SEPAG Development
Supporting NJ's Special Education Parent Advisory Groups
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THE BRIDGE INITIATIVE | MAJOR FOCUS AREA
SEPAG Development, Growth & Sustainability
A Special Education Parent Advisory Group (SEPAG) is a collaboration among members of a school district and its parent community that facilitates the meaningful exchange of information, ideas, and input on matters affecting students with disabilities. Required by New Jersey law, SEPAGs create opportunities for families, educators, administrators, and other district stakeholders to engage in ongoing dialogue about policies, programs, services, and practices that impact students with disabilities. Through this collaborative process, SEPAGs help ensure that family perspectives and lived experiences inform district decision-making and contribute to more responsive and effective educational environments.
SEPAGs are most successful when they're built on genuine partnership between families and districts. For families, SEPAGs offer a way to connect with other parents, learn more about topics surrounding special education, and have a meaningful voice in decisions that affect their children. For schools and districts, SEPAGs provide valuable insight into what's working, where improvements are needed, and how to best support students with disabilities and their families. Strong SEPAGs foster transparency, two-way communication, and collaborative problem-solving that benefits the entire school community.
SEPAG GROUP PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITY
SEPAG Development, Growth & Sustainability
The BRIDGE Initiative works with both parent and district leaders to strengthen and develop SEPAGs. Whether your group is just getting started, looking to grow membership, or seeking ways to develop more parent leadership, we can provide hands-on support tailored to your needs. Our assistance includes leadership training, meeting planning and facilitation, resource development, and strategies for engaging more families.
If you're interested in working with us to strengthen your SEPAG, we'd love to hear from you. We start with a conversation to learn about your group's current situation and goals, and go from there. There are no costs or strict requirements, just a shared commitment to strengthening family engagement.
The BRIDGE Initiative is funded by the NJ Department of Education Office of Special Education (Engagement of Parents of Students with Disabilities; Grant #26000007) through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA-B; 84.027A).
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