Volume 18

October 2023

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

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Procedural Safeguards

Procedural safeguards are a crucial component of special education law in the United States, particularly under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Understanding procedural safeguards is essential for parents, educators, and professionals involved in the education of students with disabilities. Here are key points to know about procedural safeguards.

Legal Framework: Procedural safeguards are a set of legal rights and protections provided to parents and guardians of students with disabilities and the students themselves. These safeguards are outlined in federal law, primarily IDEA, and are designed to ensure that students with disabilities receive a free appropriate public education (FAPE).

Purpose: The primary purpose of procedural safeguards is to protect the educational rights of students with disabilities and to ensure that they are provided with an education tailored to their unique needs. They are intended to create a fair and equitable process for both parents and school districts.

Parental Participation: Procedural safeguards emphasize the importance of parental participation in the special education process. Parents have the right to be involved in the decision-making process regarding their child's education, including the development of the Individualized Education Program (IEP).

Understanding these procedural safeguards is essential for parents and educators to work collaboratively in the best interest of students with disabilities. It ensures that the educational process is fair, transparent, and focused on providing appropriate support and services to meet each student's unique needs.

Here is a quick guide to share with parents.

SELPA Highlights

ASL Classes at Davila Day school!

Davila Day School is offering free American Sign Language (ASL) classes to family members and staff. Occurring weekly, it offers a welcoming learning environment and is open to all levels. Learn more about class dates and times.

Educator Padlet

We have created a Padlet for educators to access all of our resources. A padlet is a digital tool that allows users to create and share content with others on a digital platform. There is a wealth of information available to all South County member district staff. Bookmark the Padlet and check back frequently as will regularly be updating and adding content.

Padlet link

VI Night!

Staff members Lauren Ingersoll and Tanya Gonzalez recently hosted the annual VI night with BINGO, food, and prizes. The night is for our students who are visually impaired, and their families. Thank you to everyone who supported this event and for your continued dedication and support for the children.

Community Advisory Committee (CAC) Meeting

At our monthly CAC meeting, we discussed IEP basics and key components, and provided tips for parents to use when participating in IEP meetings. Join us in November to learn about procedural safeguards.

District Happenings

Coffee with the Principal

We had a wonderful time meeting parents at Coffee with the Principal at two San Ysidro schools. It was great to partner with our member districts and provide resources to parents.

CA PBIS Recognition

Congratulations to Chula Vista Elementary School District (CVESD). The California Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Coalition recognized 38 schools from CVESD for the 2022-23 school year. Your dedication in supporting students’ behavioral, academic, social, emotional, and mental health is an asset to your schools.

Upcoming Parent Events — Please Share

Nov. 2 — Community Advisory Committee (CAC) Meeting: Procedural Safeguards Explained

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

Oct. 19 to Nov. 16 — Parent IEP Academy - Fall Series

Interested in increasing your understanding of the 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 2 to 3 p.m.

Spanish Registration / English Registration

Oct. 21 — FERIA Partnership Conference

The FERIA Partnership Conference is a culturally and linguistically appropriate one-day conference for 300 Latino parents, caregivers and professionals working with special needs students from Pre-School, K-12 and Adults.

This year’s 9th Annual FERIA Partnership Conference will be hosted at Otay Ranch High School (1250 Olympic Pkwy, Chula Vista, CA, 91913) from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Click here to learn more information.

Nov. 4 — CABE 65 Mini-Conference

All workshops are designed for parents, teachers, para-educators, and administrators focused on maximizing parent engagement and increasing the achievement of English Learners.

The conference will be Otay Ranch High School (1250 Olympic Parkway Chula Vista, CA 91913) from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Click here to learn more information.

Nov. 8 — ADR Lunch Chat

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

Dec. 7 — Community Advisory Committee (CAC) Meeting Alternative Dispute Resolution: Getting to know your options in Resolving Conflict

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 on the top floor of the parking structure.

Upcoming Educator Events

Oct. 20, Nov. 3, 17, and Dec. 1, 8 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.

Educator IEP Academy: Achieving Success with IEPs

Speaker: Heidi Lyon, South County SELPA Coordinator

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

*Virtual session

Registration

Oct. 24 — Best Practices for Service Providers for IEPs

Presenter: Heidi Lyon

The South County SELPA is excited to add a professional learning opportunity for South County service providers at the South County Regional Education Center (800 National City Blvd., National City, CA 91950) from 8:30 a.m. to noon.

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

Registration

Nov. 7 — Case by Case: Mental Health Disorders in Schools

Presenter: Tim Halphide

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 12:15 p.m.

Intended Audience: Special education teachers, school psychologists, administrators, licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs), licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFTs), licensed professional clinical counselors (LPCCs), clinical psychologists, educationally related mental health services (ERMHS) staff or school counselors specifically designated to work with special needs students, behaviorists, and others who actively work with youth who have mental health concerns.

Registration

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. 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

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

Save the Date!

The South County SELPA believes educators and students are "Out of This Galaxy!" and we want to showcase student art projects based on this theme. We hope you have begun planning your projects! Art submissions will be due by May 15. More details will be coming soon.

16th Annual Art and Awards Recognition

South County Regional Education Center

Thursday, May 23, 2024

4:30 to 6 p.m.

Click here for flyer and share this event.

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.