🏫 SPF-SEPAG Weekly Resource Newsletter: September 24 – October 1, 2026
Dear Parents and Caregivers,
As we transition into late September, we are pleased to share details regarding our next scheduled meeting alongside a curated list of educational workshops, self-advocacy sessions, and Union County community programming for special education students and their families. Please mark your calendar for our upcoming meeting, we'd love to see you in person for our first parent & caregiver only meeting of the school year.
📅 UPCOMING SPF-SEPAG MEETING
🤝 Next Scheduled Meeting: Parent & Caregiver Only Session
Date & Time: Thursday, October 8, 2026 | 7:00 PM EST
Location: Scotch Plains Library & Remote via Google Meet
Google Meet Video Link: https://meet.google.com/sir-abae-imc
Details: Please mark your calendars for our next meeting! This session will be a dedicated Parent and Caregiver Only meeting. It provides an open and supportive environment for families to connect, share experiences, and receive special education updates.
Resource Links: View all tentative dates for the school year on the SPF-SEPAG Meetings Information Page or catch up on previous discussions via our Meeting Minutes Archive.
💻 UPCOMING EDUCATIONAL WORKSHOPS & WEBINARS
🎓 Look to the Future: Transition from School to Adult Life
Date & Time: Thursday, September 24, 2026 | 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Details: Hosted virtually by the SPAN Parent Advocacy Network, this presentation focuses on guiding secondary students toward post-school goals, postsecondary outcomes, and community integration as part of the IEP transition process.
Resource Link: SPAN Transition to Adult Life Workshop
🗣️ Student-Led IEPs: Building Self-Advocacy Skills
Date & Time: Thursday, September 24, 2026 | 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Details: Designed for parents and students, this session breaks down practical strategies for involving youth directly in their IEP meetings, showcasing tools that foster active participation, self-advocacy, and independence.
Resource Link: SPAN Student-Led IEP Workshop
❓ Understanding Support Coordination in New Jersey (Live Q&A)
Date & Time: Monday, September 28, 2026 | 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Details: Offered by the Family Resource Network, this interactive session covers how families navigate Medicaid waiver programs, support coordinators, and adult service systems in New Jersey.
Resource Link: Family Resource Network Webinars
📁 Managing School Documents: Get Organized
Date & Time: Tuesday, September 29, 2026 | 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Details: Learn how to create and maintain an effective home record-keeping binder for evaluations, progress reports, accommodation tracking, and correspondence to help you prepare confidently for upcoming school meetings.
Resource Link: SPAN Document Organization Workshop
🧠 Executive Functioning: Practical Tools for Helping Kids Become More Independent
Date & Time: Wednesday, September 30, 2026 | 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Details: This virtual interactive session examines five core executive functioning skills—planning, initiation, working memory, adaptability, and self-regulation—and offers actionable strategies to foster child independence at home and school.
Resource Link: SPAN Executive Functioning Event
🏡 LOCAL COMMUNITY FOCUS & RECREATION
🌳 Union County Office for Persons with Disabilities & Special Needs
Details: Union County continues to offer sensory-friendly spaces, inclusive nature trails, and adaptive family recreation throughout the fall. Explore seasonal offerings nearby at the Trailside Nature & Science Center in Mountainside or community sports programs across the county.
Resource Link: Union County Community & Special Needs Events
🤝 Community Access Unlimited (CAU) Self-Advocacy & Support
Location: Elizabeth, NJ & Regional Satellite Hubs
Details: CAU provides peer self-advocacy groups, youth mentoring, transition coaching, and family support resources for individuals with developmental disabilities and their caregivers across Union County.
Resource Link: CAU Community Events & Support Programs
📚 NJ Department of Education Learning Resource Centers (LRC)
Details: The New Jersey Department of Education operates regional Learning Resource Centers where parents, caregivers, and educators can access assistive technology lending libraries, learning materials, and specialized educational software.
Resource Link: NJ Department of Education LRC Overview
Wishing you and your family a wonderful, supportive week ahead!
On Behalf of Scotch Plains-Fanwood SEPAG
