Volume 24

April 2024

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 will explore the importance of student participation in their IEP. Student participation is crucial for fostering a student-centered approach to education. Keep reading to find resources and see how the SELPA can assist you and the families you work with.

Visit the SELPA website

Student Participation in the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process

We are aware that every student is unique and student participation may be different for each student based on their needs. As educators, you play a crucial role is assisting families when deciding to include student participation. By highlighting the importance of student participation and providing tailored support for meaningful involvement, you can empower the student to take an active role in shaping their education and advocating for their needs. This approach not only strengthens the IEP process but also promotes student ownership of their learning journey. Here's how you can assist families and the student to be a part of their educational journey:

Discuss with parents: Take the time to speak with parents about the importance of including students in the IEP meeting. Help them understand that student input is valued and essential in creating a plan that truly meets their needs and goals.

Discuss with student: Work with student to personalize their preparation for the meeting. This could involve reflecting on their academic and social-emotional experiences, identifying areas of success and areas where they may need support, and setting goals for the future.

Explain the process: Speak with students about the meeting. Explain the process of the meeting, what will be discussed, who will be present and what is the purpose of the meeting. This can prepare student to participate in the meeting and be familiar with the meeting.

To learn more about meaningful student participation, visit the High Quality IEPs Project; where you will have access to many resources that you can print and use. High Quality IEP's is offering a free virtual workshop. For more information, click here.

SELPA Highlights

WE WANT YOUR STUDENT ART!

As our annual Art and Awards Recognition draws near, we are excited to invite you and your students to participate in this year's showcase of creativity and talent.

The theme for this year's Art and Awards show is Out of the Galaxy. We encourage you to engage your students in planning and creating art projects that reflect this theme in unique and imaginative ways. Whether it's exploring the wonders of space, imagining futuristic worlds, or depicting intergalactic adventures, we are excited to see the creative interpretations that emerge.

Thank you for your continued support and dedication to fostering creativity and expression in our students. Together, we can make this year's Art and Awards show an unforgettable celebration of talent and imagination. Art submissions are due by May 20, 2024.

16th Annual Art and Awards Recognition

South County Regional Education Center

Thursday, May 23

4:30 to 6 p.m.

Click here for full details and share this event.

Young student wearing a spacesuit and rocket helmet with floating art stars in the background

San Diego County Board of Education selects Dr. Gloria E. Ciriza as next Superintendent of Schools

Dr. Gloria E. Ciriza, a 30-year educator who has championed educational equity, will become the next San Diego County Superintendent of Schools. She will be the first female county superintendent in the San Diego County Office of Education’s (SDCOE) 76-year history.

Appointed by the San Diego County Board of Education, the county superintendent of schools is the head of SDCOE, which operates programs and services that allow districts and schools to focus on providing a high-quality learning experience for children and families while leveraging economies of scale to enhance effectiveness and save taxpayer dollars. The county superintendent also has direct oversight responsibilities for approving and assuring school district budgets, calling school district elections, and assisting with school district emergencies. Click, here for the full article from SDCOE.

Autism Acceptance Walk or Run

Join the community of Chula Vista in raising awareness of Autism and help Greg Rogers Elementary School. The school is hosting this walk on April 20 to raise funds for their sensory room. The event will also have a variety of resources for families. Event will be at 510 E. Naples St. San Diego, CA 91911. The race will start at 8:30 a.m. To register for the event, click here.

Students and parents at Wheel-A-Thon at Friendship School

Friendship School Wheel-A-Thon

Friendship School had their annual Wheel-A-Thon on April 18. It was a wonderful event. If you were unable to participate, please be on the lookout next year for the details of the event. Friendship School is a five-classroom special education school serving up to 50 students ages 3-22. The Friendship students have cognitive and physical disabilities that require a specialized, therapeutic educational setting. We offer nursing support, staff trained in specialized health care procedures, modified curriculum supports, and access to specialized sensory and communication tools and supports. Friendship School serves districts throughout San Diego County and are operated by the San Diego County Office of Education.

Alternative Dispute Resolution

Our Alternative Dispute Resolution has started the last Parent IEP Academy for the 2023-24 school year. You can still register for the training by registering for the event here.

Spanish Registration / English Registration

Community Advisory Committee (CAC)

Thank you to all the parents and community members who attended our most recent CAC business meeting. We would love your feedback and input for future topics. Please take our survey by clicking here

To learn more about the South County SELPA CAC, please visit our website.

Equity, Disproportionality & Design (ED&D)

ED&D team continue their work and have been in the studio with a variety of individuals that make an impact in the education of many students. To listen to their new podcast, go to ED&D website.

Upcoming Parent Events — Please Share

April 9 to May 7 — Parent IEP Academy Spring 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 9 to 10 a.m.

Spanish Registration / English Registration

April 20 — Autism Acceptance Walk or Run

The event will also have resources for families and all proceeds will benefit Greg Rogers Sensory Room. Event will be at 510 E. Naples St. San Diego, CA 91911. Start of the race will be at 8:30 a.m. To register for the event, click here.

April 20 — Chula Vista Sports Fest

Special Olympics Southern California offers year-round sports programs for individuals with intellectual disabilities free of charge. Come out on Saturday, April 20, to try out the sports and make some new friends! Ages 8 and up are welcome and a waiver needs to be completed prior. Event will be at Mater Dei Catholic High School (1615 Mater Dei Drive, Chula Vista). 8:30 to 11:45 a.m. To register for the event, click here.

April 27 — 40th Annual Involved Exceptional Parents (IEP) Day

The theme this year is Beyond Caregiving — Parents as Change-Makers. Registration is now open for the event which runs from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

May 6 — Financial Well-Being for People with Disabilities

Learn about the CalABLE program and how it can benefit all individuals with a disability.

The intended audience is families with children in special education who attend school districts located within the South County SELPA and staff that work with students with disabilities. Presentation will be from noon to 1 p.m. in person at the South County Regional Education Center (800 National City Blvd., National City, CA 91950) or virtual option, and registration is required. Register for in person or for virtual.

May 8 — Alternative Dispute Resolution Chat

Bring your special education questions to our team and drop in virtually from noon to 12:30 p.m. using the Zoom meeting ID: 851 2590 6937.

May 18 — Chula Vista Council of PTAs Wellness Fair

Wellness fair for families to find information on local organizations and services that support the health and wellbeing of families. Event will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Location will be at the Chula Vista Elementary School District (84 East J St., Chula Vista, CA 91920).

May 23 — 16th Annual Art and Awards Recognition

Join the South County SELPA as we spotlight student art and honor staff who support students within the SELPA. The event will take place at the South County Regional Education Center (800 National City Blvd., National City, CA 91950) from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Free parking is available on the top floor of the parking structure. Click to find more information.

June 12 — Alternative Dispute Resolution Chat

Bring your special education questions to our team and drop in virtually from 3 to 3:30 p.m. using the Zoom meeting ID: 851 2590 6937.

Upcoming Educator Events

Apr. 23 — June 4 Student-Centered IEP Development Across the Lifespan: A Guide to Empowering Student Participation in the IEP Process

Join the High Quality IEPs Project for a professional learning workshop series focusing on building student voice and agency throughout the IEP process regardless of age.

Audience: General and Special Education teachers, service providers, & administrators Training will be virtual from 3:30 to 5 p.m.

Registration

Apr. 25 — Behavior Basics and PBIS Tier 1 Interventions and Support: A Practical Approach to Behavior Support

Audience: General education teachers, special education teachers, paraprofessionals, school psychologists, administrators, school counselors and special education service providers. Training will be virtual from 3:30 to 5 p.m.

Registration

May 16 — School Counselor's Role in 504s and IEPs

Audience: School Counselors

Have you ever attended an SST, 504, and/or IEP meeting and wondered, "What is my role as a school counselor?" Attend this session to learn more about the structure of these meetings, how to be an effective team member, and why your role is so important for student success.

Date/Time: May 16, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.

Location: SDCOE Main, Learning Labs 1-4

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.