🏫 SPF-SEPAG Weekly Resource Newsletter: October 15 – October 22, 2026
Dear Parents and Caregivers,
We hope you are having a wonderful fall week! We are pleased to share our latest collection of upcoming special education workshops, regional community resources, and family advocacy events for Scotch Plains-Fanwood, Union County, and New Jersey families.
📅 UPCOMING SPF-SEPAG MEETING
🤝 Next Scheduled Meeting: Special Education District Updates & Support
Date & Time: Monday, November 9, 2026 | 7:00 PM EST
Location / Format: Terrill Middle School (Media Center), Scotch Plains, NJ, with a hybrid remote option via Google Meet
Google Meet Link: https://meet.google.com/yud-iufo-jht
Details: Mark your calendars for our next district-wide SPF-SEPAG meeting following our October session. Held at Terrill Middle School, these monthly meetings provide a collaborative space for parents and caregivers to connect directly with district special education administrators, receive program updates, and share local experiences.
Resource Links: Check the full 2026–2027 meeting calendar on the SPF-SEPAG Meeting Dates Page or review meeting summaries in the SPF-SEPAG Meeting Minutes Archive.
💻 UPCOMING EDUCATIONAL WORKSHOPS & WEBINARS
📝 Getting it Done: Hacks for Homework and Life
Date & Time: Tuesday, October 20, 2026 | 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM EST
Format: Virtual Webinar
Details: Hosted by the SPAN Parent Advocacy Network, this practical session offers concrete executive functioning tools, organization hacks, and scheduling strategies designed to make homework and study time more productive and less stressful for students receiving special education services.
Resource Link: SPAN Executive Functioning & Academic Support Workshops
⚖️ Creating Agreement: Working Together to Resolve Special Education Conflict
Date & Time: Wednesday, October 21, 2026 | Evening Session
Format: Virtual Webinar
Details: This interactive training examines constructive communication techniques between parents and school child study teams. Participants will learn how to navigate differences during IEP meetings, prepare clear proposals, and reach effective consensus without escalating disputes.
Resource Link: SPAN Conflict Resolution Workshop Details
🗓️ Círculo de Padres: El Poder de las Rutinas en la Primera Infancia
Date & Time: Thursday, October 22, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM EST
Format: Virtual Webinar (Spanish Language Session)
Details: Facilitated by SPAN Parent Advocacy Network, this session defines the developmental benefits of structured routines for young neurodivergent children. Parents will gain practical tools for building home routines that support self-regulation and positive behavior.
Resource Link: SPAN Parent Circle Workshops in Spanish
💰 How to Use Medicaid Once Your Child Has SSI
Date & Time: Thursday, October 22, 2026 | 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM EST
Format: Virtual Webinar
Details: Presented by The Arc of New Jersey, this webinar guides caregivers through utilizing Medicaid benefits after a child or young adult receives Supplemental Security Income (SSI), including coverage rules, waiver programs, and healthcare access.
Resource Link: The Arc of New Jersey Family Support Webinars
🏡 LOCAL COMMUNITY FOCUS & RECREATION
💼 44th Annual Autism New Jersey Conference
Date & Time: Thursday, October 22 – Friday, October 23, 2026 | All-Day Sessions
Location: Harrah's Resort, Atlantic City, NJ (Statewide Event)
Details: New Jersey’s largest annual special education and autism conference features over 70 workshops, an extensive resource exhibit hall, healthcare updates, and networking opportunities for caregivers, self-advocates, and professionals.
Resource Link: Autism New Jersey Annual Conference Information
🌳 Union County Inclusive Parks & Adaptive Fall Recreation
Date & Time: Ongoing Seasonal Availability
Location: Union County Regional Parks (Trailside Nature & Science Center, Mountainside, NJ)
Details: Union County continues to offer sensory-friendly nature trails, adaptive playground facilities, and inclusive family activities. Explore sensory-rich educational displays, quiet outdoor spaces, and low-crowd visiting times across county parks.
🌟 WISHING YOU A GREAT WEEK AHEAD
Wishing you a supportive and informative week ahead!
✉️ Contact & Connect With Us
On Behalf of Scotch Plains-Fanwood SEPAG
