WEEKLY RESOURCE NEWSLETTER: FEBRUARY 2 – FEBRUARY 10, 2026
📣 NEXT UPCOMING SPF-SEPAG MEETING-Topic is Dyslexia Supports
The next Scotch Plains-Fanwood 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, with the in-person session taking place at Terrill Middle School. For those attending remotely, you can join via the following Google Meet link: https://meet.google.com/gtp-uwou-hnk. This is an excellent opportunity to connect with the local special education community and provide input on district-level services. For the full 2025-2026 meeting schedule, please visit: https://spf-sepag.blogspot.com/p/sepag-meetings-dates.html
OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS
💻 MONDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2026: ACADEMIC SUPPORT AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE The New Jersey Department of Education is hosting a virtual technical assistance session regarding the New Jersey Learning Acceleration Program. This session is designed to support the implementation of high-impact tutoring, which is a vital resource for students with disabilities who may need additional academic reinforcement. The workshop runs from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM and provides a platform for parents to understand the grant requirements and tutoring availability within their local districts. https://homeroom5.doe.state.nj.us/events/details.php?t=1;recid=55591
⚖️ WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2026: ADVOCACY AND SYSTEM CHANGE The SPAN Parent Advocacy Network is conducting an in-person workshop titled "Policy and System Advocacy" at the East Brunswick Public Library. This training is specifically designed for families who want to move beyond individual advocacy and learn practical tools for grassroots change to improve services for all children with disabilities. The event runs from 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM and is led by veteran advocates. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/policy-and-system-advocacy-tickets-1976745015554
📜 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2026: NAVIGATING SECTION 504 AND THE ADA SPAN is also offering a virtual workshop focused on the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Understanding the difference between an IEP and a 504 Plan is essential for ensuring that students receive the appropriate accommodations and legal protections in the school setting. This online session begins at 12:00 PM EST and is accessible to parents across the state. https://www.eventbrite.com/o/span-parent-advocacy-network-313399547
🏃 FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2026: SENSORY-FRIENDLY RECREATION Union County residents can look forward to "Fun Fit for Kids" at the Warinanco Sports Center. This structured physical activity program is designed for children ages 5–10 and emphasizes a welcoming, low-pressure environment. Additionally, Goldfish Swim School in nearby communities often hosts "Glimpse of Goldfish" weekends starting this Friday, which allow families to explore adaptive swim lessons in a sensory-aware facility. https://ucnj.org/calendar
⛺ SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2026: CAMP FAIRS AND INCLUSIVE OUTINGS For parents planning for the upcoming summer, the NJ Camp Fair is being held at the Livingston YMCA from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM. This is a prime opportunity to speak with directors about inclusion policies, 1-to-1 support availability, and specialized programming for children with special needs. For a more relaxed family outing, Jurassic Quest at the NJ Convention & Expo Center offers a "Sensory Friendly Session" from 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM, featuring lowered audio and dimmed lighting for a calmer experience. https://www.njkidsonline.com/events https://www.jurassicquest.com/events
🐢 SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2026: NATURE AND SENSORY ENGAGEMENT The Tulpehaking Nature Center is hosting "Family Sundays: Feed the Animals" at 1:30 PM. This hands-on, educational session allows children to engage with animals in a tactile and controlled environment, which can be highly beneficial for students with sensory processing needs or those who benefit from experiential learning. https://www.njkidsonline.com/events
🤝 MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2026: PARENT SUPPORT AND DISTRICT MEETINGS A "Creative Parent Support Group" is meeting in Springfield, NJ (Union County) at 6:30 PM. This group offers a space for parents and professionals to share tools for navigating the complexities of raising children with diverse needs. Simultaneously, SPAN is hosting a virtual "Awareness NJ Resources for Families" session at 7:00 PM, providing a comprehensive overview of the state-wide support services available to families transitioning into or through the special education system. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/creative-parent-support-group-tickets-1980405672678 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/span-awareness-nj-resources-for-families-registration-1914908455739
💰 TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2026: FINANCIAL PLANNING AND LONG-TERM SECURITY Transitioning to adult life often requires early financial planning. SPAN is hosting a virtual workshop titled "From Piggy Banks to College Funds: Raising Financially Savvy Kids" at 11:00 AM EST. While the title focuses on financial literacy, these sessions frequently cover the basics of ABLE accounts and financial protections that are critical for families of children with disabilities. https://www.eventbrite.com/o/span-parent-advocacy-network-313399547
We hope to see you all at the February meeting!
On Behalf of the SEPAG Executive Board
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