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Volume 32

December 2024

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. This month we would like to share information on ways to support your self-care and wellness. Keep reading to find resources and see how the SELPA can assist you and the families you work with. 

Visit the SELPA website

Tips for a Joyful Holiday Season

Holidays can be a challenging time for many people, as they often bring emotional, financial, or logistical stress. Focusing on wellness during this time is essential. Here are some helpful tips to prioritize your well-being during the holidays:


Acknowledge Your Feelings

It’s okay to feel a mix of emotions during the holidays. Whether it’s joy, grief, loneliness, or stress, allow yourself to process these feelings without judgment.


Set Realistic Expectations

Avoid trying to make the holidays “perfect.” Simplify your plans and focus on meaningful connections rather than external pressures.


Budget Mindfully

Holiday spending can add stress. Set a budget for gifts, decorations, or events and stick to it. Thoughtful, inexpensive gestures can be just as impactful as lavish gifts.


Prioritize Rest and Routine

It’s easy to fall out of healthy habits during the holidays. Make time for proper sleep, regular meals, and movement to maintain balance.


Engage in Relaxing Activities

Take time to do things you enjoy, like reading, listening to music, or engaging in a hobby, to replenish your energy.


If the holiday season feels particularly heavy, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. To find additional resources please visit, Mental Health America.

SELPA Highlights

Presentation for parents at South County SELPA

Positive Behavior Supports at Home


South County SELPA hosted a parent workshop on Positive Behavior Supports at Home. This informative presentation was delivered by Jim Perondi, a highly skilled Orientation and Mobility Instructor. Jim provided some strategies for parents to use at home. To access the slideshow for this presentation, please email us at scselpaadr@sdcoe.net.

Students from Davila at winter performance

Davila Day School Winter Wonderland


Davila students had an incredible time at this year’s Winter Event, performing and watching their classmates sing and dance which brought smiles all around.

Parent Workshop


Mark your calendars. In February, join the Southwestern College, Student Services Department for an empowering workshop designed to guide parents in supporting children with disabilities as they transition to community college. Registration will open soon please be on the lookout.

Mental Health Matters 2025


This webinar series will provide information on common mental health challenges faced by youth today and will offer information, tips, and tools for parents and guardians. It is offered through a partnership with the San Diego County Office of Education and medical and mental health experts with the Transforming Mental Health Initiative at Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego. Rady Children’s is on the forefront of youth mental health and wellness and is dedicated to improving the mental health of all children. Spanish interpretation will be provided. All webinars will be 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. For additional information please contact Donny Ojeda 858-292-3898 or email donald.ojeda@sdcoe.net.


Jan. 15; Building Belonging: Turning the Tide on Bullying Hilary Bowers, M.D., FAAP Registration


Feb. 19; Hope and Healing: Understanding Self-Harm and Supporting Youth Jason Schweitzer, M.D.

Registration


March 19; Stress, Resilience, and the Power of Support Katherine Nguyen Williams, Ph.D. Registration

Upcoming Parent Events — Please Share

Jan. 22 to Feb. 19 — 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 Wednesdays from 9 to 10 a.m. or 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Spanish Registration / English Registration


Jan. 23 — Transition to Preschool: Resources for families of students with special

Meeting will be at National School District, located at 1500 N Avenue National City, CA 91950 from 10 to 11 a.m. Registration


Jan. 23 — CAC Meeting

Meeting will be at the South County Regional Education Center, located at 800 National City Blvd. National City, CA 91950 from 10 a.m. to noon. For more information visit CAC website.


Upcoming Educator Events

Jan. 21 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Suicide Prevention in Schools: Staying Current from Prevention to Intervention

This is a free, in-person, hands-on workshop for district/charter teams of 2-5 staff who are responsible for overseeing suicide prevention policies. Offered by SDCOE in partnership with Youth Creating Change and facilitated by Stan Collins. Training will be at SDCOE Main Campus Room 306 6401 Linda Vista Rd. San Diego, CA 92111


Jan. 30 or Feb. 20 from 9-11:30am Suicide Risk Screening in School Virtual

This training provides a FREE opportunity for school staff to learn about best practices in school-based screening for suicide risk, how to respond effectively to keep youth and students safe. Hosted by SDCOE, Student Wellness and School Culture Department and facilitated by Stan Collins.


March 11 from 8 a.m. to 2 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 specialists and service providers that support students through an IEP.


On Demand Training

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): What Every Paraeducator Should Know

An overview of ASD

and practical information paraeducators can use for effective teaching. Strategies and behavior supports to include visual pacing and closure systems, schedules, prompting hierarchies, and reinforcement principles will be discussed.

Audience: Paraeducators working with students with ASD


A Guide for Paraeducators: Developmentally Appropriate Supports for Students with Intellectual Disabilities and Challenging Behaviors

Understand the role of development when designing supports for students. Describe and select strategies that match the student’s developmental level, which may be used to increase positive engagement and learning and prevent and intervene with challenging behavior.

Audience: Paraeducators and individual aides


Cognitive Behavioral Interventions (CBIs) for Educators

This unique hands-on, interactive training provides educators and clinicians with the key CBIs to help develop an effective program that — in tandem with your students’ mental health professionals — can provide support for, the improvement of behavioral outcomes and positive participation in school.

Audience: Special education teachers, school psychologists, administrators, LCSWs, LMFTs, LPCCs, clinical psychologists, 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.


Still Not Producing: Assessment and Intervention for Executive Function Difficulties

The purpose of this training is to present an overview of the professional field’s current 

thinking about the role and complexity of executive function, the process of measuring executive function, and practical supports and take-home strategies to help build 

executive function.

Audience: School psychologists and anyone with knowledge of psychological tests and psychometrics. Participants should have a basic understanding of executive function.


Maximizing Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Opportunities Within Daily Routines

This training will review why routines and understanding development matter, how to turn routines into learning opportunities, ways to create communication opportunities and support our students within their routines, and ideas on how to differentiate activities for a range of abilities.

Audience: Speech-language pathologists, teachers, paraeducators, parents. 


Dynamic Duo! Terrific Trio! Effectively Teaming with Paraeducators to Support Students

This webinar is designed for teachers and paraeducators to complete together, allowing the team to discuss and explore their individual roles, develop clear understanding of responsibilities, and begin to develop frameworks for effective teacher/paraeducator/student relationships. 

Audience: General education teachers, special education teachers, paraeducators, behavior specialists, speech-language pathologists, service providers, and administrators.

San Diego South County SELPA logo

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


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