🏫 SPF-SEPAG Weekly Resource Newsletter: October 8 – October 15, 2026
Dear Parents and Caregivers,
We hope you are having a wonderful fall week! We are excited to share our latest collection of upcoming special education workshops, regional community events, and family support resources for Scotch Plains-Fanwood, Union County, and New Jersey families. Please note our first parent and caregiver only meeting tomorrow night at the Scotch Plains library, we hope you'll join us!
Dear Parents and Caregivers,
We hope you are having a wonderful fall week! We are excited to share our latest collection of upcoming special education workshops, regional community events, and family support resources for Scotch Plains-Fanwood, Union County, and New Jersey families. Please note our first parent and caregiver only meeting tomorrow night at the Scotch Plains library, we hope you'll join us!
📅 UPCOMING SPF-SEPAG MEETING
🤝 Scheduled Meeting: Parent & Caregiver Only Session
Date & Time: Thursday, October 8, 2026 | 7:00 PM EST
Location / Format: Scotch Plains Library, 1927 Bartle Avenue, Scotch Plains NJ, with a hybrid remote option via Google Meet
Google Meet Link: https://meet.google.com/sir-abae-imc
Details: Join us tonight for our dedicated Parent and Caregiver Only session! Held at 7:00 PM at Scotch Plains Library (with remote access), this informal meeting offers an open, confidential space for parents to ask questions, share local experiences, and connect directly with other special education families in our district.
Resource Links: For the full list of meeting dates and schedule updates, visit the SPF-SEPAG Meeting Dates Page, or review previous summaries in the SPF-SEPAG Meeting Minutes Archive.
Date & Time: Thursday, October 8, 2026 | 7:00 PM EST
Location / Format: Scotch Plains Library, 1927 Bartle Avenue, Scotch Plains NJ, with a hybrid remote option via Google Meet
Google Meet Link: https://meet.google.com/sir-abae-imc
Details: Join us tonight for our dedicated Parent and Caregiver Only session! Held at 7:00 PM at Scotch Plains Library (with remote access), this informal meeting offers an open, confidential space for parents to ask questions, share local experiences, and connect directly with other special education families in our district.
Resource Links: For the full list of meeting dates and schedule updates, visit the SPF-SEPAG Meeting Dates Page, or review previous summaries in the SPF-SEPAG Meeting Minutes Archive.
💻 UPCOMING EDUCATIONAL WORKSHOPS & WEBINARS
📜 Basic Rights in Special Education Workshop
Date & Time: Thursday, October 8, 2026 | Evening Virtual Session
Details: Hosted by the SPAN Parent Advocacy Network, this virtual workshop provides a foundational guide to parental rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Caregivers will learn about IEP components, evaluation rights, measurable goals, and practical communication strategies with school teams.
Resource Link: SPAN Basic Rights Learning Portal
Date & Time: Thursday, October 8, 2026 | Evening Virtual Session
Details: Hosted by the SPAN Parent Advocacy Network, this virtual workshop provides a foundational guide to parental rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Caregivers will learn about IEP components, evaluation rights, measurable goals, and practical communication strategies with school teams.
Resource Link: SPAN Basic Rights Learning Portal
🏡 LOCAL COMMUNITY FOCUS & RECREATION
🎨 Inclusive Family Arts & Sensory Workshop
Date & Time: Saturday, October 10, 2026 | Morning Session
Location: Union County Visual Arts Center, Summit, NJ
Details: A hands-on art exploration session adapted for neurodivergent children and siblings. The workshop features tactile art stations, quiet relaxation areas, and adaptive tools designed to make artistic expression accessible and fun for all abilities.
Resource Link: Union County Cultural & Heritage Affairs Event Directory
Date & Time: Saturday, October 10, 2026 | Morning Session
Location: Union County Visual Arts Center, Summit, NJ
Details: A hands-on art exploration session adapted for neurodivergent children and siblings. The workshop features tactile art stations, quiet relaxation areas, and adaptive tools designed to make artistic expression accessible and fun for all abilities.
Resource Link: Union County Cultural & Heritage Affairs Event Directory
🍁 Sensory-Friendly Fall Harvest Outing
Date & Time: Sunday, October 11, 2026 | Morning Matinee Hours
Location: Central New Jersey / Union County Regional Area
Details: Local community venues offer early-entry, low-crowd harvest experiences for families of children with sensory processing challenges. Enjoy modified pumpkin picking, calm audio environments, and reduced wait times.
Resource Link: Union County Resource Net Community Events Directory
Date & Time: Sunday, October 11, 2026 | Morning Matinee Hours
Location: Central New Jersey / Union County Regional Area
Details: Local community venues offer early-entry, low-crowd harvest experiences for families of children with sensory processing challenges. Enjoy modified pumpkin picking, calm audio environments, and reduced wait times.
Resource Link: Union County Resource Net Community Events Directory
💼 Transition to Adult Life: Understanding DDD & DVRS Services
Date & Time: Tuesday, October 13, 2026 | Evening Virtual Webinar
Details: Designed for families of high school students with special needs, this webinar breaks down state transition planning. Presenters cover eligibility criteria, application timelines, and support models provided by the NJ Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) and Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVRS).
Resource Link: SPAN Transition to Adulthood Workshops
Date & Time: Tuesday, October 13, 2026 | Evening Virtual Webinar
Details: Designed for families of high school students with special needs, this webinar breaks down state transition planning. Presenters cover eligibility criteria, application timelines, and support models provided by the NJ Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) and Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVRS).
Resource Link: SPAN Transition to Adulthood Workshops
🧩 Understanding Behavioral Supports in the Classroom & Home
Date & Time: Wednesday, October 14, 2026 | Virtual Webinar
Details: Hosted virtually by Family Support Organization (FSO) networks in New Jersey, this practical workshop explores Positive Behavior Support (PBS) framework tools, Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs), and collaborative strategies to support emotional and behavioral regulation at home and in school.
Resource Link: NJ Family Support Organizations Statewide Calendar
Date & Time: Wednesday, October 14, 2026 | Virtual Webinar
Details: Hosted virtually by Family Support Organization (FSO) networks in New Jersey, this practical workshop explores Positive Behavior Support (PBS) framework tools, Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs), and collaborative strategies to support emotional and behavioral regulation at home and in school.
Resource Link: NJ Family Support Organizations Statewide Calendar
🌟 WISHING YOU A GREAT WEEK AHEAD
Wishing you a supportive and informative week ahead!
Wishing you a supportive and informative week ahead!
✉️ Contact & Connect With Us
On Behalf of Scotch Plains-Fanwood SEPAG
On Behalf of Scotch Plains-Fanwood SEPAG
