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Volume 20

December 2023

South County SELPA Insights is a monthly newsletter, brought to you by the South County Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA) team, full of special education information. This month we're talking 504 plans. Keep reading to learn more and learn about upcoming events and SELPA highlights.

Handling parent requests for a 504 plan involves effective communication, collaboration, and adherence to legal guidelines. Here are some tips for educators when addressing parent requests for a 504 plan:

• Open Communication:
• Initiate open and honest communication with parents. Listen to their concerns and perspectives.
• Clearly explain the process of obtaining a 504 plan, the purpose of the plan, and how it differs from an Individualized Education Program (IEP).
• Understand Concerns:
• Take the time to understand the specific concerns the parent has about their child's ability to access and participate in the general education setting.
• Ask for any relevant documentation or information that supports the need for a 504 plan.
• Refer to Policies and Procedures:
• Familiarize yourself with your school or district's policies and procedures regarding 504 plans.
• Clearly explain the criteria that must be met for a student to be eligible for a 504 plan.
• Gather Information:
• Collect relevant data, such as academic assessments, teacher observations, and any existing documentation of the student's disability.
• Use this information to assess whether the student meets the criteria for a 504 plan.
• Timely Response:
• Respond to parent requests in a timely manner. Open communication and a prompt response help build trust and demonstrate a commitment to addressing concerns.

Also, remember that all students with an IEP are entitled to a 504 program, if needed, for extra-curricular activities. But students with a 504 plan may not be eligible for special education services under an IEP.

By approaching parent requests for a 504 plan with empathy, clear communication, and a commitment to collaboration, educators can work together with parents to ensure the best possible support for students with disabilities.

SELPA Highlights

Miracle League of San Diego

The Miracle League of San Diego provides children and adults with special needs the opportunity to play baseball in an organized league. Registration for the Spring Season is now open for players, buddy players and coaches. To learn more about the program visit the Miracle League website.

SBCS

SBCS (formerly South Bay Community Services) transforms communities to support the well-being and prosperity of children, youth and families throughout San Diego County.

To learn about their services, visit their website.

TASK Live Webinar

TASK is an organization with a mission to educate and empower people with disabilities and their families. View the calendar of events on its website.

Jan. 10 — Alternative Dispute Resolution Lunch Chat

Bring your questions to our team and join us virtually from 12 to 12:30 p.m. using the Zoom meeting ID: 851 2590 6937

Jan. 11 — Community Advisory Committee (Secondary Transition)

Join the Community Advisory Committee at the South County Regional Education Center (800 National City Blvd., National City, CA 91950) from 10 to 11 a.m. Free parking is available on the top floor of the parking structure.

Jan. 17 to Feb. 21 — Parent IEP Academy Winter Series

Interested in increasing your understanding of the individualized education program (IEP) process? Do you want to feel confident that you have the necessary tools to fully participate in your child’s IEP? Register now for the Parent IEP Academy, which will meet Thursdays on Zoom from 5 to 6 p.m.

Spanish Registration / English Registration

Feb. 1 — Community Advisory Committee Meeting: Managing Behaviors in the Home

Join the CAC at the South County Regional Education Center (800 National City Blvd., National City, CA 91950) from 10 to 11 a.m. Free parking is available on the top floor of the parking structure.

Jan. 18 — Teaching Students with Moderate/Severe Intellectual Disabilities

Presenter: Jill Martinez

Presented in partnership with the Diagnostic Center at the South County Regional Education Center (800 National City Blvd., National City, CA 91950) from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Intended Audience: Teachers, instructional assistants, and related service providers who work with students with moderate to severe intellectual disabilities.

Registration

Feb. 6 — The Missing Link: Leveraging SLP Expertise to Promote Literacy Development

Presenter: Elizabeth Berine

Presented in partnership with the Diagnostic Center at the South County Regional Education Center (800 National City Blvd., National City, CA 91950) from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Intended Audience: Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) and Speech-Language Pathology Assistants (SLPAs)  

Registration

Feb. 8 — Supporting Language Throughout the School Day

Presenter: Elizabeth Berine

Presented in partnership with the Diagnostic Center at the South County Regional Education Center (800 National City Blvd., National City, CA 91950) from 8 a.m. to noon.

Intended Audience: Paraeducators, teachers, and support staff working with students with mild-moderate language difficulties.

Registration

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

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