We are excited you want to learn more about the Glen Ridge SEPAC.

Here are answers to questions you might have about us. 

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What is the Glen Ridge Special Education Parent Advisory Committee?

Formerly known as GRASE, the Glen Ridge SEPAC (Special Education Parent Advisory Committee) is a state-mandated, district-level, parent-driven group charged with providing input to the school district on system-level challenges in special education and related services. 

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Who are the students receiving special education services?

They are students who have been diagnosed with one or more of the following conditions:

• Autism

• Deaf-blindness

• Developmental delay

• Emotional disability

• Hearing impairment

• Intellectual disability

• Multiple disabilities

• Orthopedic impairment

• Other health impairment    

• Specific learning disability

• Speech/language impairment

• Traumatic brain injury

• Visual impairment
   

Who serves on the committee?

Parents are the core members of a SEPAC. This includes parents of children with disabilities who have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) who are educated in schools within or outside of the student’s home district. Parents do not need special training or background knowledge to be a member of a SEPAC. Additionally, membership may include students and former students, Child Study Team members, teachers, public/county human service agency representatives, and/or community/civic organization representatives.

 

The Director of Student Services and a representative from the school board of education serve as liaisons to the group.

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What is the function of the Special Education Parent Advisory Committee?

• Advise the school district of needs in the education of children with disabilities;

• Participate in the development of priorities and strategies for meeting the identified needs of children with disabilities; 

• Submit periodic reports and recommendations regarding the education of children with disabilities to the Director of Student Services for transmission to the local school board of education; 

• Assist the school district in interpreting plans to the community for meeting the special needs of children with disabilities for educational services; 

• Review the policies and procedures for the provision of special education and related services prior to submission to the local school board of education; and

• Participate in the review of the school district's annual plan.

 

How can the Special Education Parent Advisory Committee help you?

It can help you better understand how to work with the school district and how special education can meet the needs of children and youth with disabilities.

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How can I get more information about attending meetings and/or joining the group?

If you would like to talk to someone about the SEPAC, email the SEPAC here.