarily responsible for compliance with federal and state laws and regulations.
4. A statement that a student enrolled in a public school shall not be required to pay a pupil fee for participation in an educational activity, and related information on legal requirements related to pupil fees.
5. A statement identifying the title of the compliance officer, the identity(ies) of the person(s) currently occupying that position, if known, and that the compliance officer shall be knowledgeable about the laws and programs that they are assigned to investigate.
6. A statement that the complainant has a right to appeal Visions’ decision to the CDE by filing a written appeal within thirty (30) calendar days of the date of Visions’ decision, except if Visions has used its UCP to address a complaint that is not subject to the UCP requirements.
7. A statement advising the complainant of any civil law remedies that may be available under state or federal discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying laws, if applicable.
8. A statement that copies of Visions’ UCP shall be available free of charge.

 

Procedures

The following procedures shall be used to address all complaints which allege that Visions has violated federal or state laws or regulations enumerated in the section “Scope,” above. The compliance officer shall maintain a record of each complaint and subsequent related actions in accordance with Visions’ Record Retention and Disposal Policy.

All parties named shall be notified when a complaint is filed, when a complaint meeting or hearing is scheduled, and when a decision or ruling is made.

 

Step 1: Filing of Complaint

Any individual, including a person’s duly authorized representative or an interested third party, public agency, or organization, may file a written complaint of alleged noncompliance or unlawful discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying pursuant to this policy.

A complaint of unlawful discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying may be filed by an individual who alleges that that individual has personally suffered unlawful discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying or by one who believes any specific class of individuals has been subjected to unlawful discrimination, harassment, intimidation or bullying, or by a duly authorized representative who alleges that an individual student has been subjected to discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying. An investigation of alleged unlawful discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying shall be initiated by filing a complaint no later than six (6) months from the date the alleged discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying occurred, or the complainant first obtained knowledge of the facts of the alleged discrimination, harassment, intimidation or bullying unless the time for filing is extended by the Superintendent/Executive Director or Designee, upon written request by the complainant setting forth the reasons for the extension. Such extension by the Superintendent/Executive Director or Designee shall be made in writing. The period for filing may be extended by the Superintendent/Executive Director or Designee for good cause for a period not to exceed ninety (90) calendar days following the expiration of the six-month time period. The Superintendent shall respond immediately upon receipt of a request for extension.

All other complaints under this policy shall be filed not later than one (1) year from the date the alleged violation occurred. For complaints relating to the local control and accountability plan (“LCAP”), the date of the alleged violation is the date on which the Board approved the LCAP or the annual update was adopted by Visions. The one-year timeline shall not apply to complaints regarding the educational rights of students experiencing foster care per 5 CCR 4630.5.

The complaint shall be presented to the compliance officer, who shall maintain a log of complaints received, providing each with a code number and date stamp. A pupil fees complaint may also be filed with the Principal.

Complaints filed pursuant to this policy must be in writing and signed. A signature may be handwritten, typed (including in an email), or electronically generated. Only a complaint regarding pupil fees or LCAP compliance may be filed anonymously (without an identifying signature) if the complaint provides evidence or information leading to evidence to support an allegation of noncompliance. If a complainant is unable to put a complaint in writing due to conditions such as a disability or illiteracy, Visions staff shall assist the complainant in the filing of the complaint.

 

Step 2: Mediation

Within three (3) business days of receiving the complaint, the compliance officer may informally discuss with the complainant the possibility of using mediation. If the complainant agrees to mediation, the compliance officer shall make arrangements for this process.

Before initiating the mediation of an unlawful discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying complaint, the compliance officer shall ensure that all parties agree to make the mediator a party to related confidential information.

If the mediation process does not resolve the complaint to the satisfaction of the complainant, the compliance officer shall proceed with the investigation of the complaint.

The use of mediation shall not extend Visions’ timelines for investigating and resolving the complaint unless the complainant agrees in writing to such an extension of time.

 

Step 3: Investigation of Complaint

The compliance officer shall provide an opportunity for the complainant and/or the complainant’s representative to present evidence or information leading to evidence to support the allegations in the complaint. The compliance officer shall also seek to obtain statements from any individuals/witnesses who can provide relevant information and review any documents that may provide relevant information.

A complainant’s refusal to provide the compliance officer with documents or other evidence related to the allegations in the complaint, or a complainant’s failure or refusal to cooperate in the investigation, or the complainant’s engagement in any other obstruction of the investigation may result in the dismissal of the complaint because of a lack of evidence to support the allegation.

Refusal by the school to provide the compliance officer with access to records and/or other information related to the allegation in the complaint, its failure or refusal to cooperate in the investigation, or its engagement in any other obstruction of the investigation may result in a finding, based on evidence collected, that a violation has occurred and may result in the imposition of a remedy in favor of the complainant.

 

Step 4: Final Written Decision

Visions shall issue an investigation report (the “Decision”) based on the evidence. Visions’ Decision shall be in writing and sent to the complainant within sixty (60) calendar days of Visions’ receipt of the complaint unless the timeframe is extended with the written agreement of the complainant. Visions’ Decision shall be written in English and in the primary language of the complainant whenever feasible or as required by law.

The Decision shall include:

1. The findings of fact based on evidence gathered.
2. The conclusion providing a clear determination for each allegation as to whether Visions is in compliance with the relevant law.
3. Corrective actions, if Visions finds merit in the complaint and any are warranted or required by law.
4. Notice of the complainant’s right to appeal Visions’ Decision within thirty (30) calendar days to the CDE, except when Visions has used its UCP to address complaints that are not subject to the UCP requirements.
5. Procedures to be followed for initiating such an appeal.

If an employee or student is disciplined as a result of the complaint, the Decision shall simply state that effective action was taken and that the employee or student was informed of Visions’ expectations. The Decision shall not give any further information as to the nature of the disciplinary action except as required by applicable law.

 

Appeals to the CDE

If dissatisfied with the Decision, the complainant may appeal in writing to the CDE within thirty (30) calendar days of receiving the Decision. The appeal shall be accompanied by a copy of the complaint filed with Visions and a copy of the Decision. When appealing to the CDE, the complainant must specify and explain the basis for the appeal, including at least one of the following:

1. Visions failed to follow its complaint procedures.
2. Relative to the allegations of the complaint, Visions’ Decision lacks material findings of fact necessary to reach a conclusion of law.
3. The material findings of fact in Visions’ Decision are not supported by substantial evidence.
4. The legal conclusion in Visions’ Decision is inconsistent with the law.
5. In a case in which Visions’ Decision found noncompliance, the corrective actions fail to provide a proper remedy.

Upon notification by the CDE that the complainant has appealed the Decision, the Superintendent/Executive Director or Designee shall forward the following documents to the CDE within ten (10) calendar days of the date of notification:

1. A copy of the original complaint.
2. A copy of the Decision.
3. A copy of the investigation file, including but not limited to all notes, interviews, and documents submitted by the parties or gathered by the investigator.
4. A report of any action taken to resolve the complaint.
5. A copy of Visions’ complaint procedures.
6. Other relevant information requested by the CDE.

If the CDE determines the appeal raises issues not contained in the local complaint, the CDE will refer those new issues back to Visions for resolution as a new complaint. If the CDE notifies Visions that its Decision failed to address an allegation raised by the complaint and is subject to the UCP process, Visions will investigate and address such allegation(s) in accordance with the UCP requirements and provide the CDE and the appellant with an amended Decision addressing such allegation(s) within twenty (20) calendar days of the CDE’s notification. The amended Decision will inform the appellant of the right to separately appeal the amended Decision with respect to the complaint allegation(s) not addressed in the original Decision.

Within thirty (30) calendar days of the date of the CDE’s appeal Decision pursuant to 5 C.C.R. section 4633(f)(2) or (3), either party may request reconsideration by the State Superintendent of Public Instruction (“SSPI”) or the SSPI’s Designee. The request for reconsideration shall specify and explain the reason(s) for contesting the findings of fact, conclusions of law, or corrective actions in the CDE’s appeal Decision. The SSPI will not consider any information not previously submitted to the CDE by a party during the appeal unless such information was unknown to the party at the time of the appeal and, with due diligence, could not have become known to the party. Pending the SSPI’s response to a request for reconsideration, the CDE appeal Decision remains in effect and enforceable unless stayed by a court.

The CDE may directly intervene in the complaint without waiting for action by Visions when one of the conditions listed in 5 C.C.R. section 4650 exists, including but not limited to cases in which through no fault of the complainant, Visions has not taken action within sixty (60) calendar days of the date the complaint was filed with Visions.

 

Civil Law Remedies

A complainant may pursue available civil law remedies outside of Visions’ complaint procedures and under applicable state or federal discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying laws, as applicable. Complainants may seek assistance from mediation centers or public/private interest attorneys. Civil law remedies that may be imposed by a court include, but are not limited to, injunctions and restraining orders. For unlawful discrimination complaints arising under state law, however, a complainant must wait until sixty (60) calendar days have elapsed from the filing of an appeal with the CDE before pursuing civil law remedies. The moratorium does not apply to injunctive relief and is applicable only if Visions has appropriately, and in a timely manner, apprised the complainant of their right to file a complaint.

 

UCP Requirements Regarding State Preschool Health and Safety Issues Pursuant to HSC Section 1596.7925

To file a UCP complaint regarding a state preschool health and safety issue pursuant to HSC Section 1596.7925 the complainant must file with the school’s preschool program administrator or their designee.  Visions does not currently operate a preschool program.

A state preschool health and safety issues complaint about problems beyond the authority of a school’s preschool program administrator shall be forwarded in a timely manner, but not to exceed 10 working days to the appropriate school official for resolution.

A state preschool health and safety issues complaint may be filed anonymously.  A complainant who identifies themselves is entitled to a response if they indicate that a response is requested.  A complaint form shall include a space to mark to indicate whether a response is requested.  If Education Code Section 48985 is otherwise applicable, the response, if requested, and the school’s Decision shall be written in English and the primary language in which the complaint was filed.

A complaint form for a state preschool health and safety issue shall specify the location for filing a complaint.  A complainant may add as much text to explain the complaint as they wish.

When investigating a UCP state preschool health and safety issue the preschool program administrator or the school’s designee shall make all reasonable efforts to investigate any problem within their authority, and investigations shall begin within 10 calendar days of the receipt of the complaint.  A valid complaint shall be remedied within a reasonable time period, but not to exceed 30 working days from the date the complaint was received.  The resolution of the complaint shall be reported to the complainant within 45 working days of the initial filing.  If the preschool program administrator makes this report, they shall also report the same information in the same timeframe to the school’s designee.

Filing an Appeal Regarding UCP State Preschool Health and Safety Issues

A complainant not satisfied with the resolution of the preschool program administrator or the school’s designee has the right to describe the complaint at a regularly scheduled hearing of the board.  A complainant will not be precluded from filing an appeal to the State Superintendent of Public Instruction (“SSPI”) if the complainant does not file a local appeal.

A complainant who is not satisfied with the resolution proffered by the preschool program administrator or the school’s designee has the right to file an appeal to the SSPI within 30 calendar days of the date of the Decision.

The complainant shall comply with the same appeal requirements of 5 CCR section 4632.

The school shall report summarized data on the nature and resolution of all UCP state preschool health and safety issues complaints on a quarterly basis to the county superintendent of schools and its board.  The summaries shall be publicly reported on a quarterly basis at a regularly scheduled meeting of the school’s board.  The report shall include the number of complaints by general subject area with the number of resolved and unresolved complaints.

All complaints and responses are public records.