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Volume 48

April 2026

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. April is Autism Awareness Month. This month we are spreading awareness on what autism is, and on educational tools that help students with autism succeed academically and socially. Keep reading to find resources and ways we can assist you and the families you serve.

Visit the SELPA website

SELPA Highlights

2026 Art Exhibition Information

Our 18th Annual Art Exhibition and District Recognition Awards event is happening next week! The theme for this year is, "Splash of Imagination," inspired by sea-life and curiosity about the underwater world. At this time, art submissions are closed. We would like to thank all staff, students, and parents for participating in creating art for this year's exhibition.

All students and their families, as well as educators and their families are invited to attend. Art will be displayed around the event and there is a window of time to view all of our amazing student art pieces. We are also excited to recognize the hard work of our participating students and celebrate staff members who have been recognized for going above and beyond in their positions in a ceremony. There will also be a sensory room with an occupational therapist present with an activity for students who wish to attend but may become overwhelmed. Light refreshments will be available.

Date: April 22

Time: 3:30 to 5 p.m.

Location: South County Regional Education Center (SCREC) 800 National City Blvd., National City, CA 91950

Attendees must park on the top floor of the parking garage. Parking is free.

Eighteenth Annual Art Exhibition and District Recognition Awards South County Regional Education Center (SCREC) 800 National Blvd, National City, CA 91950 Splash of Imagination For more information email us at scselpaadr@sdcoe.net. April 22, 3:30-5 p.m.

ADR Team members posing together, holding a sign with their presentation title.

2026 SELPA ADR Conference "The Power of Partnership"

Our Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) team attended this year's SELPA ADR Conference in Riverside last month and presented on "Winning Together: Building Partnerships Through ADR and Inclusive Practices." During those two days, they were able to connect with over 800 other SELPA staff from California counties, educators, and parents. We appreciate the SELPA Administrators of California and Pathways to Partnership for organizing and hosting this conference and inviting our ADR team to present.

Four members of a podcast episode sitting around a table conversing

Bright Spots in Education Podcast

The Bright Spots in Education Podcast is hosted by the El Dorado County Charter SELPA. In each episode, an expert from the field of education is interviewed and shares knowledge on a range of special education topics including inclusion, leadership, communication, and more.

We are proud to announce that during the SELPA ADR Conference, our Program Administrator, Nitza Romero, was invited to participate in their latest episode. Visit the El Dorado County Charter SELPA website for more information and to listen to any episode.

Beeping Egg Hunt

The 5th Annual Beeping Egg hunt at South Clairemont Park was a lovely event full of sunshine, fun, and community. Children with visual impairments were able to participate in an egg hunt using beeping eggs alongside their families and volunteers. We would like to recognize the efforts of the "Four Fun Teachers" who organize this event annually. Thank you Miss Libby, Miss Lauren, Miss Tanya, and Miss Angela!

A family posing together with bunny ear headbands and egg collecting baskets

Three staff members and volunteers posing together with bunny ear headbands

Staff Highlight

Dr. Leighangela Brady has served with distinction as Superintendent of the National School District (NSD), leading with vision, courage, and an unwavering commitment to students with special needs, equity and innovation. Over her 30 year career in California public education, including 10 transformative years at NSD, Dr. Brady has focused on preparing students to be exceptional learners and innovative, compassionate world citizens. Dr. Brady’s decade of leadership brought remarkable achievements to NSD, as it became a California Green Ribbon Schools District and the first elementary-only Heart-Safe District in the nation. Eighty percent of schools achieved Platinum level PBIS recognition, and all schools earned the California Purple Star designation in support of military-connected families. The district also received a CSBA Golden Bell Award for its work in nutrition and climate action. Dr. Brady leaves behind a lasting legacy of compassion and advocacy, having dedicated her career to empowering and uplifting students with special needs so they could thrive both academically and personally. The South County SELPA extends its sincere appreciation for Dr. Brady’s ongoing support and dedication to improving outcomes for students with special needs.

A rainbow infinity sign, a symbol of the autistic community.

Autism Acceptance Month

April marks Autism Acceptance Month, a time dedicated to fostering understanding, inclusion, and support for the neurodiverse community.

What is autism?

Autism is defined as a neurological and developmental disorder that affects how people communicate, learn, socialize, and self-regulate. It is a complex and lifelong condition that typically appears in the first two years of life, which is why it is referred to as a developmental disorder. It is considered a "spectrum condition" because it affects people differently in varying degrees. The following tips can help you create a supportive environment for children with autism.

Visual and Routine Supports

Visual schedules (morning, bedtime, homework routines)
First–Then boards (“First homework, then tablet”)
Picture chore charts
Countdown timers for transitions

Communication Supports

Visual choice boards (snacks, activities, outings)
Emotion charts to help identify feelings
Sentence starters (“I feel ___ because ___”)
Communication apps or AAC devices if needed

Regulation and Sensory Tools

Calm-down kit (stress ball, headphones, favorite book)
Noise-reducing headphones for busy environments
Weighted blanket or lap pad (if appropriate)
Movement breaks (mini trampoline, stretching, walks)

Connection

Build on your child’s strengths, celebrate small successes, and maintain open communication with educators and service providers.

To read more about autism visit the Autism Society website or the National Institute of Mental Health website.

Group of coffee cups being held by hands around a table

Coffee and Conversations SELPA Parent Support Group

Are you a parent of a child with special needs that would like a space to connect with other parents? Would you benefit from a listening ear or sharing advice with other parents who can relate to you? Our free and confidential parent support group may be helpful for you.

New parents and caregivers are always welcome and encouraged to join us. English and Spanish meeting options are available. Meeting times have been modified to meet our community needs. Please look at the new times.

This is the last session being held during the 2025-26 school year. We will be announcing more meeting dates for the 2026-27 school year in June.

Upcoming Meetings

English

April 28

All English meetings are hosted at the Sweetwater Union High School District's Professional Development Center:

680 L St., Suite C, Chula Vista, CA 91911

9:30 to 11 a.m.

Spanish

April 30

All Spanish meetings are hosted at Nicoloff Elementary School's multi-purpose room:

1777 Howard Ave., San Ysidro, CA 92173

10:30 a.m. to Noon

Miracle League San Diego

The spring season is in full swing! This season will continue until May 17. Registration for this season is closed, but volunteer buddies are always wanted. If you are interested in volunteering, please visit the Miracle League Website to learn more and sign up.

The Miracle League Spring Season Home Run Derby Fundraiser will be held soon at two locations. These include:

Bell Middle School, 620 Briarwood Rd., San Diego, CA 92139 on Saturday, May 2 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Register or donate here.

Padres Park in San Dieguito Park, 1628 Lomas Sante Fe Drive, Del Mar, CA 92014 on Sunday, May 3 from 12:30 to 3 p.m. Register or donate here.

At this fundraiser, any player, buddy, coach, family member, sponsor, friend can sign up and participate in batting. Every participant is to gather pledges of donations, and for every home run they hit that pledge will be donated. All participants begin with five home runs to guarantee they will raise money. You can also make a flat donation in someone's honor.

Be sure to follow Miracle League of San Diego on Instagram and Facebook to stay up to date with their latest postings.

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 welcome! Childcare is available during class meetings. Registration is not required for this event.

For more information visit the Davila Day School website.

Schedule:

Q4 April 8 to May 27

Location:

Davila Day School

415 Smith Ave., Chula Vista, CA 91910

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. Any parent, educator, or community member is welcome to attend meetings.

We would like to thank the CAC for supporting our 18th Annual Art Exhibition and District Recognition Awards. Your generosity in volunteering your time, sharing thoughtful suggestions, and helping gather donations play a vital role in making this year’s event even more successful and impactful.

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

Follow the @southcountyselpacac on Instagram for news and updates.

Upcoming CAC Meetings

April 21

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

Location: In-person meetings are located at the South County Regional Education Center at 800 National City Blvd., National City, CA 91950

Upcoming Events

April 19 — All-Inclusive Day of Play: Starry Cinema & Resource Fair by the Special Needs Resource Foundation of San Diego

Time: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Location: Salvation Army Kroc Center Corner Zone at 6845 University Ave., San Diego, 92115.

All families can enjoy activity stations, crafts, games, giveaways, a calming movie area and opportunities to connect with local organizations and service providers. Children will also receive a free book at our new Spotlight on Reading station, and families can pick up a copy of the 2026 Flourishing Families Resource Guide, which features more than 1,375 local resources for families with disabilities. Registration is free and helps plan for activities and their supplies.

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

Time: 3:30 to 5 p.m.

Location: South County Regional Educational Center (SCREC) at 800 National City Blvd., National City, CA 91950.

The 2026 Art Exhibition's official theme for this year is, "Splash of Imagination!" Join us to appreciate student-created art and recognize our member district staff. Snacks and drinks will be available to all attending. There will also be a sensory room with an occupational therapist present with an activity for students who wish to attend but may become overwhelmed. Attendees must park on the top floor of the parking garage. Parking is free.

April 28 — CVESD You, Me, and Your Student's IEP Series

Time: 3:30 to 5 p.m.

Location: Sonia Sotomayor Elementary, 1790 Santa Christina Ave., Chula Vista, CA 91913.

This is a free event for Chula Vista Elementary School District families. Attend to learn practical ways to support your student, learn about their IEP, ask questions, and hear about community resources available. Food and childcare are provided. We look forward to seeing you there!

April 28 — Coffee & Conversations SELPA Parent Support Group (English)

Time: 9:30 to 11 a.m.

Location: Sweetwater Union High School District's Professional Development Center, 680 L St., Suite C, Chula Vista, CA 91911.

This is a parent support group for parents of children with special needs. If you feel that you could benefit from a listening ear, getting advice from other parents, or simply sharing a coffee with likeminded parents, consider joining us. This group is free and confidential. Meeting times have been modified to meet our community needs.

April 30 — Coffee & Conversations SELPA Parent Support Group (Spanish)

Time: 10:30 a.m. to noon.

Location: Nicoloff Elementary School's multi-purpose room: 1777 Howard Ave., San Ysidro, CA 92173.

May 7 — Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) Informational Parent Workshop

Time: 9 to 11 a.m.

Location: South County Regional Educational Center (SCREC) at 800 National City Blvd., National City, CA 91950.

The California Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) will be presenting an informative workshop for parents about services that support individuals with disabilities in preparing for employment and independent living.

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.