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Volume 23

March 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 explore the importance of summer/spring camps for children with special needs and provide resources to assist families in finding the right program for their child. Keep reading to find resources and see how the SELPA can assist you and your family.

Summer/spring camps play a crucial role in the lives of children with special needs, offering them opportunities for socialization, skill development, confidence-building, and respite. For families, these camps provide much-needed support and resources in navigating the challenges of raising a child with special needs. As registration begins for many camps, we encourage families to explore the available options and find a program that best meets the needs and interests of their child. With the right support and resources, every child can have a fulfilling and enriching summer or spring camp experience.

Socialization and Peer Interaction:

• One of the primary benefits of summer/spring camps for children with special needs is the opportunity for socialization and peer interaction.
• Many children with special needs may struggle with social skills or feel isolated during the school year. Camps provide a supportive environment where they can make friends, build relationships, and develop social skills in a fun and inclusive setting.

Skill Development:

• Camps for children with special needs often offer a range of activities designed to promote skill development across various areas.
• These activities may include arts and crafts, sports, music, drama, and outdoor adventures, providing opportunities for children to explore their interests and abilities in a supportive and adaptive environment.

Boosting Confidence and Self-Esteem:

• Participating in camp activities and achieving success, whether mastering a new skill or making a new friend, can significantly boost a child's confidence and self-esteem.
• Children with special needs may face unique challenges and barriers in their daily lives. Camps provide a safe space where they can experience success and recognition, fostering a sense of accomplishment and empowerment.

We have compiled a list of local resources for you:

Chula Vista Parks & Recreation

YMCA of San Diego County

Camp Able at Coronado

Adaptive Sports and Recreation Association

The City of San Diego Therapeutic Recreation Services

Autism Society of San Diego

Seaside Arts Center — Art & Heart

Camp Ivey Ranch

Camp Let Loose

Camp Paivika — Ability First

Easter Seals

Junior Adaptive Sports Camp

Salvation Army Kroc Center Day Camp

Read Across America



It's wonderful to see schools across San Diego participated in Read Across America, promoting the joy of reading among students. Having guest readers engage with students at Davila Day School and Friendship School adds a valuable dimension to the event, exposing students to diverse voices and perspectives while fostering a love for literature. Initiatives like these are crucial in nurturing a lifelong passion for reading and learning among young minds.

Equity, Disproportionality and Design (ED&D)



The ED&D has a new podcast with Jennifer Boettger, a statewide lead in the Open Access UDL project. The Open Access Project is funded by the California Department of Education and the California Collaborative for Educational Excellence. To listen to the Podcast, go to ED&D website.

Alternative Dispute Resolution

Our Alternative Dispute Resolution team attended the Reach Out to Families Health and Resource fair where they were able to connect with families and provide information about the South County SELPA.

Our annual Art and Awards Recognition is approaching. Each year we invite teachers to have their students submit artwork on the theme that is provided. This year our theme is Out of this Galaxy. Check in with your child's teacher to see if the class will be participating. If not, you are welcome to drop off your child's artwork at our SELPA office. All art submitted will be showcased during the event at the South County Regional Education Center. Families are welcome to join us for the event and staff will be recognized for their continuous dedication to the students they serve.

16th Annual Art and Awards Recognition

South County Regional Education Center

Thursday, May 23, 2024

4:30 to 6 p.m.

April 1 — Autism Acceptance Night

The Padres, in community partnership with Autism Society San Diego, invite you to join us for Autism Acceptance Night. For more information visit the Padres site.

April 4 — Community Advisory Committee parent training: Preschool to kindergarten transition

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 is available on the top floor of the parking structure.

April 9 to May 7 — Parent IEP Academy Spring 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 9 to 10 a.m.

Spanish Registration / English Registration

April 13 — Alternative Dispute Resolution Chat

Bring your special education questions to our team and drop in virtually from 3 to 3:30 p.m. using the Zoom meeting ID: 851 2590 6937.

April 13 — All Inclusive Day of Play Starry Night of Cinema and Resource Fair

Join the Special Needs Resource Foundation of San Diego for a fun inclusive night with activity booths, games, family resources and “Finding Nemo.” It will be held at The Salvation Army Kroc Center Field, 6753 University Ave., San Diego, CA 92115 from 5 to 9:30 p.m.

April 15 — High School Transition Fair

All high school staff, students and families from any district are welcome. Explore options and supports for after high school. Event will be at Lincoln High School, 4777 Imperial Ave., San Diego, CA 92113 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Information: 619-725-7610.

April 20 — Autism Acceptance Walk or Run

The event will also have resources for families and all proceeds will benefit Greg Rogers Sensory Room. Event will be at 510 E. Naples St. San Diego, CA 91911. Start of the race will be at 8:30 a.m. To register for the event, click here.

April 27 — 40th Annual Involved Exceptional Parents (IEP) Day

The theme this year is Beyond Caregiving — Parents as Change-Makers. Registration is now open for the event which runs from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

May 8 — Alternative Dispute Resolution Chat

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

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.