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Volume 24

April 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 student participation in their IEP. Student participation is crucial for fostering a student-centered approach to education. Keep reading to find resources and see how the SELPA can assist you and your family.

We are aware that every child is unique and student participation may be different for each child based on their needs. As parents, you are in the best position to determine how much participation your child is capable of handling. By highlighting the importance of student participation and providing tailored support for meaningful involvement, you can empower your child to take an active role in shaping their education and advocating for their needs. This approach not only strengthens the IEP process but also promotes student ownership of their learning journey. Here's how you can prepare your child for meaningful involvement. In age-appropriate language:

• Emphasize Student Voice: Start by emphasizing the importance of their voice in their education. Let them know that their input is valued and essential in creating a plan that truly meets their needs and goals.

• Explain the Purpose: Take the time to explain to your child why their participation in the IEP meeting matters. Help them understand that the meeting is about discussing their strengths, challenges, and goals and their input will directly influence the decisions made.

• Discuss Rights and Responsibilities: Review with your child their rights regarding their education, including their right to participate in the IEP process. Explain their responsibilities in the meeting, such as sharing their thoughts, feelings, and preferences openly and honestly.

• Personalize Preparation: Work with your child to personalize their preparation for the meeting. This could involve reflecting on their academic and social-emotional experiences, identifying areas of success and areas where they may need support, and setting goals for the future.

To learn more about meaningful participation visit the High Quality IEPs Project, where you will have access to many resources that you can print and use.

San Diego County Board of Education selects Dr. Gloria E. Ciriza as next Superintendent of Schools

Dr. Gloria E. Ciriza, a 30-year educator who has championed educational equity, will become the next San Diego County Superintendent of Schools. She will be the first female county superintendent in the San Diego County Office of Education’s (SDCOE) 76-year history. Appointed by the San Diego County Board of Education, the county superintendent of schools is the head of SDCOE, which operates programs and services that allow districts and schools to focus on providing a high-quality learning experience for children and families while leveraging economies of scale to enhance effectiveness and save taxpayer dollars. The county superintendent also has direct oversight responsibilities for approving and assuring school district budgets, calling school district elections, and assisting with school district emergencies. Click, here for the full article from SDCOE.

Autism Acceptance Walk or Run



Join the community of Chula Vista in raising awareness of Autism and help Greg Rogers Elementary School. The school is hosting this walk on April 20 to raise funds for their sensory room. The event will also have a variety of resources for families. Event will be at 510 E. Naples St., San Diego, CA 91911. The event will start at 8:30 a.m. To register for the event, click here.

Friendship School Wheel-A-Thon

Friendship School had their annual Wheel-A-Thon on April 18. It was a wonderful event. If you were unable to participate, please be on the lookout next year for the details of the event. Friendship School is a five-classroom special education school serving up to 50 students ages 3-22. The Friendship students have cognitive and physical disabilities that require a specialized, therapeutic educational setting. We offer nursing support, staff trained in specialized health care procedures, modified curriculum supports, and access to specialized sensory and communication tools and supports. We serve districts throughout San Diego County and is operated by the San Diego County Office of Education.

Alternative Dispute Resolution

Our Alternative Dispute Resolution has started the last Parent IEP Academy for the 2023-2024 school year. You can still register for the training by registering for the event here.

Spanish Registration / English Registration

16th Annual Art and Awards Recognition

Our annual Art and Awards Recognition is approaching. Each year we invite teachers to have their students submit artwork on the provided theme. 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, click here for all of the details and for the permission slip. 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. If you are interested in assisting during the event, please reach out to Diana Lynn via email at dlynn@sdcoe.net to receive more information.

16th Annual Art and Awards Recognition

South County Regional Education Center

Thursday, May 23

4:30 to 6 p.m.

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 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 20 — Chula Vista Sports Fest

Special Olympics Southern California offers year-round sports programs for individuals with intellectual disabilities FREE of charge. Come out on Saturday, April 20, 2024, to try out the sports and make some new friends! Ages 8 and up are welcome and a waiver needs to be completed prior. Event will be at Mater Dei Catholic High School (1615 Mater Dei Drive, Chula Vista). 8:30 to 11:45 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 6 — Financial Well-Being for People with Disabilities

Learn about the CalABLE program and how it can benefit all individuals with a disability.

The intended audience is families with children in special education who attend school districts located within the South County SELPA and staff that work with students with disabilities. Presentation will be from noon to 1 p.m. in person at the South County Regional Education Center (800 National City Blvd., National City, CA 91950) or virtual option, and registration is required. Register for in person or for virtual.

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.

May 18 — Chula Vista Council of PTAs Wellness Fair

Wellness fair for families to find information on local organizations and services that support the health and wellbeing of families. Event will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Location will be at the Chula Vista Elementary School District (84 East J St., Chula Vista, CA 91920).

May 23 —16th Annual Art and Awards Recognition

Join the South County SELPA as we spotlight student art and honor staff who support students within the SELPA. The event will take place at the South County Regional Education Center (800 National City Blvd., National City, CA 91950) from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Free parking is available on the top floor of the parking structure. Click to find more information.

June 12 — 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.

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.