📰 SPF SEPAG SPECIAL EDUCATION RESOURCE NEWSLETTER: JANUARY 11 – JANUARY 18, 2026
UPCOMING SPF-SEPAG MEETING
Good evening,
The next SPF-SEPAG meeting is scheduled for Monday, January 12, 2026, from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Terrill Middle School. This meeting will be held both in person and remotely to ensure accessibility for all parents and caregivers. You can join the session virtually via the following Google Meet link. https://meet.google.com/efd-zdtv-kvv
WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS AND LOCAL EVENTS
NJ Department of Education: Introduction to the Framework for First Grade Science This webinar, held on Monday, January 12 from 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm, provides parents and educators with an overview of foundational science standards, which can be useful for understanding curriculum modifications for students with IEPs. https://homeroom5.doe.state.nj.us/events/?p=a
The Arc of Burlington County: Club Connect Social Session On Thursday, January 15 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, this social program offers a space for individuals with disabilities to connect with peers, while providing networking opportunities for caregivers. https://arcofburlington.org/services/recreationservices/event-calendar.html
ArcMorris: Harvest of Hope Food Drive Finale Concluding on Friday, January 16, this community event accepts donations at various locations, including Morris Plains, which is a short distance from Union County, fostering community involvement and service. https://arcmorris.org/events
Union County Cultural Events: Poetry Open Mic at Rahway On Saturday, January 17 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm at the Melao Cafe and Creamery in Rahway, this wheelchair-accessible event provides an inclusive community atmosphere for families and creative young adults. https://ucnj.org/calendar/
Watchung's Texier House Museum Open House Scheduled for Sunday, January 18 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm, this local historical event offers a low-pressure environment for a family outing in the Union County area. https://www.eiros-group.com/january-2026-news
VIRTUAL NETWORKING AND ADVOCACY
Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD): Peer-to-Peer Networking Session Taking place Wednesday, January 14 from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm, this virtual session is designed for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families to discuss self-direction and navigating DDD services. https://www.eiros-group.com/january-2026-news
SPAN Parent Advocacy Network: Youth Chat for Ages 14-26 This resource is highlighted this week for families of transition-age youth to gain empowerment and daily living tips from professionals and peers. https://spanadvocacy.org/news-archive/
HEALTH AND WELLNESS RESOURCES
Children's National Hospital: Type 2 Diabetes in Children Webinar On Wednesday, January 14 from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm, this virtual session provides clinical insights into diagnosis and management, which is vital for caregivers managing complex medical needs alongside educational goals. https://www.childrensnational.org/about-us/events
Atlantic Health: Overlook Medical Center Maternity and New Parent Tour Located in Summit, Union County, this in-person session on Monday, January 12 at 4:30 pm is aimed at expectant or new parents navigating the healthcare system. https://events.atlantichealth.org/
TOOLS FOR THE INDIVIDUALIZED EDUCATION PROGRAM (IEP)
NJDOE: IEP Development and Policy Toolkits Parents are encouraged to review the New Jersey Department of Education's updated toolkits to prepare for mid-year IEP reviews. These tools help families understand their rights under IDEA and how to advocate for measurable goals. https://www.nj.gov/education/specialed/policy/iepdevelopment.shtml
SPAN: Literacy and Reading Skills by Age For parents of younger children, this resource helps identify if a child is on track for reading success and provides strategies for supporting literacy at home before the next school evaluation. https://www.readingbrightstart.org/reading-skills-by-age/
UPCOMING PREVIEW: JANUARY 20-21
Winter Wellness and Self-Care for Caregivers Registration is currently open for the SPAN Parent Advocacy Network's wellness workshop on January 20, focused on stress management for parents of children with special needs. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/winter-wellness-and-self-care-registration-1976950489131
Assessing Functional Life Skills Workshop Advance registration is recommended for this January 21 webinar which covers how to determine the supports needed for individuals with autism at various life stages. https://specialeducationalliancenj.org/alliance-2025-2026-parent-advocacy-series/
On behalf of the SEPAG Executive Board
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