📰 Special Education Community Newsletter: Dec 23, 2025 – Jan 7, 2026 📰
Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!
As we move through the winter break and into the first week of 2026, the focus for our special education community is on reflection, rights, and preparing for the second half of the school year. This edition highlights virtual workshops from the SPAN Parent Advocacy Network, regional webinars from the NJ Department of Education (NJDOE), and local support resources in and around Union County to help your family start the new year strong.
📣 SPF-SEPAG Save the Date
Next Meeting: Monday, January 12, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM ET
Location: Terrill Middle School (Hybrid)
Topic: 504 Plans: Understanding Eligibility and Accommodations.
Link: SPF-SEPAG Meeting Dates & Info
🗓️ New Jersey State & Regional Webinars
Statewide organizations are offering critical "Lunch and Learn" and evening sessions to help parents navigate the special education system.
Dec 30: REPLAY - So Relatable! Everyday Self-Advocacy (2:00 PM – 3:00 PM)
A recorded session by The Arc of NJ focusing on building self-advocacy skills for students and their families.
Jan 5: Lunch and Learn with the Special Education Ombudsman (12:00 PM – 1:00 PM)
A virtual session with the NJDOE Office of Special Education to address system-level concerns and parental rights.
Jan 5: Healing-Centered Engagement (6:00 PM – 7:00 PM)
A workshop hosted by the NJ Family Engagement Hub & SPAN regarding trauma-informed approaches to education.
Jan 6: Basic Rights in Special Education (7:00 PM – 8:00 PM)
A must-attend for new parents or those looking for a refresher on NJAC 6A:14 regulations and the IEP process.
Jan 7: Routines in Early Childhood (10:00 AM – 11:00 AM)
Presented by NJ Inclusive Child Care, this session focuses on establishing successful home-to-school routines for young learners.
🤝 Union County Community & Local Support
While many groups take a break for the holidays, these ongoing resources remain available for Union County families.
NAMI Union County Online Family Support Group While the next live meeting is Jan 20, their resource line and peer-led support network are active for families dealing with mental health challenges.
Prevention Links: Family Support Group - Vision of Hope Ongoing support for parents and caregivers navigating the "System of Care" in Union County.
Children's Specialized Hospital (Mountainside/Fanwood) Registration opens this week for the "Managing Your Child's Behavior" parent workshop cycle starting in late January. This 7-part course covers sibling conflict, tantrums, and parent self-care.
⭐ General Resources & Information
The Arc of Union County: Provides year-round respite and recreation programs. Check their Family Support Services for winter break activities.
SPAN Parent Advocacy Network: Access their NJ Family Engagement Hub for a library of on-demand webinars and "Start Here" guides for newly diagnosed families.
Union County Office for Persons with Disabilities & Special Needs: Information on local county-run inclusive events and sensory-friendly programs.
UC Office of Disability Services
We hope everyone has a relaxing and restful Holiday Season, so we can begin 2026 with a strong SPF-SEPAG community.
On Behalf of the SPF-SEPAG Executive Board
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