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Volume 19

November 2023

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're talking about least restrictive environments. Keep reading to learn more and hear about upcoming events and SELPA highlights.

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Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)

The concept of the LRE it is a fundamental principle in special education. It emphasizes the importance of educating students with disabilities in a program that provides the maximum possible inclusion and participation in the general education environment, while still meeting their individual needs. It's important to note that the LRE is not a one-size-fits-all concept, and it is not a specific place. What is considered the least restrictive environment will vary depending on the individual needs and abilities of the student. Here are some reasons why the least restrictive environment is important for students who are in special education:

Inclusion and socialization: Placing students with disabilities in the least restrictive environment allows them to interact with their non-disabled peers. This promotes socialization, friendship development, and the opportunity to learn from their peers, both academically and socially.

Academic progress: Students with disabilities can benefit from exposure to the general education curriculum and instruction, as it can better challenge and support their academic growth. Inclusion in mainstream classes may lead to higher academic achievement.

Diverse perspectives: Inclusion promotes diversity in the classroom and encourages an appreciation of differences. This can help reduce stereotypes and biases and foster a more inclusive and accepting school community.

Learn more about least restrictive environment in this article from Understood.

SELPA Highlights

Equity Design and Disproportionality (ED&D) team

The Equity Design and Disproportionality team presented at the California PBIS Conference. The team was thrilled to share their knowledge and meet other professionals. The team has released the first episode of its podcast's second season. In this episode, they talk with Dr. Talisa Sullivan, executive director of equity from SDCOE about the upcoming Equity is Love in Action conference. Listen to the podcast on Spotify.

SELPA Staff Attend Local Resource Fairs

Our SELPA team has attended several resource fairs to connect with families and share resources. We look forward to meeting new families and assisting them with any special education concerns.

Community Advisory Committee (CAC) Meeting

We had an informative workshop for parents at our monthly Community Advisory Committee meetings. This month we reviewed procedural safeguards with parents. Parents were able to ask questions and make connections with other parents. If you would like to receive the PowerPoint for this workshop, please email scselpaadr@sdcoe.net.

We would love to see you at our next Community Advisory Committee meeting Dec. 7.

District Happenings

Spooky Kitchen at Friendship School

Lida Ramos and Linsey Dome annually transform the sensory room at Friendship into the “spooky kitchen” with sensory treats to delight and frighten all who dare to enter. Students and families look forward to this event every year where students can explore their senses.

Sweetwater Union High School District

Sweetwater Union had a great event offered for students in special education. Staff and students dressed up and had a dance party. Inclusion isn't just about accommodating differences; it's also about fostering a culture of respect and understanding. It is amazing how Sweetwater fosters an inclusive environment for all students.

Upcoming Events

November — TASK Live Webinar

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

Dec. 7 — Community Advisory Committee Meeting: Alternative Dispute Resolution: Getting to Know Your options in Resolving Conflict

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.

Dec. 9 — Sensory-Friendly Performance

The Old Globe will have a sensory-friendly performance of Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas! For tickets, please call the box office or visit the website for more information.

Dec. 13 — Alternative Dispute Resolution Lunch 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

Jan. 11 — Community Advisory Committee (Secondary Transition

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.

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

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.