Special Education Parent Advisory Committee

 
icons_SEPAC.png

What is SEPAC?

SEPAC is the acronym for Special Education Parents Advisory Council. Each school district is required under Massachusetts General Law to have a parent advisory council. Bridge Boston has over 100 children on individualized education plans (IEPs), Section 504 Accommodations, or in out­-of-district placements.

When and where are the meetings?

The SEPAC meetings bimonthly. Meetings are coordinated by the Special Education Dean of Coaching and Intervention and the Officers of the SEPAC. Meetings are scheduled with parent availability in mind and are frequently in the evenings via zoom. A message will always be sent out via Talking Points and posted on the website prior to the meeting.

The mission of the Bridge Boston SEPAC:

  • To forward the understanding of, respect for, and support of all children with disabilities.

  • Promote a network of parents of children with disabilities, and provide a forum for the parents to share information.

  • Advise the Director of Special Education regarding the operation and development of special education programs, parent and teacher training needs, and to help develop policy.

  • Promote communication between parents, staff and administration.

  • Promote communication and programs within the community that seek to encourage understanding, acceptance and inclusion of the children with disabilities.

  • Provide informational forums to parents as often as possible.

Sampling of Special Education services at Bridge Boston:

Whenever possible and appropriate, children are placed in inclusive classrooms. Typical services provided are:

  1. Speech and Language Therapy

  2. Physical Therapy

  3. Occupational Therapy

  4. Behavioral Consultation

  5. Psychological and Counseling Services

  6. Resource Room

  7. Learning Center

  8. Cooperative Classrooms

Contact Information:

To contact SEPAC directly, email Abbey Schuessler; aschuessler@bridgebostoncs.org

Other helpful resources:

DESE’s Office of Special Education Planning and Policy has just released an e-learning module to highlight Massachusetts' special education systems.

Click here to check it out: A Parent's Guide to Special Education