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Volume 15

July 2023

ADR Insights is a monthly newsletter, brought to you by South County SELPA's (Special Education Local Plan Area) ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution) team, full of special education information. This month we're talking about beating the back-to-school blues. Keep reading to learn more and hear about upcoming events and SELPA highlights.

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Beating the Back-to-School Blues

As we gear up for another exciting school year, we understand that the transition back to school can sometimes be challenging for our students. To ensure a smooth and positive start, we've compiled a few valuable resources and strategies designed to beat those back-to-school blues. Let's work together to make this academic year a memorable and successful one! Here are some suggestions to help assist your students in navigating the beginning of the school year:

Establish a Routine: Consistency is key for special needs students. Start by sharing the classroom schedule with your families and students. This approach will help students adjust smoothly to the school schedule.


Relieve Anxieties About Returning to School: Whether children are returning to the same school or transitioning to a new school, this is a new school year and they may be nervous. Talk with your students and discuss expectations for the upcoming year and, if known, highlight the successes of prior years. Plan for time to walk the campus, making sure to identify the restrooms, front office, and emergency evacuation locations. Introduce the students to cafeteria workers, supervision staff, the nurse and counselor, and the administrators on the first day. If appropriate, make sure your child knows the services and accommodations provided within the IEP. Finally, discuss transitions - between classes, to/from lunch, and between school/home.


Review Individualized Education Program (IEP): Familiarize yourself with all of your student's IEPs. Ensure that the IEP is up to date and reflects the student's current requirements. If necessary, schedule a meeting with the IEP team to discuss any changes or concerns.


Establish Communication Channels: Establish open lines of communication with the families, service providers, school administration, and other relevant staff members. Share your contact information and preferred communication methods, such as email or phone calls, to ensure efficient and effective communication throughout the year.


Get organized: For many students with disabilities, organization can be a struggle. Identify a place at school to place school items and do classwork and establish a routine. Place school supplies in a prominent place, ensuring access to all. Finally, find five minutes each day to organize backpacks, notebooks, and papers so each day starts off smoothly.


Click for additional tips to help your students in the transition back to school.

IEP Tips

Dos and Don'ts to Get Parents to IEPs


Under IDEA, districts must take measures to ensure one or both parents/guardians of a student with a disability attend any IEP meeting.


But what if a parent does not respond to several notice of meetings? What if they agree to attend and then cancel? What if parents are uncomfortable attending or have work responsibilities or transportation limitations?


Regardless of what prevents a parent from replying or attending, IEP Teams can't hold the meeting without them.


These dos and don'ts guide teams to makes the right moves to get parents to attend IEP meetings.

Dos


  • Give plenty of notice — a month or more is best
  • Provide meeting options (virtual, in person, or phone call)
  • Document all attempts to schedule/hold meeting

Don'ts


  • Don't sent invitation only one way (e.g. backpack, email, U.S. mail)
  • Don't disregard parent preference for meeting location, method, or time
  • Don't give up — parents are a critical team member

Upcoming Parent Events — Please Share!

July 22 — South Bay Union School District 100-Year Celebration

South Bay Union School District is celebrating 100 years and kicking off the school year with a day of fun, food, and school and community resources. South Bay families can come and enjoy the celebration from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Nestor Language Academy. Check out the flyer for more information.


July 22 — San Ysidro School District 8th Annual Families First Resource Fair

San Ysidro families can participate and learn about local resources available to them at San Ysidro School District's annual resource fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the San Ysidro Middle School.


July 29 — Chula Vista Elementary School District Community Expo

Join Chula Vista Elementary School District from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for a day filled with interactive activities for kids, valuable resources for parents, and more.

Aug. 3 — SELPA Resource Fair

Spread the word to your parents so they can join the South County SELPA from 10 a.m. to noon at the South County Regional Education Center, 800 National City Blvd. in National City. The fair will include resources from our member districts and the special needs community.  

Aug. 15 to Sept. 12 — Parent IEP Academy

Do you have parents interested in increasing their understanding of the IEP process? Do they want to feel confident that they have the necessary tools to fully participate in their child’s IEP? Share the flyer and encourage your families to register now for our Parent IEP Academy. Our first five-day session will meet on Tuesdays on Zoom from noon to 1 p.m. There will be three more sessions on different days and at different times throughout the year.


Spanish Registration / English Registration

Upcoming Educator Events — Please Join Us!

South County SELPA 2023-24 Trainings

Details will be sent out once topics and dates are finalized.

SELPA Highlights

Presentation to La Voz Families


Our resource assistants were invited to present to La Voz Special Families group. We were thrilled to share services the SELPA offers and provide some effective communication tips to use when communicating with school staff. It was a great event, and we look forward to collaborating with the group in the future. 

All Inclusive Day of Play


On July 14 our ADR team participated in this fun-filled event. Our staff members were able to connect with families and share services we offer. We loved meeting families and were thrilled to be a part of a great event hosted by Special Needs Resource Foundation of San Diego.

ADR team member talking with a parent at a table with SELPA resources
San Diego South County SELPA logo

If you have any questions or comments on the ADR Insights Newsletter, please contact our team at scselpaadr@sdcoe.net.


Get up-to-the-minute information about what's happening at South County SELPA.

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