📣 NEXT SPF SEPAG MEETING: MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2026, TOPIC-DYSLEXIA SUPPORTS
The next SPF SEPAG meeting is scheduled for Monday, February 9, 2026, from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM. This meeting will be held in a hybrid format, allowing for both in-person attendance at Terrill Middle School and remote participation. You can join the session virtually via the following Google Meet link: https://meet.google.com/gtp-uwou-hnk. For a complete list of this year's meeting dates and locations, please visit the official meeting information page at https://spf-sepag.blogspot.com/p/sepag-meetings-dates.html.
⚖️ SPECIAL EDUCATION ADVOCACY AND LEGISLATIVE UPDATES
On Monday, January 26, the Council for Exceptional Children is hosting its monthly Washington Update webinar from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM. This session is critical for families who want to stay informed about federal policy changes, funding for IDEA, and legislative trends that impact special education services at the local level. You can find more details and access the registration through the NJCEC Events Page at https://njcec.org/events.
Also on Monday, January 26, the NJDOE Learning Lounge presents a virtual session titled Framework for Grades 3-5 Engineering, Technology, and Applications of Science starting at 3:30 PM. This webinar helps caregivers understand the specific curriculum standards their children are expected to master, which is vital for participating in IEP meetings and ensuring appropriate modifications are in place. Registration is available via the NJDOE Events Portal at https://homeroom5.doe.state.nj.us/events/?p=a.
On Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at 2pm, the Community Health Law Project Presents: Legal Assistance for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Topics include: Community Health Law Project Services, Guardianship for Persons Eligible for and/or Receiving Services from the Division of Developmental Disabilities, Alternate Decision Making, and More. Register here for this event: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/cf1341b9-d231-4c1f-80df-69f1eee46c70@ba830799-6c0a-4ec0-bfec-4fdeaefda6ce
🏛️ INCLUSIVE RECREATION AND COMMUNITY EVENTS IN UNION COUNTY -NOW AND LOOKING AHEAD
The Plainfield Symphony is hosting its annual Free Family Concert on Saturday, January 31, at 3:00 PM at the Charles and Anna Booker School. The performance, titled "Swinging Valentines," features jazz hits and is designed to be accessible to all family members. The venue is wheelchair accessible, and assistive listening devices are available with advance notice. For more information or to request accommodations, visit the Plainfield Symphony website at https://www.plainfieldsymphony.org.
Union County residents can also take advantage of the inclusive programming at the Warinanco Sports Center. On Thursday, February 6 (with registration opening this week), the county offers "Fun Fit for Kids" for ages 5–10, providing a structured and welcoming environment for physical activity. Additionally, the center continues to offer sensory-friendly public ice-skating sessions throughout the winter. You can view the full schedule and register for activities at the Union County Parks and Recreation site at https://ucnj.org/calendar.
The JCC of Central New Jersey in Scotch Plains is currently accepting registrations for their upcoming Special Needs Resource Fair which will take place on Sunday, February 22, 2026. This week is an excellent time to prepare and review their inclusion services. Information about their year-round adaptive programs and support services can be found at https://www.jccnj.org/events/2026/02/22/inclusion-support-services/special-needs-resource-fair.
🧠 BEHAVIORAL SUPPORT AND MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES
Children's Specialized Hospital is continuing its highly regarded "Managing Your Child's Behavior" series. This week, caregivers are encouraged to check for availability in the upcoming seven-part virtual course which covers topics such as managing sibling conflict, setting limits, and parent stress management. The registration details and the full calendar of family-centered events are available at https://www.rwjbh.org/events/event/?event=38965.
On Monday, February 2, the New Jersey Department of Education is conducting a virtual workshop titled New Jersey Learning Acceleration Program: High-Impact Tutoring at 3:00 PM. This session is particularly relevant for parents of students with disabilities who are seeking additional academic support to bridge learning gaps. Interested participants can sign up at the NJDOE registration page at https://homeroom5.doe.state.nj.us/events/?p=a.
🎓 TRANSITION AND LONG-TERM PLANNING
The Arc of New Jersey provides ongoing virtual resources throughout the week via their Healthy Lifestyles Project. Families can access "NJSAP Brain Games" and adaptive fitness webinars that encourage social interaction and physical health for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The full calendar of virtual activities and advocacy webinars for February is available at https://www.arcnj.org/news_events/calendar.html.
For families beginning to look toward the end of the school year or post-secondary transitions, the SPAN Parent Advocacy Network offers a deep library of recorded webinars on early literacy and the science of reading. These resources are essential for parents ensuring their children have the foundational skills needed for graduation and beyond. Access these tools at https://spanadvocacy.org/early-reading.
Enjoy the snow today and we look forward to seeing you at our next SPF-SEPAG meeting on February 9!
On Behalf of the SPF SEPAG Executive Board
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