What is a Special Education Parent Advisory Group (SEPAG)?

All 600 school districts in NJ have what’s called a SEPAG. This stands for Special Education Parent Advisory Group. We are a state mandated, parent driven group in charge of providing input to the local school system.

Simply put, we are a group made up for parents by parents that work on connecting and collaborating with our district leaders for the purpose of inclusion, progress, and creating better opportunities for kids like ours.

There's a wealth of information, resources, and support systems out there for special needs families, including one of the most important documents in our state that includes your basic rights, P.R.I.S.E [Parent's Rights in Special Education].

Our SEPAG focuses on encouraging and empowering special needs families to know how to advocate for themself or their child. We believe Knowledge is Power and Participation is Necessary because our input can make a difference!

New Jersey Administrative Code (N.J.A.C.):6A:14-1.2(h) states:

Each district board of education shall ensure that a special education parent advisory group is in place in the district to provide input to the district on issues concerning students with disabilities.

Board Members:

President - Gloria Penaflor

Vice President - Ines Sanchez

Secretary - Rebecca Cooley

Social Media - Dan Cooley

This is an interactive website for Special Needs Families to learn more about the Special Education Program in our school district. Please take the time to familiarize yourself with our drop-down menu, links provided, and resources shared

*If you are looking for past presentations or meetings you may have missed,

go to our Parent Resource Page to see what was shared*

***Please note that children and students are always welcome to attend our meetings. We especially encourage students aged 14 and older to participate, as this provides an excellent opportunity for them to develop familiarity with self-advocacy. ***

Our Purpose

To make sure every parent or student understands the importance of knowing how to advocate for their child or themselves.

It's important to be aware of what resources are out there, and to have an understanding of what YOU or YOUR child is legally entitled too through the special education program in their school district.

The questions, experiences, and concerns shared with our committee keeps us apart of the important conversations are district leaders are having.

Working as team we can make sure whatever policies or plans put in place to support kids like ours, continue to be successful and build a better community for all students!

How can I be involved?

Stay connected! Make sure you subscribe to our e-mail list, attend our workshops and meetings, and get involved in the conversation and share your questions and concerns with us.

We ask you to volunteer your time wisely. The only way we can make a difference in our district is if we all get involved and we all stay informed.

Our kids deserve every opportunity to feel included, seen, and heard. Our kids have rights and are legally entitled to a free and fair education. But It's up to us to make sure Special Needs Families remain in the spotlight by working together and speaking up together.

Last BUT not least…

Your kids deserve to be kids too!

This year, we are focusing on collaborating closely with all the PTO's in our district to ensure that appropriate accommodations are being implemented for ALL students. Our goal is to create a more inclusive environment where all children are motivated to actively engage with their peers.

YOUR PARTICIPATION IS APPRECIATED AND CAN MAKE A HUGE DIFFERENCE :)

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse