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Volume 50

June 2026

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. June marks the beginning of summer break for many of our students . This month we are sharing resources and recommendations on ways to support your child with special needs without typical school structure. Keep reading to find resources and ways we can assist you and your family.

Visit the SELPA website

SELPA Highlights

Members of San Ysidro Health Center posing with our staff at a presentation

SELPA Presentation at San Ysidro Health Center (SYHC) CARES

Our team member, Special Education Parent Liaison Laura Cervantes, attended San Ysidro Health Center's group for Spanish speaking parents of students receiving behavioral health services. She was able to support parents by sharing a presentation on our SELPA office, which featured what trainings, supports, and resources we have available for families free of charge. We appreciate SYHC for inviting us into their safe space for these parents to ask questions and receive support.

Friendship School Prom

Last week Friendship School hosted their annual prom! It was a fun filled event where students were able to dance, socialize, and dress up for the occasion. This year's theme was "Enchanted Garden". We'd like to give a shout-out to all of the Friendship staff and volunteers for their dedication to making this event one that our community and special needs students will remember fondly.

Friendship students posing together in front of an enchanted garden theme backdrop at prom

Staff members posing for a photo as volunteers at special olympics event

Greg Rogers Elementary Special Olympics

Our staff joined Greg Rogers Elementary as they hosted their annual Special Olympics event. This year's Special Olympics had a great turnout of participants and volunteers. Students enjoyed a day of fun, friendly competition, and teamwork while participating in activities on the field and black top. We'd like to thank Greg Rogers staff, volunteers, and participating families for making this year's event great.

Three of our staff members standing together behind an informational table under trees

Greg Rogers Elementary End of the School Year Celebration

Greg Rogers Elementary held a wonderful end of the school year celebration. Students and families attending were able to let loose and have fun with fair games, face painting, and dancing. There were also food trucks and a book sale, alongside community resource tables, including our own! We'd like to thank Greg Rogers for inviting us to connect with parents and hosting such a great summer kickoff event.

SELPA team members standing at each end of an informational table outside

Tijuana Estuary Event

Last weekend our team members attended the “All are Welcome: Celebrating Accessibility at the Tijuana Estuary” event which included nature walks, speakers, and a new self-guided tour for blind and low-vision visitors. We were happy to host an informational resource table for local families alongside many other community organizations.

Staff Highlight

This month, we would like to celebrate Mr. Russell Coronado, the Executive Director of our very own South County SELPA.

Mr. Coronado has dedicated his career to ensuring that students with disabilities receive high-quality, equitable, and student-centered educational opportunities. As the Executive Director of the San Diego South County Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA), he is widely respected for his leadership, expertise, and unwavering commitment to supporting students, families, and educators throughout the South County region. Since assuming the role of executive director in 2012, Mr. Coronado has successfully guided special education programs and services across the six South County member districts and the San Diego County Office of Education. He is recognized for his strong advocacy of compliant, inclusive, and effective special education practices that prioritize positive outcomes for students.

Mr. Coronado's journey in education began as an instructional aide with the San Diego Unified School District. He later became a school psychologist and advanced into special education administration in 2004. His extensive experience, combined with his unwavering commitment to students and families, has made him a respected leader, mentor, and advocate throughout the special education community.

Throughout his career, Mr. Coronado has been instrumental in developing future leaders in special education. As a mentor to countless school psychologists and special education professionals, he has helped guide many individuals who have gone on to serve in leadership and administrative roles across the region. Recognizing the importance of cultivating the next generation of leaders, he established the Special Education Academy, creating meaningful opportunities for aspiring administrators to develop their skills, deepen their knowledge of special education, and grow as educational leaders.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Mr. Coronado has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to serving the South County community. His dedication extends well beyond the workplace through his volunteer service with organizations such as the Miracle League of San Diego, where he has generously given his time, helping create inclusive opportunities for children of all abilities. His commitment to equity, inclusion, mentorship, and student success has left an enduring legacy that will continue to influence the field of special education for years to come.

As Mr. Coronado begins his well-earned retirement, he leaves behind a remarkable legacy of service, leadership, and compassion. While he will be greatly missed, the programs he created, the leaders he mentored, and the countless lives he touched will ensure that his presence continues to be felt throughout our schools and communities. We extend our deepest gratitude for his years of dedicated service and wish him all the best in this exciting new chapter.

Kids playing together at a summer camp under a colorful parachute

Summer Toolkit for Families

While summer break is often a fun and exciting reset for families, students can be faced with an unpredictable change of routine. Here we have compiled local resources and information that can be utilized to support your child with special needs during summer break, and transition into their break smoothly.

Tips to help transition your child into summer break:

Create a visual schedule with your child revolving around a small number of fixed activities at a consistent time each day. Inspired by a typical school schedule these could include mealtimes, outside time, or quiet time.
Check with staff that support your child about summer availability or suggestions to resources you can utilize during summer break. They can also share helpful information regarding strategies and supports your child may have benefitted from that you can use at home
Plan transitions ahead of time and go over them with your child. Creating a visual aid as well as having conversations may be helpful for your child to see what changes will occur and be more prepared for them.
Try to participate in predictable, free or low-cost activities. This will help your child socialize and participate in recreational or educational activities outside of school. See our list and upcoming event section below for suggestions. For example, you could visit a public library or park one day a week.

Local Resources and Agencies:

Check out the Free and Low-Cost Resources and Summer Activities for Students and Families page from SDCOE's website. This page compiles local resources for summer meals and food resources, reading programs, events and activities, and more.

See the Tools For Schools resource page created by Live Well San Diego. This is a searchable resource database featuring free or low-cost community resources.

Visit the 211 San Diego Homepage to learn more about the 2-1-1 phone line. This local nonprofit organization is a trusted resource for information and connections to community organizations and resources. Help is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and in over 200 languages.

Our office will remain open and operational during summer break. If you are seeking support while schools are out, please feel free to reach out to us. Email us at SCSELPA@sdcoe.net or call our office at 619-470-5252.

Miracle League San Diego

Congratulations to Miracle League of San Diego (MLSD) on a successful and fun-filled spring season which concluded in May. Registration for players is currently closed, but volunteer buddies are always wanted. If you are interested in volunteering, please visit the Miracle League website to learn more and sign up for the upcoming fall season.

Be sure to follow Miracle League of San Diego on Instagram and Facebook to stay up to date with their latest postings.

What is the Community Advisory Committee (CAC)?

The CAC is a team of parents and other individuals with a personal or professional interest in securing appropriate services for students with special needs. Any parent, educator, or community member is welcome to attend meetings. Spanish translation is available.

To join the CAC or access more information, see the CAC webpage.

Follow the @southcountyselpacac on Instagram for news and updates.

Upcoming CAC Meetings

July 29

Time: 6 to 8 p.m.

Location: Virtual

2026-27 meeting dates will be adopted at the July 29 meeting.

Resource for Parents

We would like to share a useful resource with parents of children with special needs to help clarify the different types of support students may receive. This resource was created by High Quality IEPs, the Department of Rehabilitation, and the Department of Developmental Services. Titled "Understanding the Difference between the Individualized Education Program (IEP), Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE), and the Individual Program Plan (IPP)," this resource will define each type of plan and highlight how they support learning, independence, and employment.

View the document here

Upcoming Events

June 20 — Fleet Science Center Accessibility Mornings

Time: 9 to 10 a.m.

Location: Fleet Science Center at 1875 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101

On the third Saturday of every month, the Fleet Science Center in Balboa Park opens their doors one hour before the public is allowed to enter for a sensory-friendly experience. This features a special film screening of a documentary at 10 a.m. with house lights on and the soundtrack volume low. Admission is free for one visitor and an accompanying guest, and noise-cancelling headsets are available.

Information

July 17 — All Inclusive Day of Play and Resource Fair

Time: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Location: Miramar Hourglass Recreation Center at 10440 Black Mountain Rd., San Diego, CA 92126

Brought to you by the Special Needs Resource Foundation of San Diego, this event will have family resources and plenty of fun. There will be activity stations, character meet and greets, family resources, and more. The beginning of the event from 11 to 11:30 a.m. is a designated sensory time for those who may need a calmer environment. For free ticket redemption, please use the link below.

Registration

July 18 — Child Development Associates (CDA) Annual Back to School Resource Fair

Time: 10 a.m. to noon

Location: 5473 Kearny Villa Road, San Diego, CA 92123

This year’s theme, “Every Child Has a Superpower”, celebrates strength, talents, and potential of the children and families in our community. CDA's goal is to bring together trusted community partners to share valuable programs, services, and resources that help families thrive. The event will include engaging, family friendly activities and the distribution of 400 backpacks with school supplies to help prepare children for a successful school year. Backpacks will be distributed on a first come, first serve basis.

July 18 — Fleet Science Center Accessibility Mornings

Time: 9 to 10 a.m.

Location: Fleet Science Center at 1875 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101

Information

July 25 — Chula Vista Elementary School District's 5th Annual Community Expo

Time: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Location: 84 East J St., Chula Vista, CA 91910

Chula Vista Elementary School District (CVESD) families are invited to attend this year's Community Expo where CVESD will showcase their programs, provide resources, and connect with community members. Attendees will enjoy interactive activities for children, free food as supplies last, and access to resources.

Aug. 1 — South Bay Union School District (SBUSD) Community Kick-off Event

Time: 10 a.m. to noon

Location: Mendoza Elementary School at 2050 Coronado Ave., San Diego, CA 92154

Please note this event is for SBUSD families. Join SBUSD staff and fellow families to kick-off the 2026-27 school year! Meet school staff, connect with community partners, and discover resources dedicated to supporting your family. This free event features free lunch, haircuts, school supplies, and more.

Aug. 4 — Coronado Unified School District Ice Cream Social

Time: 4 to 5:30 p.m.

Location: Coronado Unified District Office at 201 Sixth St., Coronado, CA 92118

Coronado Unified School District (CUSD) families are invited to attend an ice cream social at the district office. Come by to enjoy free ice cream, meet other new families, and have a chance to get to know your area military and civilian community resources.

Aug. 6 — South County Special Education Resource Fair

Time: 10 a.m. to noon

Location: South County Regional Education Center at 800 National City Blvd., National City, CA 91950

We’re excited to welcome over 30 organizations offering valuable resources, information, and support for families.

Aug. 12 — South County SELPA Parent IEP Academy Summer Session

Time: Noon to 1 p.m.

Location: Virtual

Are you a parent that would like to understand their student's IEP (Individualized Education Program) paperwork better, or you would like to know how you can participate more in IEP meetings? This free 4-part workshop series is designed to guide families through each stage of the IEP process, providing practical knowledge and tools to support their child effectively. Please join us for all four sessions including Aug. 12, 19, 26, and Sept. 2 to learn more and receive a certificate upon completion.

Registration

Sept. 8 — Coffee and Conversations Parent Support Group (English)

Time: 9:30 to 11 a.m.

Location: Molina Healthcare Chula Vista One Stop Help Center at 689 Palomar St., Chula Vista, CA 91911

Are you a parent of a child with special needs that would like a space to connect with other parents? Would you benefit from a listening ear or sharing advice with other parents who can relate to you? Our free and confidential parent support group may be helpful for you. New parents and caregivers are always welcome and encouraged to join us for a conversation and cup of coffee. This is the Spanish meeting option, see Sept. 10 for the English meeting information.

Sept. 10 — Coffee and Conversations Parent Support Group (Spanish)

Time: 9:30 to 11 a.m.

Location: Molina Healthcare Chula Vista One Stop Help Center at 689 Palomar St., Chula Vista, CA 91911

Sept. 26 — San Diego Regional Center's (SDRC) 4th Annual SDRC Resource Fair

Time: 9 a.m.

Location: San Diego Convention Center, Hall B at 111 West Harbor Dr., San Diego, CA 92101

Join SDRC for a welcoming and inclusive event that brings together the individuals they serve, their families, service providers, community partners, and SDRC staff. At this resource fair you can learn about and explore vendors, services, and attend eight breakout sessions. The first 800 cars (non-exhibitors only) will receive free parking, and the first 800 individuals attending will receive free lunch!

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.