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Volume 42

October 2025

South County SELPA Insights is a monthly newsletter full of information and resources brought to you by the South County Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA) team. October is a month full of safety recognition; this month we have compiled some helpful safety tips to use this season both in school and at home. Keep reading to find resources and ways we can assist you and the families you serve.

SELPA Highlights

Friendship School Visit

Our Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) team had the opportunity to tour SDCOE’s Friendship School last month. Friendship School supports students ages 3 to 22 who have extensive needs. We are grateful for the informative tour we received and were touched and impressed seeing their staff members' dedication to their students.

Special Olympics Southern California’s Unified Schools Professional Development Training

The ADR team attended a professional development session on Special Olympics Southern California’s Unified Champion Schools, a program that empowers youth, engages educators, and builds school communities rooted in acceptance and inclusion.

CalESCE (California Early Childhood Special Education Network) Symposium

Our ADR team also attended the 3rd Annual CalECSE Symposium this month. They delivered an insightful presentation on building partnerships through Alternative Dispute Resolution. We're so glad we could participate in 'reaching new heights!'

Deaf Blind Training at Clearview Elementary School

Tanya Gonzalez Guerrero, our teacher for the visually impaired, facilitated an impactful professional development training where staff had the unique opportunity to experience what it’s like to be deaf and blind. Through interactive activities and guided reflection, participants gained a deeper understanding of the challenges individuals with sensory impairments face in daily life. The session fostered empathy, awareness, and practical strategies for creating more inclusive and supportive learning environments.

Staff Highlight

Each year at our Annual Art Exhibition and District Awards Recognition, we celebrate exceptional staff members who go above and beyond. This is our opportunity to showcase their incredible work and share their stories — including what inspired them to work with students with disabilities.

Efrain Bobadilla is an exceptional and invaluable member of the Friendship School team. In his role as a student attendant, he carries out a wide range of responsibilities that are essential to the daily operations and overall success of Friendship's school community. Though he often works quietly behind the scenes, Efrain’s presence is felt in countless meaningful ways. He consistently ensures that both students and staff have the support, resources, and environment they need to thrive — academically, socially, and emotionally. His dedication, reliability, and thoughtful approach make him not only a key contributor but also a deeply respected and appreciated part of the Friendship School family.

Fall Festivities — Tips for Celebration, Inclusivity and Safety

It is always fun to celebrate in the classroom. If you are planning to host a fun event in your classroom, here are some tips to ensure inclusivity, fun, and safe for all: 

• Make sure every student knows about upcoming festivities, including students in special education programs who may not be in your classroom full-time.
• Communicate the details of when the event will be, and what to expect.
• If there is food present, be sure to label all options and stay away from allergens. If students are encouraged to bring food to share, ask families to bring pre-packaged goods that have a lower likelihood of cross contamination, while always ensuring you follow your District’s policies and procedures.
• Games and activities should include tasks that do not require fine motor skills or physical exertion. Consider setting up an arts and crafts activity with sensory friendly materials.
• Set up a sensory safe space for students who may need a break. This can be in a separate room, or a quiet corner within the classroom. It can include softer lighting, noise-canceling headphones, and quiet fidget toys or books.

National School Bus Safety Week — Oct. 20 to 24

National School Bus Safety Week falls on the third week of October. School bus transportation is one of the safest forms of transportation for students, and it is important to keep it that way. We would like to highlight safety protocols that you can review and practice with fellow staff and students to make sure everyone can stay safe both on and off the bus.

Off the bus:

• Students waiting to take a bus should arrive at the bus stop location at least 5 minutes early and should wait at least 10 feet away from the curb. Showing them a small landmark to stand by can help them to remember where to wait safely.
• When students approach their school bus, they should not approach the back of the vehicle. Always cross in front of the bus, with plenty of space, and tell students to make eye contact with the bus driver before crossing. This ensures that the bus driver is aware they are going in front of the bus.

On the bus:

• If a student has an IEP, bus drivers should have access to their accommodations and supports to address possible health conditions, behavioral or safety needs.
• Communicate with bus drivers about parent concerns or behavioral patterns to maintain consistency.

White Cane Safety Day — Oct. 15

Also known as Blind Americans Equality Day, this day is dedicated to celebrating the achievements and abilities of blind individuals. The white cane, a mobility tool used by the blind, is an important symbol of independence. With the assistance of this tool, blind people have the capability to participate and give back to their communities independently. Let today remind us to celebrate the abilities and successes achieved by blind people in a sighted world and to honor the many contributions being made by the blind and visually impaired.

The Braille Institute is a helpful organization to visit for more information on resources for those who are blind or visually impaired. They are hosting local and virtual events to celebrate White Cane Safety Day with activities such as festive walks, a cane repair shop, entertainment and lunch. For more information on the event or general resources, visit their website.

San Diego County Sheriff's Office: Blue Envelope Program

The Blue Envelope Program is designed to promote inclusivity and serve as an enhanced communication awareness tool between law enforcement and community members. It serves those diagnosed with a condition or disability that might require additional accommodations or awareness during a law enforcement interaction. This includes those with autism spectrum disorder, dementia, anxiety, and more.

Members of the community can readily display the Blue Envelope logo or present a Blue Envelope upon contact with law enforcement or other community service personnel. The Blue Envelope-branded products can contain the individual's identification, contact information or pertinent vehicle operating documents such as the vehicle registration and proof of insurance. This allows the officer to be informed of a community member's disability and helps ensure all necessary documentation is prepared if needed.

Participating community members can go to a local Sheriff's Office branch to receive materials. These include the Blue Envelope, an information card, stickers, and more. To see more program information including participating branch locations, visit the San Diego Sheriff's Office website.

Fall Parent IEP Academy

Our Fall Parent IEP Academy begins on Oct. 15. If you are interested in understanding the IEP process more, or you want to feel confident that you have the necessary tools to fully participate in your child’s IEP, please join us! This is a free, virtual academy with four Zoom sessions. Dates include Oct. 15, 22, 29, and Nov. 5. Sessions are available in both English and Spanish.

Register.

Miracle League

The fall season is currently running until Nov. 16.

Player registration for this season has closed, but Miracle League is always searching for more volunteer buddies and coaches. Register as a buddy or coach or view available locations.

The Miracle League is raising money to refresh Engel Family Field in San Dieguito Park. After nearly two decades of use, there are necessary updates that must be made for safety. To learn more or to contribute to the Engel Family Field Capital Campaign please visit the Miracle League Website.

Free American Sign Language (ASL) Classes at Davila Day School

Davila Day school is offering a free ASL class on their campus every Wednesday from 3:45 to 5 p.m. Parents, siblings, and community members interested in learning to sign are welcomed! They also have childcare available during class meetings.

2025-26 Schedule:

• Q2 Oct. 8 to Dec. 10
• Q3 Jan. 14 to March 11
• Q4 April 8 to May 27

Davila Day School campus:

415 Smith Ave., Chula Vista, CA 91910

For more information visit the Davila Day School website.

What is the Community Advisory Committee (CAC)?

The CAC is a team of parents and other individuals with a personal or professional interest in securing appropriate services for students with special needs. We encourage parents to actively participate in becoming knowledgeable, empowered, and effective partners in the development and implementation of learning experiences for students with exceptional needs.

To join the CAC or access more information, see the CAC webpage.

Upcoming CAC Meetings



Nov. 18

6 p.m. (virtual)

Registration is required. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Feb. 17

9:30 a.m. (in-person)

April 21

9:30 a.m. (in-person)

In-person meetings are located at the SCREC:

800 National City Blvd., National City, CA 91950

Diagnostic Center Training On-Demand Series 2025-26

This on-demand training series includes five webinars tailored to specific topics. They are available at any time and at your own pace after registration. See below for the different options available to you and click on title links to register or see more information about each webinar.

B-2 Behavior is Communication with Margot Johnson

B-5 What should I do?! Effective Strategies for Paraeducators to Support Positive Student Behavior with Margot Johnson

M-12 Mental Health Foundation Series with Tim Halphide

S-1 Reading Between the Lines with Andrea Abrishami

S-5 Being a Para Pro of Inclusive Education with Nicole Ward

Oct. 15 — Alternative Pathway to a Diploma Meeting with SUHSD

This meeting will be at 5 p.m. at the Professional Development Center at 680 L St., Suite C, Chula Vista, CA 91911. The Alternative Pathway to Diploma offers students with significant cognitive disabilities a path to earn a diploma while remaining eligible for special education services up to age 22. If you would like to learn more about this program, please join this meeting. There is no registration required.

Oct. 15 to Nov. 5 — Fall Parent IEP Academy

Meetings will be virtual on Zoom every Tuesday from 10 to 11 a.m.

Registration

Oct. 18 — 11th Annual FERIA Partnership Conference

This conference will be held from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Otay Ranch High School. It is designed for Spanish-speaking Latino parents with children with special needs and educators working with special education English Learners in a general and/or special education setting. There will be presentations demonstrating evidence-based research practices, strategies and applications that will result in increased parental involvement, high expectations, and achievement for all students. There will also be a series of workshops provided in Spanish and simultaneous translations in English.

Information and registration.

Oct. 18 and 19 — Camp Hope, Free Grief Camp

For children ages 7 to 17 years old who have experienced the recent death of a loved one and are coping with grief. This is a chance to share memories, express feelings, make new friends, and have fun with peers. Information and registration.

Oct. 21 and Oct.23 — First Meeting of Coffee & Conversations Parent Support Group

Our first Coffee & Conversations Support Group will be meeting in two groups, one in English and one in Spanish. All meetings are from 9 to 10:30 a.m.

The English meeting will be on Oct. 21 located at the South County Regional Education Center, 800 National City Blvd., National City, CA 91950.

On Oct. 23 we will hold our first Spanish meeting at Nicoloff Elementary School, 1777 Howard Ave., San Ysidro, CA 92173.

Please consider joining us to strengthen community bonds and ask questions. No registration is required for these events.

Oct. 30 — African American Support Group Resource Fair

This resource fair will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Park de la Cruz Recreational Center at 3911 Landis St., San Diego, CA 92105. Hosted by Self Determined Futures LLC, this event will include guidance with transportation, disability services and in-home support, food assistance, health and wellness, and more. They are also serving dinner. Register using their form.

April 22 — 18th Annual Art Exhibition and District Recognition Awards

The 2026 Art Exhibition will begin at 3:30 p.m. at the South County Regional Educational Center (SCREC) at 800 National City Blvd., National City, CA 91950. The official theme for this year is Deep Sea Dreams! We are excited to see the art pieces students prepare this school year.

Postvention: Responding Effectively to Suicide Deaths, Oct. 17 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Location: San Diego County Office of Education 6401 Linda Vista Road, Annex B

Audience: District and charter teams

This interactive workshop will support your district/charter to be prepared to respond effectively after a suicide death. Attendees will be instructed on best practices including supporting students and staff, communication strategies, and managing memorials. Training will cover current best practices, strategies, and resources to develop or update postvention protocols. Content will support districts/charters to meet the requirements of Ed. Code 215. Information and registration.

Breaking the Silence: Enhancing Mental Health Literacy for All - Mental Health Webinar Series for K12 Educators, Oct. 20 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Audience: K12 district and school staff.

Mental health literacy includes the knowledge, attitudes, and skills needed to develop and maintain positive mental health, identify mental health challenges in self and others, reduce stigma, and seek appropriate help. This training will provide a brief overview on mental health literacy. Information and registration.

Cybersecurity Awareness Webinar, Oct. 23 from 1 to 2 p.m.

This year’s Cybersecurity Awareness Month theme is Stay Safe Online. On Oct. 23, the Cybersecurity team will present an overview of best practices to protect your digital life, both at work and at home. The team will cover key topics and give insight into cybersecurity plans for 2025-26. Information and registration. 

Preschool Transitional Kindergarten Learning Foundations (PTKLF) training

Utilizing the PTKLF to Meet the Needs of Young Learners with Special Needs, Oct. 28 from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Location: SCREC, 800 National City Blvd.

This training provides special education professionals and early childhood educators with an introduction to the Preschool Transitional Kindergarten Learning Foundations (PTKLF) as well as practical tools and strategies to effectively apply the PTKLF in inclusive and special education settings.

Information and registration.

Kindergarten Transition Assessments Training, Oct. 28 from Noon to 1:30 p.m.

Audience: special education directors, SELPA directors, preschool program specialists, elementary program specialists, school psychologists, early childhood special education teachers, speech pathologists, and occupational therapists

Join us for a no-cost, virtual session designed to help IEP teams navigate this important transition with confidence. We’ll break down the intent behind the Education Code, guiding you to make informed, legally defensible, child-centered decisions. You’ll walk away with essential tools, including decision trees, templates, and a clearer understanding.

Information and registration.

SPC LGBTQIA+ Safer Spaces 1.0 Virtual Training, Oct. 28 and 30 from 2 to 3:45 p.m.

Audience: Designed for anyone working with K-12 students in educational settings, with the goal of fostering safer and more inclusive learning environments.

This two-part session training was created in collaboration with the San Diego County Suicide Prevention Council and the County of San Diego.

Information and registration.

Principals Academy Session 2: Addressing Behavior and Discipline of Students

with Disabilities, Nov. 6 from 1 to 4:30 p.m.

Location: SCREC, 800 National City Blvd.

Audience: School principals and vice/assistant principals

This is the second session in a three-part professional learning series designed specifically for school administrators. Join us to deepen your understanding of ADA, IDEA vs. Section 504, FAPE and student discipline - equipping you with the knowledge and tools to lead confidently and support student success. This session will be led by Sarah Sutherland, a highly regarded educational law attorney based in San Diego.

Information and registration.

You Want Me to Do What? An administrator’s guide to the mental health treatment plan, Dec. 2 from 8 to 10 a.m.

Location: SCREC, 800 National City Blvd.

Audience: School administrators, including superintendents, principals, program specialists

This training is a 2-hour overview to learn about the treatment model and discover how you can empower your staff and students for improved participation, behavioral progress and educational traction.

Information and registration.

SPC LGBTQIA+ Safer Spaces 2.0 Virtual Training, Dec. 2 and 4 from 2 to 3:45 p.m.

Audience: Designed for anyone working with K-12 students in educational settings, with the goal of fostering safer and more inclusive learning environments.

This two-part session training was created in collaboration with the San Diego County Suicide Prevention Council and the County of San Diego.

Information and registration.

Principals Academy Session 3: Balancing Relationships and Special Education Compliance, Feb. 4 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Location: SCREC, 800 National City Blvd.

Audience: School principals and vice/assistant principals

This session is the third installment in a three-part series designed specifically for school administrators, bridging the first and second session by showing how strong relationships between families, educators, and schools support student success and special education compliance.

Information and registration.

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

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