As parents of children with disabilities, we understand the demands on your time and your energy.  

We assure you that being involved with SEPAC will offer opportunities to bring about change in our school district and will not require a considerable time commitment. 

Volunteering for SEPAC positions is one of many ways to get involved.  We would love for you to attend one of our training classes and participate in SEPAC social meet-ups designed to connect families and connect them to resources to better advocate for their children.

Here is how you can get involved with SEPAC:

Become an Executive Committee Board Member

he Executive Committee includes 5 to 7 parents representing different ages, levels, and children's diagnoses within our district. These parents are knowledgeable in Special Education and the IEP process. They work directly with the school district to communicate feedback from parents and school Site Representatives about what is working well and potential Special Education Program deficiencies. Because this is a liaison relationship between parents and the school district, it is essential to have parents with a vision for and can effect change in a collaborative environment. SEPAC Executive Committee Board Members are also available to work directly with parents struggling to obtain or deliver special education services for their children.

Become a School Site Representative

The site representatives have a direct engagement at a particular school. Their job is to develop relationships with the parents and school administration and work together to promote inclusion and create an engaged community. Site Representatives collect information on what the school is doing well and identify issues they may need help with regarding Special Education. The Site Representatives then report the information to the Executive Committee to work with district staff to celebrate positive engagement and experiences and address deficiencies.

Attend a SEPAC Parent/Caregiver Training Class

In partnership with Chico Unified School District, SEPAC conducts four special education parent/caregiver training classes per school year. Training topics are developed based on the results of an annual survey sent to parents of children in special education. All training classes are free and open for everyone to attend.

 
Based on the results of the April 2023 Parent Survey, training class topics include:

IEP/504 Process from the Parent Perspective
Supporting Social-Emotional Needs & Behaviors
Mindfulness / Emotional Intelligence

Participate in a SEPAC Parent/Caregiver Meet-up

Meet-ups and activities are a great way to network with other families who understand the challenges of raising a child with disabilities. Site Representatives work with school administrators to host quarterly meet-ups to encourage connection and engagement between parents/caregivers and school staff. From coffee chats to working with school administrators to ensure full inclusion for all special education children in school events, Site Representatives are eager to connect parents/caregivers to enhance the school experience for their children.  

Nominate someone for a SEPAC Spotlight Award!

Is there a specific CUSD special education program, teacher, aide, counselor, or school administrator who has positively impacted the lives of children with disabilities? 

SEPAC wants to honor and celebrate the exceptional special education
programs, events, and staff members in our school district. 

Each month, SEPAC will Spotlight people who work for Chico Unified School District who have gone above and beyond to advocate for children with disabilities. Nominations may be a classroom teacher, aide, coach, special educator, counselor, school administrator, or any other school employee who has positively impacted your child or family. The SEPAC Spotlight Award can also highlight special education programs and school events that successfully ensure that students with disabilities have full inclusion and access to school and community events.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
4/30/2024 - 1st Annual SEPAC Spotlight Awards Ceremony

Join SEPAC for an awards ceremony honoring Chico Unified School District Staff and other Community Partners who have gone above and beyond in supporting and advocating for children with disabilities. Parents, families, and CUSD Staff are invited to submit their nominations for a SEPAC Spotlight Award. There is no limit to the number of people that you can nominate. 

Nominations can be submitted using the below link: