Welcome Community Members!
Children who are born with physical and developmental disabilities require special attention and services. Family-professional-community partnerships are essential and this important collaboration leads to the best outcomes for the child. Research shows that the best time to intervene is before the child is three years old. During the earliest years, the greatest progress can be made in overcoming physical and educational delays.
An informed and involved community is crucial in working towards the success of all students. The SELPA website is designed to give community members and professionals the basic information about the special education process and the types of services and programs that are available in Kern County schools.
SELPA ARTICLE OF INTEREST
SELPA SERVICES
- Search and Serve
Any individual that believes they know a child that might require special education intervention may call the Search and Serve office or their local school district office and talk with someone about their concerns.
- Kern Early Start Program
A multi-agency collaborative program designed to provide early intervention services to infants and toddlers from birth until age three.
- Community Advisory Committee (CAC)
The CAC acts in an advisory capacity to the SELPA and involves the parents and community in actively participating in the development, amendment, and review of the SELPA's Local Plan for Special Education.
- Training/Education Opportunities for interested community members
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
- Kern County Agencies & Services for Children with Special Needs
- Early Intervention
- Early Warning Signs of Learning Disabilities
- Sharing Concerns: Dos & Don'ts
- Disability Etiquette
- Working With Families Who Have Special Needs
- Making Accomodations for Children with Special Needs
- Fostering Friendships Between Children With and Without Disabilities
- Building Disability Awareness & Inclusion
- Providing Culturally Sensitive Services
- Dental Care for Children with Special Needs
- Bullying and Teasing
- Child Abuse and Children with Special Needs
Medical Professionals
- "Learn the Signs. Act Early." Downloadable Materials and Posters (English/Spanish)
- Sharing Concerns: Physician to Parent
- Physician’s Guide to Working with Schools
- A Booklet for Pediatricians on Learning Disabilities and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
- Oral Conditions in Children With Special Needs: A Guide for Health Care Providers
- For Parents: Choosing a Pediatrician for your Child with Special Needs
- For Parents: Building Early Intervention Partnerships with Your Child's Doctor
- Technical Report: The Pediatrician's Role in the Diagnosis and Management of Autistic Spectrum Disorder in Children
Community Volunteers and Organizations
- Why Volunteering Makes a Difference to Kids with Learning Disabilities
- Helping Helpers Reach Children with Learning Disabilities in After-School Activities
- 7 Strategies for helping kids with Learning Disabilities
- Creating an Inclusive Environment: A Handbook for the Inclusion of People with Disabilities in National and Community Service Programs
- Tips for Presenting in Audiences with People with Disabilities
- 11 Ways to Improve Interaction with Learning-Disabled Students
Youth Sport Coaches
- Coaching Kids with LD and AD/HD in Sports
- What Do I Do? Coaching Tips For Helpers Of Children With LD And ADHD
- 'I Know I Can Do It': Sports Are For Disabled Children, Too
- Carlton Plays Tee-Ball: A Case Study in Inclusive Recreation
- Table of Popular Sports versus Alternative Sports for the Disabled
- Model Sports and Recreation Policy for Accommodating Children with Disabilities
Employers
- Suggestions for Employers of Individuals with Cognitive Disabilities in the Workforce
Media
- Tips for reporting on people with disabilities for the Media
- Guidelines for Reporting and Writing about People with Disabilities
- Story Ideas for the Media regarding Students with Special Needs
NEED MORE INFORMATION?
- Links
- Publications
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Specific Disability Information
- Glossary of Special Education Terms
