Professional Networks
Santa Barbara County SELPA offers a variety of professional networks throughout the school year, bringing together educators, specialists, and staff who share common roles and interests across our SELPA member LEAs. Each network meets virtually via Microsoft Teams and is designed to foster collaboration, share resources, and support best practices in serving every learner with purpose and authenticity.
Three of these networks — Adaptive P.E., Interpreter/Translator, and Medically Fragile Teacher — are offered in collaboration with San Luis Obispo County SELPA, reflecting our shared commitment to regional partnership and support. Most meetings are facilitated by SELPA staff; explore the tabs below to find meeting dates, times, and hosts for each network — or complete the Google Form to let us know you're interested in attending.
Adaptive PE Teachers
This network brings together Adaptive Physical Education teachers to collaborate on best practices for supporting students with disabilities in physical education settings. Meetings offer a space to share adapted curriculum and instructional strategies, discuss assessment and IEP goal writing specific to APE, exchange ideas for equipment and accommodations, and problem-solve challenges unique to the role. This network is offered in collaboration with San Luis Obispo County SELPA, giving members the added benefit of connecting with colleagues across both counties.
Meeting Dates
3:00–3:30 PM
- Thursday, October 1
- Thursday, January 28
- Thursday, April 15
Hosted by SLO County SELPA & SB County SELPA.
CALPADS/SPED Data Clerk
This network supports CALPADS clerks and special education data clerks across our SELPA member LEAs in managing the accurate and timely reporting of special education student data. Meetings provide a collaborative space to review CALPADS updates and reporting requirements, troubleshoot common data entry issues, share best practices for data quality and compliance, and stay current on state and federal reporting deadlines. Whether you're new to the role or a seasoned clerk, this network offers ongoing support and a chance to connect with colleagues who understand the unique demands of special education data management.
Meeting Dates
Various Times
- Wednesday, November 4
- Tuesday, May 4
Hosted by Leticia Lemus, Coordinator.
Starting in 2026, all meetings will be held via Microsoft Teams.
Education Specialists
This network brings together Education Specialists across our SELPA member LEAs to collaborate on best practices in special education instruction, case management, and compliance. Meetings offer a supportive space to discuss IEP development and implementation, share strategies for differentiated instruction and student support, navigate legal and procedural updates, and problem-solve common challenges faced in the role. Whether you're new to the field or an experienced Education Specialist, this network provides an opportunity to connect with colleagues, exchange resources, and strengthen your practice in service of every learner.
Meeting Dates
Coming Soon — this is a new network for the 2026-27 school year. Meeting dates and times will be posted here once finalized.
Hosted by Leticia Lemus, Coordinator.
Starting in 2026, all meetings will be held via Microsoft Teams.
GROW Program
The GROW Program Network is a monthly gathering for educators and professionals working to implement the GROW framework in selected sites across Santa Barbara County. Each session offers opportunities for professional learning related to the delivery and implementation of instruction and behavioral support for students in therapeutic learning environments, alongside space to connect and build community with colleagues doing similar work throughout the county. Whether you're looking to deepen your practice, stay current on best approaches, or simply connect with peers who understand the unique demands of TLC service delivery, this network offers a supportive space to grow together.
Dates Coming Soon.
Starting in 2026, all meetings will be held via Microsoft Teams.
Interpreters/Translators
This network brings together interpreters and translators who support communication between schools and families across our SELPA member LEAs, particularly within special education processes such as IEP meetings and assessments. Meetings offer a space to discuss best practices for accurate and culturally responsive interpretation, review terminology specific to special education and IEP documents, share resources and strategies for challenging or sensitive conversations, and connect with colleagues who share similar roles. This network is offered in collaboration with San Luis Obispo County SELPA, giving members the added benefit of connecting with colleagues across both counties.
Meeting Dates
9:00–10:00 AM
- Thursday, October 29
- Thursday, February 28
- Thursday, April 29
Hosted by SLO County SELPA & SB County SELPA.
Medically Fragile Teachers
This network brings together teachers who support medically fragile students across our SELPA member LEAs, providing a space to collaborate on the unique instructional, health, and safety considerations these students require. Meetings offer an opportunity to share strategies for individualized instruction and care coordination, discuss best practices for working alongside health care staff and families, review procedures for emergency response and health plans, and exchange resources for classroom accommodations. This network is offered in collaboration with San Luis Obispo County SELPA, giving members the added benefit of connecting with colleagues across both counties.
Meeting Dates
3:00–4:00 PM
- Tuesday, September 29
- Tuesday, January 12
- Tuesday, April 13
Hosted by SLO County SELPA & SB County SELPA.
Mental Health
The Mental Health Network is a monthly gathering for school-based mental health clinicians across Santa Barbara County. Each session offers opportunities for professional learning related to the delivery of mental health services and supports for students with mental health and behavioral needs, alongside space to connect and build community with colleagues doing similar work throughout the county. Whether you're looking to deepen your practice, stay current on best approaches, or simply connect with peers who understand the unique demands of school-based clinical work, this network offers a supportive space to grow together.
Meeting Dates
9:00–10:00 AM
- Tuesday, September 1
- Tuesday, October 6
- Tuesday, November 3
- Tuesday, December 1
- Tuesday, February 2
- Tuesday, March 2
- Tuesday, April 6
- Tuesday, May 4
Hosted by Alison Lindsey, Mental Health Manager & Natalie Facio Leon, Mental Health Specialist.
Starting in 2026, all meetings will be held via Microsoft Teams.
Occupational Therapists
Join this bimonthly network meeting for school-based Occupational Therapists across Santa Barbara County. This collaborative space allows OTs to professionally connect to share innovative resources and professional development opportunities, discuss current student or district needs, and champion evidence-based best practices for school-based OT services.
Meeting Dates
3:00–4:00 PM
- Tuesday, September 15
- Tuesday, November 17
- Tuesday, January 19
- Tuesday, March 16
- Tuesday, May 18
Hosted by Lisa Foote, Assistive Technology AAC Specialist.
Starting in 2026, all meetings will be held via Microsoft Teams.
Paraprofessionals
This network brings together paraprofessionals across our SELPA member LEAs to build skills and confidence in supporting students with disabilities in the classroom. Meetings offer a space to learn practical strategies for behavior support and de-escalation, discuss best practices for implementing IEP accommodations and modifications, share tips for collaborating effectively with teachers and related service providers, and connect with colleagues navigating similar day-to-day challenges.
Meeting Dates
2:45–4:00 PM
- Tuesday, September 1
- Tuesday, December 1
- Tuesday, March 2
Hosted by Rosy Bucio, Board Certified Behavior Analyst.
Starting in 2026, all meetings will be held via Microsoft Teams.
Post Secondary Transition
This network brings together educators and specialists who support students with disabilities in preparing for life after high school, including college, career, and independent living. Meetings offer a space to share strategies for transition planning and IEP goal development, discuss best practices for connecting students and families with community resources and agencies, review updates on postsecondary programs and services, and collaborate on ways to strengthen student self-advocacy and independence. This network provides ongoing support for those guiding students through this critical stage of transition.
Meeting Dates (2026-2027)
2:00–3:00 PM
- Tuesday, September 29
- Tuesday, November 3
- Tuesday, February 23
- Tuesday, April 13
Hosted by Kim Grant, Program Specialist
Starting in 2026, all meetings will be held via Microsoft Teams.
School Psychologists
The purpose of the SBC SELPA School Psychology Network is to cultivate a collaborative, high-quality, and equity-centered practice environment for school psychologists across our partner local educational agencies (LEAs). Grounded in the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) Practice Model, our network is dedicated to promoting peer collaboration, evidence-based practice dissemination, and providing opportunities for continued professional growth and learning. Our intent is to advance professional excellence, ethical practice, advocacy, and continuous improvement in the field of school psychology throughout Santa Barbara County enhancing outcomes for all students.
Meeting Dates (2026–2027)
8:30–9:00 AM
- Tuesday, September 15
- Tuesday, November 3
- Tuesday, February 23
- Tuesday, April 13
Hosted by Kim Grant, Program Specialist.
Starting in 2026, all meetings held via Microsoft Teams.
Coming Soon: 2026–2027 Bilingual School Psychologist Network
Please complete this Google Form to indicate your interest and availability.
Special Education Leadership
The Special Education Leadership network brings together special education leaders across our SELPA member LEAs, including program specialists, coordinators of special education, TOSAs, and any other educators serving in a leadership capacity. Meetings typically take place a week or two after Special Education Administrator and Managers (SEAM) meetings, and include a recap of key information shared during SEAM to ensure alignment and consistent communication across roles. This network provides a space to discuss leadership priorities, share resources and strategies, stay current on policy and compliance updates, and collaborate with colleagues navigating similar responsibilities. All educational leaders are welcome to attend.
Meeting Dates
8:30–9:30 AM
- Friday, August 28 — Extended SEAM
- Monday, September 28
- Monday, October 19
- Monday, November 30
- Friday, January 22 — Extended SEAM
- Monday, February 22
- Monday, April 12 — Tentative
- Monday, May 10 — plus extra office hours
- Friday, June 6 — Extended SEAM
Hosted by Leticia Lemus, Coordinator.
Starting in 2026, all meetings will be held via Microsoft Teams.
Speech & Language Pathologists
Join this network meeting three times each year for school-based Speech Language Pathologists across Santa Barbara County. This collaborative space allows SLPs to professionally connect to share innovative resources and professional development opportunities, discuss current student or district needs, and champion evidence-based best practices for school-based speech therapy services.
Meeting Dates
2:00–3:00 PM
- Wednesday, September 16
- Wednesday, November 18
- Wednesday, March 17
Hosted by Lisa Foote, Assistive Technology AAC Specialist.
Starting in 2026, all meetings will be held via Microsoft Teams.