At the Tehama County SELPA, there is a strong belief in the power of collaborative and meaningful conflict resolution. In order to achieve this goal, the SELPA has implemented a SELPA-wide Dispute Prevention and Resolution initiative and continuum, complete with a range of accompanying processes.

The primary aim of this initiative is to establish and maintain strong relationships between all partners and team members through intentional and proactive planning. To support this initiative, the SELPA provides training to parents and educators alike.

The cornerstone of the initiative is the Tehama SELPA ADR Team and the Director of Family, Student, and District Support. This team is responsible for facilitating the ADR process and providing support to families throughout the resolution process. The focus is on prevention of disputes and resolution at the earliest stage.

Regular training sessions and strategizing on best practices for conflict resolution take place at the SELPA. In addition to this training, there are four key steps in place to enable dispute prevention and resolution. The first three steps are designed to support families and district staff in reaching an agreement informally, while the final step involves formal conflict resolution in an IEP or resolution meeting.

Overall, the SELPA is committed to fostering an environment of collaboration and support, and this initiative is just one of the many ways in which it strives to achieve this goal. Through ongoing training and support, families and educators can work together to resolve conflicts and build strong relationships that benefit everyone involved.