East San Gabriel Valley SELPA News

As we close out the month of September, the SELPA reflects on the successful start of the 2026–2027 school year and shares in the excitement of our Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) as they look ahead to the many opportunities and initiatives planned for the remainder of the year!

A successful start to a school year takes the dedication and collaboration of countless teams across our member LEAs. From maintenance and grounds crews preparing each campus for the return of students, to office staff ensuring records are updated and families are welcomed, to educators, administrators, and support staff preparing classrooms, developing programs, and coordinating services. The work that takes place behind the scenes is essential to creating positive learning environments for all students and the start of the school year would not be possible without the efforts of families to prepare their students to start the year! We extend our sincere appreciation to everyone whose efforts helped make the beginning of this school year a success.

As we settle into the rhythm of the new school year, we are especially excited about the opportunities ahead to strengthen our programs, support our educators, and continue advancing outcomes for students with disabilities. The dedication, expertise, and collaborative spirit of our LEAs remain at the heart of this work. Together, we will continue building on our successes, addressing emerging challenges, and ensuring that students and families receive the support and services they need to thrive.

We look forward to the months ahead and the continued partnership, innovation, and shared commitment that make our SELPA community so special. Thank you for all that you do each day to support students, families, and one another. We wish everyone a productive, rewarding, and successful 2026–2027 school year! Please check out the exciting events that are occurring across the SELPA and do not hesitate to reach out to the SELPA to share news from your LEAs!

Editions of the East San Gabriel Valley SELPA Newsletter will be released in the fall, winter, and summer of each school year. For questions, assistance, to be featured in a future newsletter, or to notify us of any events or activities throughout the SELPA, please contact us at 626-966-1679.

ESGV SELPA CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

As we continuously strive to foster inclusive, supportive, and effective learning environments for all students, professional learning remains at the heart of our mission. We invite you to explore our upcoming trainings focused on evidence-based practices, compliance guidelines, and student-centered strategies.

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) 3.0

Presented by Supportive Innovative Practices (SIP)

Day 1: 11-19-26 / Day 2: 02-18-27

UDL 3.0 is an updated, evidence-based educational framework to help educators design inclusive learning environments that remove barriers for all students. Participants will discover how UDL 3.0 can help them design classrooms where every learner belongs, is engaged, and leads their own learning journey.

Special Education Leadership Academy

Presented by FAPE Consulting, Dr. Derek Ihori

Day 1: 09-14-26 / Day 2: 10-12-26

This two-day session leadership academy is designed to provide special education administrators with practical, real-world strategies and tools to strengthen problem-solving skills, design staff training, analyze risk, implement legal requirements, handle complaints, and improve the effectiveness of special education programs.

Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) Trainings:

Crisis Prevention Institute training is an evidence-based program that teaches professionals how to recognize, prevent, and safely de-escalate aggressive or disruptive behavior. To best accommodate our staff, the ESGV SELPA offers 1-day refresher trainings and 2-day trainings throughout the year. The 1-day refresher training is intended for participants who previously attended the NCPI enhanced 2-day training or at least two of the Legacy (OLD) Refreshers (within 3 years and without CPI certification having expired). The 2-day training is intended for participants who have never attended the training and/or staff who have attended training, but whose previous training was over 3 years ago, and whose CPI certification has expired.

Southern California Diagnostic Center Trainings

The Diagnostic Center designs and leads professional learning sessions for SELPAs. These programs target key topics identified through regional and statewide surveys, ensuring training aligns directly with current educational needs. This year, the ESGV SELPA will sponsor three trainings: Development, Routines, and Themes: The Blueprint for Effective Special Education Classrooms; The Trauma-Informed School; and A Deeper Dive Into Reading Support: Strategies for Reaching and Teaching Striving Readers. Please visit www.dcs-cde.ca.gov/prf/prfoverview.aspx for additional SELPA-sponsored trainings.

ESGV SELPA COLLABORATIVE LEADERSHIP: ANNUAL CABINET & COMMITTEE MEETINGS

Our collective success relies on strong leadership, shared governance, and meaningful community partnership. Throughout the year, our key leadership councils and committees meet regularly to guide policy, ensure fiscal accountability, and drive program excellence across our SELPA.

• Superintendents' Council: This executive body brings together superintendents from our member districts to provide governance, approve policies, and make critical allocation decisions that affect all member districts.
• Business Administrators' Meetings: Focused on the fiscal responsibility of our programs, these administrators collaborate on budget development, review funding allocations, and ensure fiscal compliance and sustainability across member districts.
• Director's Cabinet: Composed of special education directors, this cabinet collaborates on operational strategies, updates regional programming, and ensures consistent implementation of state and federal guidelines.
• Program Administrators' Meetings: Focused on the day-to-day operations of our programs, these administrators gather to share best practices, coordinate regional services, and address instructional needs.
• Community Advisory Committee (CAC): Serving as a collaborative link between schools and families, the CAC includes parents, educators, and community members who advise the SELPA on priorities, provide valuable feedback, and host educational parent workshops.

These continuous collaborative efforts ensure that our policies, practices, and community voices remain unified in supporting student success.

Our Community Advisory Committee (CAC) has a vibrant year ahead packed with events designed to connect, educate, and celebrate our community. Take a look at our upcoming events.

• Annual Arts Festival: Save the date: November 16, 2026. A celebration of creativity showcasing the incredible artistic talents of our students across the region.
• Parent Inservices: Informative educational workshops designed to empower parents with practical strategies, legal updates, and advocacy tools.
• Coffee with Directors: Casual, open forums offering a direct opportunity to chat with special education directors, ask questions, and share feedback.
• Employment Expo: A dedicated event connecting students and families with local businesses, job training programs, and transition resources for life after school.

FEDERAL ADVOCACY: CAFSE TRIP TO WASHINGTON D.C.

During the week of September 14th, our SELPA participated in the annual federal advocacy event organized by the Coalition for Adequate Funding for Special Education (CAFSE). This vital trip brings special education leaders and advocates directly to Washington, D.C., to advocate for the necessary resources our students and schools need.

We are incredibly proud to share that our Community Advisory Committee (CAC) Chair, Ms. Tavia Lawson, attended this year's trip to represent our families and staff. Alongside state educational leaders, Ms. Lawson met with legislative representatives to champion several high-priority objectives such as securing full federal funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

Having our CAC Chair on Capitol Hill ensured that our community's local voice, real-world experiences, and parental perspectives were directly included in these critical national funding conversations.

For the latest ESGV SELPA CAC events, activities, newsletter, and highlights, please visit the ESGV SELPA CAC social media page Linktr.ee. For questions or assistance, please email the ESGV SELPA CAC at cac@esgvselpa.org. Thank you!

Welcome back to the 2026-2027 School Year!

The CALPADS Corner is here to keep you informed about important data updates, training opportunities, and upcoming CALPADS, SEIS, and DRDP activities. As we begin the 2026–27 school year, please take note of the following updates and important dates.

2026–27 CALPADS Rollover - The 2026–27 CALPADS rollover has occurred, and users may now begin submitting Special Education (SPED) transactions to CALPADS. Please review your data and submit transactions as appropriate for the new school year.

Multifactor Authentication (MFA) - For CALPADS users, Multifactor Authentication (MFA) will begin on September 15, 2026. Please make sure you are prepared for this change and able to access your CALPADS account using the required authentication process.

CALPADS Fall 1 Training - Registration is now available for CALPADS Fall 1 Training through the California School Information Services (CSIS) Training page: CSIS Training Page

September CALPADS Regional Update Meetings - The September 2026 CALPADS Regional Update Meetings are scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday, September 8–9, 2026. The September meetings will focus on the Fall 1 and Fall 2 data submissions. Registration is available through the CSIS Training page.

SEIS Training Opportunities - A SEIS Data Training for Administrators was held on September 17, 2026. A teacher-level SEIS training recording will also be released in September 2026. This recording will provide an additional resource for teachers and staff working with SEIS data.

Desired Results Developmental Profile (DRDP) Update - The new DRDP (2025) has been rolled out. The Desired Results Access Project will be offering several training opportunities focused on the new DRDP modules. To view the training schedule and learn more about upcoming professional development opportunities, visit: DR Access Project – Professional Development Schedule

Important Dates

September 8–9, 2026: CALPADS Regional Update Meetings — Fall 1 and Fall 2

September 15, 2026: CALPADS Multifactor Authentication begins

September 17, 2026: SEIS Data Training for Administrators

September 2026: Teacher-Level SEIS Training Recording Released

September 2026: DRDP Training Opportunities

For technical support or assistance with CALPADS, please contact Lucky Do, Data Management Systems Analyst, at 626-966-1679 or ldo@esgvselpa.org.

Evergreen Elementary (Walnut Valley USD) is excited to start a new school year with their AUSOME Eagles Club, which held its first gathering today! The club brings together general education students and students in our ASD - Intermediate program to create meaningful opportunities for peer interaction, friendship, social engagement, and relationship-building through fun and inclusive activities.

a Leader in Me school, Dr. Gabriel Cardenas and teachers Brittney Saucedo and Alex Villalobos incorporate student leadership into the AUSOME Eagles Club. Next month, we will hold interviews for our AUSOME Eagles Action Team. Students selected for the Action Team will have the opportunity to take an active leadership role by helping plan, organize, and facilitate games and activities during club gatherings.

Through AUSOME Eagles, Evergreen is creating an inclusive environment where students of all abilities can connect, build meaningful friendships, and learn from one another. We are excited to watch our students grow as friends, leaders, and inclusive members of our Evergreen community!

The ESGV SELPA Transportation Office has been hard at work preparing for the start of the 2026-27 school year. Throughout the summer, staff from the SELPA Transportation Office collaborated closely with Durham School Services to coordinate routes, review student transportation needs, and ensure a smooth transition for students and families as they returned to school.

A key part of this preparation was Durham's annual Welcome Back Kickoff Meeting held on August 3, 2026. The meeting brought together bus drivers, dispatchers, mechanics, and management staff to welcome employees back for the new school year and review important operational and safety information. The event also gave SELPA's Transportation Director Casiano Perez an opportunity to connect directly with Durham staff, reinforce safety expectations and best practices, and help prepare transportation teams for a successful school year. The meeting emphasized the shared commitment between the East San Gabriel Valley SELPA and Durham School Services to providing safe, reliable transportation and outstanding service to the students and families we serve.

As the school year gets underway, we would like to thank our transportation professionals for their dedication and commitment to safety. Their efforts play a vital role in helping students arrive at school ready to learn and return home safely each day. We look forward to another successful year!

We welcome your feedback and look forward to continuing to serve our students and families with excellence. For transportation-related questions, please contact 626-966-1670, option 2.

Fall is always an exciting and busy time for our District Private School Representatives and Consultant. During this time, we are renewing the Service Plans, learning about the needs of our private schools and their students, and identifying which students have moved to different schools.

The ESGV SELPA currently provides consultation services to 25 nonprofit private schools throughout the East San Gabriel Valley. All private schools, both for-profit and nonprofit, have been mailed a copy of the “Child Find” notice to share with their school communities.

Private School Representatives were invited to attend our Annual Timely and Meaningful Consultation Workshop on September 24, 2026, and the Intentional Use of Artificial Intelligence Workshop on August 26, 2026.

Our Parentally Placed Private School meeting with District Representatives took place on September 10, 2026. We discussed how to work together to support the needs of private schools and their students.

The SELPA looks forward to continuing our collaboration and partnership with private schools during the 2026–2027 school year.

The ESGV SELPA is composed of 16 Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) with a combined average daily attendance of approximately 86,000 students. Member LEAs include Azusa USD, Baldwin Park USD, Bassett USD, Bonita USD, Charter Oak USD, Claremont USD, Covina-Valley USD, Glendora USD, Walnut Valley USD, West Covina USD, San Jose Charter Academy, California Virtual Academy @ LA, iQ Academy, Opportunities for Learning-Baldwin Park, Options for Youth-San Bernardino, and Options for Youth-Duarte.

Email: sturner@esgvselpa.org
Website: www.esgvselpa.org
Location: 1400 Ranger Drive, Covina, CA, USA
Phone: (626) 966-1679