📰 Newsletter: Jan 5 – Jan 12, 2026 📰
Happy New Year to our SPF SEPAG Parents and Caregivers! The Scotch Plains-Fanwood SEPAG will host its first meeting of the year on Monday evening, January 12, 2026, from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Terrill Middle School Media Center. The presentation topic is 504 Plans: Understanding Eligibility and Accommodations, which is essential for parents looking to understand the difference between 504 protections and IEP services. More details and the virtual link to join remotely can be found on the SPF-SEPAG Meeting Information Page.
Parent Education & Advocacy outside of the SPF District: January 5 – January 7, 2026
Connecting NJ is hosting a virtual session titled Caring for You After Baby: Support, Resources & Real Talk on Monday, January 5, at 10:30 AM. This session is designed for new and expecting parents to discuss postpartum mental health and available support systems in New Jersey. Registration is available via the Central Jersey Family Health Consortium.
The NJ Department of Education (NJDOE) continues its professional learning series on Monday, January 5, with the Learning Lounge: Introduction to the Framework for First Grade Science at 8:30 AM. While geared toward educators, these sessions provide parents with insight into the state-level curriculum standards being implemented in their children's classrooms. Full details are on the NJDOE Events Registration Portal.
On Wednesday, January 7, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, the SPAN Parent Advocacy Network presents a virtual Parent Circle session on The Power of Routines in Early Childhood. This workshop focuses on why routines matter for young children with special needs and how to develop social-emotional skills through consistent home-to-school transitions. You can reserve a spot through SPAN's Eventbrite Page.
Advocacy & System Support: January 8 – January 12, 2026
On Thursday, January 8, at 10:00 AM, the NJDOE will hold a technical assistance webinar titled CLSD: LIFT Technical Assistance. This is part of the state's broader Literacy in Future Technologies initiative, providing a glimpse into how New Jersey is integrating literacy support with modern classroom technology. Registration is open at NJDOE Homeroom.
The Arc of New Jersey Family Institute provides an ongoing archive and calendar of webinars, including replays of essential topics like SSI, Medicaid, and Assistive Technology. Parents are encouraged to visit The Arc Family Institute Calendar during this week to catch up on self-advocacy training and health-related updates for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Union County & Regional Family Resources
The Family Support Organization (FSO) of Union County provides a "Warmline" at 908-755-0090 and hosts peer-led support groups in Plainfield and throughout the county. Their calendar is a vital resource for families navigating the Children's System of Care (CSOC) and PerformCare. Explore their full range of advocacy and support at FSO Union County.
The Children's Specialized Hospital (RWJBarnabas Health) registration remains open this week for the 7-part workshop series "Managing Your Child's Behavior," which begins later this month. This course is a gold standard for parents in Union County, covering tantrums, sibling conflict, and self-care. Check for availability at the RWJBarnabas Health Event Page.
For families seeking inclusive recreation and respite services, the Union County Department of Human Services 2025-2026 Resource Guide is now active. This guide includes information on paratransit, youth services, and the "Cover All Kids" initiative for uninsured children under 19. Access the guide at Union County NJ Human Services.
On Behalf of the SEPAG Executive Board
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