Special Education Parent Advisory Group

1st Annual Special Needs Resource Fair



General Information
Upcoming Meeting Dates: December 9, 2024
Time: 6:30PM
Duration: Approx. 1 hour
Location: Alder Board Room

 

-Parent Leader: Christine Eichwald 

-District Liaison: Pamela Hennelly, Director of Special Education

 

As a parent of a child receiving special education services in the school district, you are invited to be a part of the EHT SPECIAL EDUCATION PARENT ADVISORY GROUP!


A Special Education Parent Advisory Group, or SEPAG (sea-pag) is a state-mandated, district-level, parent-driven group charged with providing input to the local school district on system-level challenges in special education and related services. A SEPAG gives parents the opportunity to provide direct input to their school district about policies, programs, practices, and services that have an impact on students with disabilities and their families. An effective SEPAG can increase the proactive involvement of families by inviting input that can be used to shape local special education policy.  


Outreach – Outreach can engage families of students with disabilities so that they are involved in helping to shape local special education programs and policies.


Positive relationships – Effective SEPAGs engage parents and school leaders to establish shared goals and priorities that benefit students with disabilities. They connect with teachers, Child Study Teams, and community resources as sources of support for helping improve programs and services for students and their families.


Collaborative problem solving – SEPAGs thrive on team spirit and team action. While members bring varied perspectives, everyone shares a common mission: to improve outcomes for all students receiving special education services and support.


A trusted source of information – SEPAGs can strengthen the bridge between the school district and families. SEPAG members who educate themselves about school policies and channels of communication can be a source for parents who may need information, support, and resources from their school, and can steer them in the appropriate direction.


Information Sharing – SEPAGs can provide an opportunity for districts to share information with all parents about instructional programs, professional development opportunities, and other matters related to special education.


Improved services and programs – Changes that come about as a result of input from SEPAGs are responsive to the identified needs of the school community.


Effective Resource Allocation - Parents can provide valuable input regarding allocating resources and establishing priorities.


Often, parents bring a perspective to an issue that is based on personal experiences with their own child. Taking action on behalf of a single child is “individual advocacy*.” While this is vital, the goal of the SEPAG is to look at systemic issues – that is, challenges and opportunities that affect more than one student or family.

Information above is cited from

Special Education Parent Advisory Groups in New Jersey A Guide to Developing and Conducting an Effective Group produced by the Statewide Parent Advocacy Network