UNION SPECIAL EDUCATION

PARENT ADVISORY GROUP

(SEPAG)

Sensory Processing Parent Presentation

"Moving into the 21st Century with Renewed Vision and Purpose"

Welcome to the
Union Special Education Parent Advisory Group (SEPAG!)

Whether your child is being educated within Union Public School District or outside it, has an Individualized Education Program (IEP), a 504 Plan, a service-specific IEP, and/or participates in other programs, you are welcome!

About Us

Our Mission
To serve as a collaborative and supportive platform between students, parents, guardians, school personnel, and the Union community for ensuring high-quality special education programs and the inclusion of children with disabilities, that leads to the maximization of their potential; through learning, sharing of best practices, awareness, and advocacy. Our ultimate aim is for all children with disabilities to live active and enriching lives.

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

A Special Education Parent Advisory Group, or SEPAG, 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.

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 (N.J.A.C. 6A:14-1.2(h))

What is the purpose and function of a SEPAG?

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.

An effective SEPAG that uses parental input can:

ü Help improve educational outcomes and well-being for all students, including those with disabilities;
ü Help identify unmet needs;
ü Help shape the development of programs, services, and policies; and,
ü Improve district culture and climate.

To accomplish this, the Union SEPAG will host several meetings throughout the school year that bring together parents and school district leaders. During these meetings, parents are encouraged to ask questions, share suggestions, and provide feedback. They are also an opportunity for parent networking and informational sessions with guest speakers on topics related to special education.

Who can be a member of a SEPAG?
Parents are the core members of a SEPAG. This includes parents of children with disabilities who may have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) who are educated in schools within or outside of the student's home district. Parents do not need special training or background knowledge to be a member of a SEPAG.

Other members may include:

• School leaders, including the District Supervisor of Special Services and/or members of the Board of Education
• Teachers
• Child Study Team members, and other school professionals
• Students and former students
• Other parents committed to improving education in their district community
• Leaders and other citizens

Our Executive Board:
Carla Vicari, Co-Chair
Aracely DiGirolamo, Co-Chair

Contact Us

Please email us at [email protected] if you have questions, concerns, or would like to be added to our e-mail list for news and updates on the Union SEPAG's work.

Visit our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/UnionSEPAG/ to get information about Union SEPAG and Special Services Department news and events.