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Volume 36

April 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. This month in honor of National Autism Acceptance Month we would like to bring awareness and provide local resources. Keep reading to find resources and ways the South County SELPA can assist you and your family.

Visit the SELPA website

Autism Acceptance Month

April is Autism Acceptance Month, a time to celebrate and honor the experiences, identities, and contributions of individuals with autism. This month encourages us to move beyond awareness and toward meaningful acceptance, fostering a more inclusive and supportive community for all.

Acceptance means embracing neurodiversity, advocating for accessibility, and ensuring that every individual is valued for who they are. As a community, we can promote understanding, respect, and meaningful support for students with autism and their families.

Throughout the month, we encourage families to engage in conversations about inclusion, explore resources, and celebrate the unique strengths of individuals with autism. Together, we can create environments where all students feel seen, heard, and empowered to thrive.

To learn more about autism and supports visit, Autism Speaks.

The Autism Ask Line

The Autism Ask Line is a warm helpline for all your autism related questions. This call-in line is for caregivers, autistic self-advocates and autism service professionals in San Diego County. This service is provided by a peer-to-peer trained representative to assist a caller with resources, guidance and support.

It is offered Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in English and Spanish. Please note that this is a warm-line not a hotline. It is a complimentary service that we are offering to our Autism Community. To reach a local representative at the Autism Ask Line, call 858- 715-0678. View the flyer here.

SELPA Highlights

Student and teacher at Braille Challenge

South County SELPA staff at Braille Challenge

Coronado High student at Braille Challenge

South County SELPA Shines at the 2025 Braille Challenge

Students and teachers from South County SELPA embarked on an exciting journey at the annual Braille Challenge in Los Angeles. Celebrating its 25th anniversary, this incredible two-stage competition promotes braille literacy and empowers students who are blind or visually impaired throughout the county. Open to students from grades 1 through 12, the event sharpens essential reading and writing skills, paving the way for academic and career success. Our dedicated teachers of the Visually Impaired (TVIs) returned to volunteer their time to support, score exams, and encourage all participants. The competition was filled with energy, learning, and big wins for our SELPA students! Sienna Godoy from South Bay Union dominated her division, earning 1st place, while Grace Dabbieri from Coronado Unified made waves by securing 3rd place in her division. What an incredible achievement for these talented students, their families, and their dedicated TVIs!

Now, with their victories in hand, Sienna and Grace are gearing up for the regional competition this June. Stay tuned as they continue their journey — let’s cheer them on all the way.

Equity, Disproportionality, and Design (ED&D)

The Equity, Disproportionality and Design (ED&D) had the incredible opportunity to present at CAAASA, where they shared insights on Addressing Disproportionate Outcomes: Supporting all Students within an Equitable Setting. It was an engaging session filled with valuable discussions and connecting with fellow educators.

17th Annual Art Exhibition and District Awards Recognition

Our Annual Art Exhibition and District Awards recognition is almost here. This year's theme is "Spring into Art: A Garden of Expression." Join us as we celebrate the creativity of our students, showcasing their incredible artwork, while taking the opportunity to recognize some of the amazing staff from our member districts. In order to prepare for this event, please register for the event.

When: Thursday, May 8

3:30 to 4 p.m.: Art Walk
4 to 4:15 p.m.: Students who are present will be recognized
4:15 to 5 p.m.: District Awards presented

Where: South County Regional Education Center at 800 National City Blvd., National City (Parking is free on the top level of the parking structure.)

Community Resource Fairs

South County SELPA had the privilege of participating in several resource fairs, engaging with the community, and sharing valuable resources with families. We truly enjoy meeting new families and collaborating to support their children's needs. We appreciate the school districts for inviting us and look forward to continuing this partnership.

Read Across America

Read Across America Day was a fantastic celebration of literacy! It was a pleasure to be guest readers at Davila Day School, sharing stories and fostering a love for reading with the students. Thank you to the wonderful staff and students for the warm welcome and enthusiasm.

Parent Workshop: Supporting Families in Addressing Mental Health Challenges for Students with IEPs

We had a wonderful group of participants eager to learn how to support their children during our parent workshop last month held at the South County Regional Educational Center (SCREC). Staff from North County Academy shared some valuable strategies that parents can utilize to support their children.

Miracle League San Diego

This month's games mark the halfway point of the spring 2025 season — hard to believe how quickly time is flying! It’s been an exciting journey so far, with players showing incredible enthusiasm, teamwork, and sportsmanship each week. We’ve loved watching their growth on and off the field!

A heartfelt thank you to all of our amazing volunteers. Your time and dedication truly make the league a special place for our players and families.

Also, Picture Day was a huge success! The smiles, team spirit, and energy captured were priceless, and we can’t wait to see the final photos.

Upcoming Events

April 3 to May 1 — Parent IEP Academy Spring Series

Meeting will be virtual from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Spanish Registration /English Registration

April 16 — “Transition Resource Fair” by San Diego Regional Center and Daniel Smirniotis. For more information visit, Sweetwater Union High School District Special Services.

April 17 — “Student Journey to Empowerment/Next Steps” by Nancy Walter

For more information visit, Sweetwater Union High School District Special Services.

April 24 — CAC Meeting

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

April 26 — Healthy Kids Day hosted by YMCA CAMP SURF

Resource fair sharing community resources, access to recreational activities, food vendors and beach cleanup. Event will be at YMCA CAMP SURF, located at

560 Silver Strand Blvd, Imperial Beach, CA 91932, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

May 8 — 17th Annual Art Exhibition and District Awards Recognition

Event will be at the South County Regional Education Center (SCREC) 800 National City Blvd. National City, CA 91950 from 3:30 to 5 p.m.

May 22 — Transition to Preschool: Resources for families of students with special needs

Ideal for families with children who are currently being assessed for special education services and transitioning to preschool in the Coronado Unified School District. Workshop will be held at Silver Strand Elementary School located at 1350 Leyte Rd. Coronado, CA 92118-3124 from 9 to 10 a.m.

Registration

May 22 — CAC Meeting

Meeting will be at the Professional Development Center; 680 L. St. Ste. C, Chula Vista, CA 91911 from 6 to 8 p.m. For more information visit 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.