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Volume 21

January 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 are discussing the importance of support groups and parent trainings. Keep reading to find resources and see how the SELPA can assist your family and you.

As part of our ongoing commitment to supporting the unique needs of our special education students, we are highlighting the importance of connecting with support groups and participating in training opportunities available to you.

Navigating the educational journey for a child with special needs can present unique challenges, but you are not alone. By actively engaging with support groups and attending relevant training sessions, you can enhance your understanding, build a network of support, and empower yourself to advocate effectively for your child.

Here are some key reasons why connecting with support groups and attending training opportunities are invaluable:

• Shared Experiences: Joining a support group allows you to connect with other families who may be experiencing similar challenges. By sharing experiences, you can gain valuable insights, strategies, and emotional support.
• Knowledge Expansion: Training opportunities provide a platform for you to deepen your understanding of special education, and learn strategies, and advocacy techniques. Knowledge is empowering, and it equips you to actively participate in your child's educational journey.
• Advocacy Skills: Training sessions such as our Parent IEP Academy often focus on developing effective advocacy skills. Being informed about your child's rights and understanding the special education process empowers you to navigate challenges, communicate with educators, and ensure your child receives the support they need.

To help you get started, we have compiled a list of recommended support groups and upcoming training opportunities in our community. Your active involvement is not only beneficial for your family but also contributes to the overall strength and cohesion of our school community.

Autism Society San Diego

The Autism Society San Diego connects people to the resources they need through education, advocacy, support, information and referral, and community programming. To learn more about the organization and to find opportunities for you and your family visit the Autism Society of San Diego website.

Miracle League

The Miracle League of San Diego provides children and adults with special needs the opportunity to play baseball in an organized league. Registration for the spring season is now open for players, buddy players, and coaches. To learn more about the program, visit the Miracle League website.

TASK

TASK is an organization with a mission to educate and empower people with disabilities and their families. This organization provides many online trainings. View the calendar of events on its website.

Special Needs Foundation of San Diego



Connecting families (and individuals) with disabilities to resources, services, and opportunities while encouraging an inclusive community and enhancing quality of life. You can view a list of events throughout San Diego for your family at the Special Needs Foundation San Diego website.

Path-Now

Path-Now allows individuals with Intellectual and developmental disabilities or their care provider to create a free profile in the application and specify the types of service(s) needed and their provider preferences. The application then instantly matches them with organizations that align with their preferences. To learn more about the Path-Now application visit the Path-Now website.

Exceptional Family Resource Center (EFRC)



EFRC is an organization that provides education, support, and information to families of children with disabilities and professionals who assist these families in San Diego. To learn more about their services visit the EFRC website

Equity, Disproportionality and Design (ED&D)

& Alternative Dispute Resolution Team Up



ED&D Executive Consultant, Jennifer Gorospe Tull attended the Association of California School Administrators (ASCA) Every Child Counts conference and presented with Alternative Dispute Resolution Coordinator, Heidi Lyon. In these upcoming months, the team will attend several conferences sharing their work and connecting with educators throughout the state.

Winter Parent IEP Academy

Our Alternative Dispute Resolution team has a great opportunity for parents. In the Parent IEP Academy, parents/caregivers will explore an Individualized Education Program (IEP) and learn about each part of the document. To accommodate parent requests, this series of the IEP Parent Academy will take place in the evenings from 5 to 6 p.m. starting Jan. 17. Registration is still open, and we hope to see you there. To register click English or Spanish.

Jan. 17 to Feb. 21 — 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 Thursdays on Zoom from 5 to 6 p.m.

Spanish Registration / English Registration

Feb. 1 — Community Advisory Committee Meeting: Managing Behaviors in the Home

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.

Feb. 14 — Alternative Dispute Resolution Chat

Bring your questions to our team and join us virtually from 3 to 3:30 p.m. using the Zoom meeting ID: 851 2590 6937

March 7 — Community Advisory Committee: Mental Health

Join the Community Advisory Committee 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.

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.