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Volume 9

January 2023

January marks the start of a new year. Let's make sure 2023 is a great one for your child’s education! The South County Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA) Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) newsletter is a monthly publication bringing you the information needed to stay informed. This month we’ll cover what's happening at the Community Advisory Committee meetings and tell you all about Early Dispute Resolution Mediation. To learn more about the resources available visit the South County SELPA website.

LEARN MORE

What’s Happening at the CAC

January's CAC

This month was our first in-person meeting of the school year! Director of Special Services for Sweetwater Union High School District, Michelle Sturm-Gonzalez presented on secondary transition. She covered topics including:

The intradistrict transfer process
Daily schedules (block schedules, full days, minimum days)
Certificate of Completion vs. Diploma
Service delivery models

If you are interested in learning more or receiving a copy of the PowerPoint, please email scselpaadr@sdcoe.net.

February's CAC

Come learn how to prepare your child for preschool to kindergarten transition. The meeting will take place at South County Regional Education Center (800 National City Blvd., National City, CA 91950) on Feb. 2 from 10 to 11 a.m. Both English and Spanish translation will be provided.

Spanish Registration / English Registration

Save the Date!

15th Annual Art and Awards Recognition Event, May 25, 4:30 to 6 p.m.

The South County SELPA Community Advisory Committee is proud to announce the 15th Annual Art and Awards Recognition Event. The event will feature artwork — including drawings, paintings, poetry, essays, and photography — from students in our member districts. Join us Thursday, May 25 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the South County Regional Education Center (800 National City Blvd., National City, CA 91950).

English Registration / Spanish Registration

Early Dispute Resolution Mediation

South County SELPA Continuum of ADR Supports

Informal Options

Resource Parent Support
Neutral SELPA Case Review
Neutral SELPA IEP Support

Formal Options

Facilitated IEP
Early Dispute Resolution Mediation
Facilitated Resolution Meeting

What is Early Dispute Resolution Mediation? Early Dispute Resolution mediation (EDR) is a voluntary process that utilizes a mediator to work with parents and districts in resolving prospective disputes at the earliest opportunity.

Who Uses EDR Mediation? EDR mediation is recommended to districts and parents when a consensus cannot be reached in an Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting.

Why Try EDR Mediation? This is a free tool for working through disagreements with the help of a neutral person who is trained in mediation and knowledgeable of special education law.

Tips for Preparing for EDR Mediation

Write down your concerns: List your questions and issues ahead of time so you are organized and prepared to fully participate.
Bring documentation: Bring copies of previous IEPs, report cards, doctor's evaluations, etc. to share with those at the meeting.
Be respectful: Listening carefully and being respectful can open the room to new problem-solving ideas.

Learn more about special education mediation.

Learn more about the supports available at South County SELPA.

Upcoming Events

Jan. 18 — Do I need ADR?

Join the South County SELPA ADR team on Wednesday, Jan. 18 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. for a free, virtual workshop. The workshop will cover:

An overview of Alternative Dispute Resolution
The benefits of participating in ADR
Free resources available at South County SELPA
The South County SELPA ADR process

Spanish Registration / English Registration

Jan. 23 — Grupo de Apoyo en Español

Support group, for families with children with autism, meeting Mondays from 6 to 8 p.m. The meetings will be held in Spanish only. Visit the website for location and to sign up.

Jan. 26 to March 9 — Parent IEP Academy

Interested in increasing your understanding of the IEP process? Do you want to feel confident that you have the necessary tools to fully participate in your child’s IEP? Meet with us Thursdays on Zoom from 9 to 10 a.m.

Spanish Registration / English Registration

Feb.2 — Community Advisory Committee Meeting - Preschool Transition

Join the CAC and district staff at the South County Regional Education Center (800 National City Blvd., National City, CA 91950) from 10 to 11 a.m.

Spanish Registration / English Registration

Feb. 14 — Parent ADR Office Hours

Bring your question to our team and join us virtually from 10 to 11 a.m. using the Zoom meeting ID: 837 9802 7038.