Volume 27

July 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 share information on Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and how your inclusion of activities is important to student development. Keep reading to find resources and see how the SELPA can assist you and the families you work with.

Visit the SELPA website

Social Emotional Learning

Social Emotional Learning (SEL) is a vital component of education that can be particularly beneficial for students with disabilities. By incorporating SEL strategies, educators can create a more inclusive and supportive learning environment. Here are some ways educators can effectively utilize SEL for students with disabilities:

Individualized Support and Differentiation

Personalized Learning Plans: Develop individualized SEL goals as part of the student's Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan.
Tailored Instruction: Use differentiated instruction strategies to meet the diverse needs of students with disabilities. For example, visual supports, simplified language, and step-by-step instructions can be very helpful.

Building Relationships

Trust and Safety: Create a safe and trusting classroom environment where students feel valued and understood.
Positive Relationships: Foster strong, positive relationships between students and educators, as well as among peers.

Creating a Supportive Environment

Classroom Layout: Arrange the classroom to minimize distractions and create a calm environment conducive to learning.
Sensory Tools: Offer sensory tools and breaks for students who may become overwhelmed or need to self-regulate.

By integrating these strategies, educators can help students with disabilities develop the social and emotional skills necessary for success both in and out of the classroom.

To learn more about Social Emotional Learning read this article from Understood.com.

SELPA Highlights

Photo of South County SELPA staff at resource fair

South County SELPA Resource Fair

Planning is in full swing for the Special Education Resource fair for our South County families. We will have local agencies, district members, and support groups sharing resources. We hope to see you there. Join us Aug. 1 from 10 a.m. to noon at the South County Regional Education Center (800 National City Blvd., National City). Free parking is available on the top floor of the parking structure.

All-Inclusive Day of Play & Resource Fair

We would like to thank the Special Needs Resource Foundation of San Diego for inviting us to be a part of the All-Inclusive Day of Play & Resource Fair. This was our third year participating and we loved connecting with families and sharing our resources. New this year was a Sensory Time where the music was turned off to have a quieter environment to create a calm atmosphere. We plan to participate in this great event next year.

Child Development Associates (CDA) Resource Fair

Our SELPA staff attended the annual CDA resource fair where they were able to share services that we provide to families in the South County. Thank you for inviting us to this wonderful event. We look forward to next year's event.

Parent IEP Academy

Our next five-part series of the Parent IEP Academy will begin on Thursday, Aug 15 at 11 a.m. This series is a great way to learn more about the IEP process and connect with other parents. Also, for past participants, if they want to make up a missed session, or want to repeat a session they can register again. We will also offer the series three other times this school year. Please share with parents of students on your caseload so they can register for the Summer Parent IEP Academy. Click for flyer: English or Spanish - Click to register: English or Spanish.

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. The fall season begins in September and there is still time to register a player or volunteer to be a buddy. Every player is matched with a buddy based on his or her unique needs. The Miracle League of San Diego is seeking volunteers to act as buddies and assist students with disabilities in playing baseball. If you're interested in volunteering or registering a player, you can register by clicking here.

Upcoming Parent Events — Please Share

July 27 —Chula Vista Elementary School District (CVESD) Community Expo

CVESD's Community Expo is back to showcase their programs, provide resources to families, and connect with the community as we start the 2024-25 school year. Event will be held at the Chula Vista Elementary School District located at 84 East J Street, Chula Vista 91910 from 11 to 1 p.m.

Free food for all attendees while supplies last
Interactive activities for kids.
Information regarding district resources and community services.

July 27 — South Bay Union School District (SBUSD) Community Kick-Off Event

Start the 2024-25 by finding information on local resources. SBUSD families will enjoy learning from school staff and over 20 community agency partners about resources and supports available in our school community. The event will be at Mendoza Elementary School located at 2020 Coronado Ave, San Diego, CA 92154 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Aug. 1 — South County SELPA Resource Fair

Our annual Special Education resource fair will be filled with local agencies that provide services to children and/or families of children with special needs. We are thrilled to host this wonderful resource for our South County families. The event will be at the South County Regional Education Center (800 National City Blvd., National City, CA 91950) from 10 a.m. to noon.

Aug. 15 to Sept. 12 — Parent IEP Academy Summer 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 11 to Noon.

Spanish Registration / English Registration

Upcoming Educator Events

Oct. 8 from 8 a.m. to Noon.

The Essential 10: Essential Components of Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs)

Speaker: Martin Miramontes, M.A., BCBA, PENT Director

Audience: Educators tasked with developing, supervising, and monitoring behavior intervention plans. School psychologists, behavior specialists, and special education teachers.

Oct. 22 from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.

An Introduction to the What’s & Not’s of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Implications

Speaker: Scott Gutentag, Ph.D., LEP, NCSP, School Psychologist

Audience: Professionals working with students with ADHD.

Nov. 19 from 8:00 to 2:00 p.m.

Reading Between the Lines

Speaker: Andrea Abrishami, M.A., Education Specialist

Audience: Administrators, general education teachers, special education teachers, school psychologists, speech language pathologist, SLP.

Mar. 11 from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Evidence-Based Practices for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Extensive Support Needs (ESN)

Speaker: Jill Martinez, M.A., Education Specialist

Audience: Special education educators and service providers that support students through an IEP.