THE BRIDGE INITIATIVE | MAJOR FOCUS AREA

SEPAG Development, Growth & Sustainability

Special Education Parent Advisory Groups (SEPAGs) are parent advisory groups required by New Jersey law that work with districts to improve services and create inclusive environments for students with disabilities. SEPAGs provide a structured space where parents, educators, and administrators come together to collaborate on policies, programs, and practices that impact students with disabilities. These groups give families an opportunity to share their lived experiences, raise concerns, offer feedback, and help shape more responsive and effective special education services.

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, stay informed about district initiatives, 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 better support students with disabilities and their families. Strong SEPAGs foster transparency, two-way communication, and collaborative problem-solving that benefits the entire school community.