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Volume 10

February 2023

The South County Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA) works to support special education in the south bay school districts. The Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) newsletter is designed to keep parents informed about special education topics and SELPA and community events. This month we are focusing on early education, in particular transitioning from an Individualized Family Support Plan (IFSP) to an Individualized Education Program.

Save the Date!

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

The South County SELPA CAC 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.

English Registration / Spanish Registration

Check out a video of last years art:

What's the Difference?

While both IFSPs and IEPs are designed to help individuals with disabilities reach their full potential as designed by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) there are two important differences to discuss:

• Who qualifies
• IFSPs are for infants and toddlers from birth to age three who need early intervention services to help with developmental delays.
• IEPs are for students, aged 3 through 22, who are eligible for special education services.
• Family needs vs educational needs
• IFSPs focus on what families need to help with early interventions in a "natural environment" (i.e. the home or child care setting).
• IEPs focus on special education and related services at school.

Tips for Transitioning from IFSP to IEP

Before a student turns three there will be one or more transition meetings held by the education team. The meeting will talk about how services will change as eligible children move from IFSPs to IEPs. Here are some tips for families transitioning:

Prepare ahead of time:

• Make sure you have documents and records ready.
• Talk to other families about their experience transitioning.
• Know who to contact with questions.

Talk to your child

• Have a conversation with your child about starting a new program.
• Introduce books, movies, and songs that talk about preschool.
• Visit the program with your child.
• Encourage your child to ask for help from others.

Learn more about IFSPs and the transition process.

Feb. 13 — 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.

Feb. 13 and 27 — Sensory Story Time at National City Library

An inclusive story time for children on the second and fourth Monday of the month at 11 a.m. See a full list of National City Library events here.

Feb. 14 — Parent ADR Office Hours

Bring your question to our team and join us virtually from 10 to 11 a.m. using the Zoom meeting ID: 837 9802 7038.

March 2 — CAC Meeting: Meaningful Parent Engagement

Join the CAC and ADR teams 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

April 1 — Race for Autism 

Hosted by National Foundation for Autism Research (NFAR), this superhero themed 5k races around Balboa Park. Learn more about the event here.

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.