SEPAG

Welcome to the Plainfield Special Education Parent Advisory Group (SEPAG)

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

About Us

S.E.P.A.G.'s Mission
The mission of the Plainfield S.E.P.A.G. is to provide support and guidance for families of children with special needs in the areas of parent education and resources.

Our Goal

The goal of Plainfield S.E.P.A.G. is to create a forum in which families can be provided with resources, activities, and services within the Plainfield community and Plainfield Public School District.

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.

To accomplish this, the Plainfield SEPAG will host virtual 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 opportunities for parent networking and informational sessions with guest speakers on topics related to special education.

Meeting Dates:

Virtual Meetings will held promptly at 6:30 p.m. virtually on:

October 25th, 2023

December 13th, 2023

February 28th, 2024

April 24th, 2024

June 13th, 2024

Please follow this link for meeting links , updates, website information and more.

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

SEPAG Planning Committee Leadership Members

Sheyla Chacon - Clinton Elementary School & Plainfield Public High School Liaison

Johanna Alzate- Jefferson Elementary School Liason

Sergent Khisha Bethea - Plainfield Police Department

Charline Rivera - Special Education Homeschool Teacher

Leah Caldwell- Emerson Elementary Liason

Danice Stone - District Representative and Emerson Liason

District Advisors: Dr. Filippatos

Alicia Archibald

Shana Solomon Christian

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 Plainfield SEPAG's work.

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

SPECIAL EDUCATION RESOURCES:

N.J.A.C. 6A:14, Special Education

SEPAG Manual - English

SEPAG Manual - Español

New Jersey Department of Special Education

ELC The Right to Special Education in New Jersey (ENGLISH)

El derecho a la Educación Especial en Nueva Jersey (ESPAÑOL)