Parents and caregivers, please register for our meetings on eventbrite. 

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.

We are currently in Stage 2 of building a Collaborative Action Team; Mobilizing the Team. Objectives include:

• Hold at least one general meeting per month in the 2023-24 school year

• Establish a large and diverse membership that is representative of our community

• Determine communication ground rules and establish by-laws

• Build a consensus to support decision making

• Identify shared leadership opportunities

EB SEPAG intends to hold membership meetings once per month. Parents and caregivers can register to attend in person or virtually. 

Next meeting: Wednesday, Oct 11, 10:00am, EBPS Administration Building, 760 Rt 18N

Register for FREE virtual information sessions about Special Education topics in NJ: SPAN Parent Advocacy Events

Children’s Specialized Hospital Family Advisory Council - Caregiver Workshop: Building Positive Relationships with your Special Education Team and School District, Wednesday, Oct 11, 6:30pm

Your voice matters! Please share your input with the group about the services your child is receiving. Parent/Caregiver Survey

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.

System change based on input

A SEPAG can communicate the needs of parents whose children receive special education and related services, and can advise school leaders on unmet needs identified through parental input.

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.

The New Jersey Administrative Code on Special Education states: "Each 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)