Volume 9

January 2023

January marks the start of a new year. Let's make sure 2023 is a great one for your students! The South County Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA) Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) newsletter is a monthly publication bringing you the information needed to stay informed. This month we’ll cover what's happening at the Community Advisory Committee meetings, share a helpful IEP tip, and tell you all about Early Dispute Resolution mediation. To learn more about the resources available through the South County SELPA visit our website.

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What’s Happening at the CAC

January's CAC

This month was our first in-person meeting of the school year! Director of Special Services for Sweetwater Union High School District, Michelle Sturm-Gonzalez presented on secondary transition. She covered topics including:

The intradistrict transfer process
Daily schedules (block schedules, full days, minimum days)
Certificate of Completion vs. Diploma
Service delivery models

If you are interested in learning more or receiving a copy of the PowerPoint, please email scselpaadr@sdcoe.net.

February's CAC

Parents will learn how to prepare for their child's preschool to kindergarten transition. The meeting will take place at South County Regional Education Center (800 National City Blvd., National City, CA 91950) on Feb. 2 from 10 to 11 a.m. Both English and Spanish translation will be provided.

Spanish Registration / English Registration

Save the Date!

15th Annual Art and Awards Event, May 25, 4:30 to 6 p.m.

The South County SELPA Community Advisory Committee is proud to announce the 15th Annual Art and Awards Recognition Event. The event will feature artwork — including drawings, paintings, poetry, essays, and photography — from students in our member districts. Join us Thursday, May 25 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the South County Regional Education Center (800 National City Blvd., National City, CA 91950). If you and your classroom would like to participate, please read the art requirements and submit permission slips, which are required for students to attend.

English Registration / Spanish Registration

Early Dispute Resolution Mediation

South County SELPA Continuum of ADR Supports

Flow chart with informal mediation choices

Informal Options

Resource Parent Support
Neutral SELPA Case Review
Neutral SELPA IEP Support

Flow chart with formal mediation choices

Formal Options

Facilitated IEP
Early Dispute Resolution Mediation
Facilitated Resolution Meeting

What is Early Dispute Resolution Mediation? Early Dispute Resolution (EDR) mediation is a voluntary process that utilizes a mediator to work with parents and districts in resolving prospective disputes at the earliest opportunity.

Who Uses EDR Mediation? EDR mediation is recommended to districts and parents when a consensus cannot be reached in an Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting. Reach out to your special education department if you are interested in participating in EDR mediation.

Why Try EDR Mediation? This is a free tool for working through disagreements with the help of a neutral person who is trained in mediation and knowledgeable of special education law.

Tips for Preparing for EDR Mediation

Write down your concerns: List your questions and issues ahead of time so you are organized and prepared to fully participate.
Bring documentation: Bring copies of previous IEPs, report cards, student work, etc. to share with those at the meeting.
Be respectful: Listening carefully and being respectful can open the room to new problem-solving ideas.

Learn more about special education mediation.

Learn more about the supports available at South County SELPA.

IEP Tip

Postsecondary Transition

Students approaching postsecondary transition need to be invited to become a part of the IEP team. Follow these tips when sending meeting notices to abide by IDEA requirements and build on the positive relationship with the student and their family.

Be Transparent: Clearly mention the topic of the meeting (i.e. postsecondary transition and potential service changes) in the meeting notice.
Address The Student: You must invite the student (make sure to document your efforts).
Get Consent to Include Outside Experts: Make sure to get written consent from parents or student when inviting representatives from outside agencies, such as vocational rehabilitation or community mental health services.

Upcoming Parent Events

Jan. 18 — Do I need ADR?

Parents are invited to join the South County SELPA ADR team on Wednesday, Jan. 18 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. for a free, virtual workshop. The workshop will cover:

An overview of Alternative Dispute Resolution
The benefits of participating in ADR
Free resources available at South County SELPA
The South County SELPA ADR process

Spanish Registration / English Registration

Jan. 23 — Grupo de Apoyo en Español

Support group, for families with children with autism, meeting Mondays from 6 to 8 p.m. The meetings will be held in Spanish only. Visit the website for location and to sign up.

Jan. 26 to March 9 — Parent IEP Academy

Do you have parents who are interested in increasing their understanding of the IEP process? Invite them to register! Meeting Thursdays on Zoom from 9 to 10 a.m.

Spanish Registration / English Registration

Feb.2 — Community Advisory Committee Meeting - Preschool Transition

Join the CAC and district staff at the South County Regional Education Center (800 National City Blvd., National City, CA 91950) from 10 to 11 a.m.

Spanish Registration / English Registration

Feb. 14 — Parent ADR Office Hours

Parents can bring their question to our team virtually from 10 to 11 a.m. using the Zoom meeting ID: 837 9802 7038.

Upcoming Educator Events

Jan. 24 — The Trauma-Informed School

Learn how traumatic stress can lead to emotional-behavioral disorders in students and what preventative steps can be taken. Presented virtually by the Diagnostic Center of Southern California from 8 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Feb. 1 — ADR Staff Office Hours

Join the South County SELPA ADR team for office hours on Zoom (meeting ID: 851 9574 9399) from 3 to 4 p.m. while we cover topics including:

ADR process
Tips and strategies for conflict resolution
Positive relationship building
Effective communication
IEP scenario discussion

Feb. 1 — Effective Educational and Behavioral Interventions for Children with FASD

Join presenter Ron Powel at the San Diego County Office of Education (6401 Linda Vista Rd., San Diego, CA 92111), Room 401/402 from 8 to 12 p.m.

Feb. 1 — Self-Care to Support Resilience

Join the Positive Environment Network of Trainers (PENT) of the South County SELPA for an hour of self-care and reflection to explore strategies and activities that can help boost teachers' resilience post pandemic and prevent overwhelming stress and burnout. The workshop will be virtual from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.

South County SELPA On Demand Trainings

Now through June 30 — Join presenters from The Diagnostic Center of Southern California by participating in the following virtual workshops. Click on the meeting title to register and learn more.