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Volume 39

July 2025

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. As the new school year begins, we encourage you to prepare your child for the changes that come along with a new school year. Keep reading to find resources and ways the South County SELPA can assist you and your family.

Visit the SELPA website

Back to School Tips

As the school year approaches, it is important to help your child prepare for their journey. While this new experience is exciting, it can often become overwhelming. Organizing helpful tools ahead of time can help the transition into the

2025-26 school year stay exciting and less stressful. Here are some ideas on how you and your child can prepare for a smooth transition:

Establish Routines

Create daily checklists for getting ready for school in the morning and when returning home in the afternoon.
Avoid busy weekends with large changes in routine until your child has settled into their new school year routine.
Use a calendar with your child to mark any changes in regular school routines ahead of time. Include information like important upcoming events, holidays, and school breaks.

Prepare for Environmental Changes

Reach out to new teachers and staff to introduce yourself and your child.
Share your child's goals for growth, areas where they may need additional support, and their interests.
Review the route to school with your child, as well as a map of their school campus.
Mark routes and class locations on maps.

Have Conversations with Your Child — Questions to Ask

What are some subjects you are excited to learn about this year?
How do you think school could be better for you this year?
What worries you when starting a new year at school?

Review IEP Services

Consider scheduling an IEP meeting before school starts or at the beginning of the year.
Did you notice any changes with your child's social behaviors, academic strengths and weaknesses, or assistive technology over summer break?

SELPA Highlights

Image of participants at SELPA resource fair

South County SELPA Special Education Resource Fair

We’re excited to welcome over 40 organizations offering valuable resources, information, and support for families. Join us in building a supportive and inclusive community where every student can succeed.

When: Aug. 7, 10 a.m. to noon

Where: South County Regional Education Center, 800 National City Blvd. National City, CA 91950

Don’t miss this opportunity to empower your journey!

Image of SELPA staff with family holding a certificate next to a bicycle

Staff Highlight

Each year at our Annual Art Exhibition & District Awards Recognition, we celebrate exceptional staff members who go above and beyond. This is our opportunity to showcase their incredible work and share their stories—including what inspired them to work with students with disabilities.

This month we will share the great work our own Laura Cervantes does in supporting our students and families.

Laura Cervantes serves as our Special Education Parent Liaison and has been a dedicated member of the South County SELPA team for over 25 years. Throughout her time with us, she has supported families by attending IEP meetings, helping them better understand their child’s disability, and guiding them through the collaboration process with empathy and care. Laura often shares her personal journey as a parent, offering a unique and heartfelt perspective that resonates deeply with the families she supports. We are truly grateful for her unwavering commitment, compassion, and dedication to the students and families in our community.

SELPA staff and participant in front of resource table

Chula Vista Elementary School District Community Expo

Mark your calendars and join us for an engaging day full of activities for children. Come and explore district and community resources, giveaways, and more. Event will be July 26 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the district office located at 84 E. J St, Chula Vista, CA 91910.

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

Join us in celebrating the start of the 2025-26 school year. SBUSD families will enjoy learning from school staff and community agency partners about resources and support available in our school community. Event will be at Mendoza Elementary School located at 2020 Coronado Ave, San Diego, CA 92154 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Miracle League San Diego – Fall Registration Deadline is July 31

There is still time to register for the fall season. The Fall 2025 season will run from Sept. 6 to Nov. 16. Please follow the links below to register. Deadline to register is July 31.

Bell Middle School

Engel Family Field

Competitive Division at Engel Family Field

Any questions or issues, please contact Coordinator Stefanie Waszut, stefaniew.mlsd@gmail.com. To watch some highlights please visit Miracle League San Diego.

Parent Individualized Education Program (IEP) Academy

Now in its fourth year, we’re launching a revamped version of the Academy with updated resources. Summer Academy begins Aug. 5 and will be virtual. To register for summer or fall click on registration.

Let’s work together to build stronger partnerships for student success.

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Corner

If someone has been particularly helpful, acknowledge their efforts. Sometimes, especially when frustrations arise, acknowledging what has gone well, and how hard everyone has worked, sweetens the air a bit and makes it possible for everyone to feel better and push towards the finish line!

Source: CADRE (The Center for Appropriate Dispute Resolution in Special Education)

Maintain copies of evaluations, IEPs, progress reports, and correspondence.

Communication Tips

When talking with staff and administrators at your child’s school, you’re likely to be successful if you can:

• Keep your cool.

• Focus on the positives.

• Be clear about your goals.

• Listen. Ask questions. Clarify.

• Keep the focus on meeting your child’s needs.

• Present options in a collaborative way; for example, say, “we can” instead of “you should.”

Source: CADRE (The Center for Appropriate Dispute Resolution in Special Education)

Upcoming Events

July 26 — Chula Vista Elementary School District (CVESD) Community Expo

Event will be held at the Chula Vista Elementary School District located at 84 East J Street, Chula Vista, CA 91910 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

July 26 — South Bay Union School District (SBUSD) Community Kick-Off Event

Event will be at Mendoza Elementary School located at 2020 Coronado Ave, San Diego, CA 92154 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

July 27 — Naval Base San Diego – Trail Tykes

Event is open to military families with young children (2 to 5 year olds). Enjoy a fun walk at Mission Trails Regional Park, The Visitor Center - 1 Father Junipero Serra Trail from 10 a.m. to noon. Registration

Aug. 5 to Sept. 2 — Summer Parent IEP Academy

Meetings will be virtual every Tuesday from 10 to 11 a.m.

Registration

Aug. 7 — South County SELPA Special Education Resource Fair

Resource fair 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.

Aug. 12 — Coronado Unified School District Back to School Ice Cream Social

All TK-12 families are welcome to attend. Event will be at Coronado Unified School District, located at 201 Sixth Street, Coronado, CA 92118 from 4 to 5:30 p.m.

Aug. 19 — Community Advisory Meeting

Meeting will be at the South County Regional Education Center located at 800 National City Blvd., National City, CA 91950 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. For more information visit the CAC website.

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.