Since I became aware of SELPA, I feel validated in my experiences, thoughts and emotions regarding the services I seek and expect for my child. Feeling supported with access to the tools, resources and information, I am equipped to support and advocate for my child. SELPA allows parents to make connections with other parents and people who value our children as productive members of our society.

Superintendents in Ventura County are committed to our collaborative process and interaction with our local SELPA to ensure we meet the needs of each and every student. We recognize both the efficiency and cost effectiveness of sharing resources, services and supports, as well as the resulting high quality programs and instruction that occur because of our work together.

The world of special education is so incredibly complex and fluid that trying to navigate things without the steady "support group" of a SELPA behind me would have been incredibly difficult. I am grateful for the expertise, guidance, brainstorming, and fellowship that the SELPA network brought me during my time as a special education director. It's reassuring to know that the SELPA philosophy of collaboration and solidarity is there to support staff, students, and families.

The SELPA makes a difference by creating a bridge between parents, teacher, and administrators. SELPAs encourage and empower parents to get involved in their children's school, district, and community. The SELPA creates a space where the values of IDEA's mission are realized through every parent workshop, support group, legislative day, and Community Advisory Committee meeting.

Navigating the sea of special education compliance monitoring can be incredibly overwhelming, with ever-changing rules and processes, all with different template formats, phases, requirements, and timelines. LEAs in the state, and particularly smaller LEAs like mine, need resources and support, someone to make sense of it all, and a strong lighthouse to bring us safely into harbor. Our SELPA is that beacon for us, a true lifesaver.

I just love everything about our San Mateo County SELPA! The staff are wonderful. Everyone is passionate and dedicated to giving each and every student a nurturing, supportive and challenging learning environment by supporting all the school leaders and other stakeholders. I was given lots of support, resources, training and connections with other local SELPA leaders so I can be confident in supporting our students and their families. This is just an example of the wonderful caring leadership of San Mateo SELPA and the culture it fosters among everyone.

The connections with other SELPA professionals and resources has been phenomenal. It has saved us time and resources because we are not always re-inventing the wheel. I am able to better understand many more policies, procedures, best practices, and compliance issues to help me support students in our district. The Tri-Valley SELPA is awesome!

The San Mateo County SELPA is consistently supportive, informative, and accessible. The SELPA truly seeks to assist us in being as successful as possible in serving our students and families. The professionals that make up our SELPA are approachable, knowledgeable experts that provide us with the guidance and tools necessary to do our best work. We are so grateful to have their support!