OCEAN GATE SCHOOL DISTRICT

Special Education Parent Advisory Groups are required for all school districts in New Jersey. The purpose of these groups is to provide opportunities for parents and community members to offer input to their districts on critical issues. New Jersey Administrative Code 6A:14-1.2(h) states that: Each board of education shall ensure that a special education parent advisory group is in place in the district to provide input to the district on issues concerning students with disabilities.

"A great benefit of participating in SEPAG is that the individual needs of a child become a part of "the big picture" and can reach a broader community of children."

What is a Special Education Parent Advisory Group (SEPAG)? A Special Education Parent Advisory Group, or SEPAG is a state-mandated, district-level, parent-driven group charged with providing input to the local school district on system-level challenges in special education and related services. To be eligible for state aid, New Jersey regulations require that: This legal requirement for a SEPAG is brief and open-ended, allowing parents and school district leaders to create and run an advisory group that meets local needs. SEPAG requirements open the door to collaboration that can make a difference. A SEPAG should be structured to benefit all students with disabilities, not just a single group of students, or a single issue. The more inclusive a SEPAG is, the more opportunities there are to achieve positive outcomes.​

https://www.state.nj.us/education/specialed/resources/SEPAGManual.pdf

Mission:

The mission of the Ocean Gate School District Special Education Parent Advisory Committee is to facilitate communication between parents, staff, the Board of Education, and the community, regarding the district's special education programs, to provide families with meaningful support, education and information and to provide input to the District on issues concerning students with disabilities.

Role:  

• To increase the involvement of families of children with special needs.  
• To advise on issues that affect the education, health, and safety of students with special needs.

Who Should Attend Meetings?  

• Anyone with a student or students in Ocean Gate School District with special needs.  
• Anyone with a student or students eligible for or receiving services under an IEP or 504 plan.

To find out more information about our Special Education Parent Advisory Group please contact,

Mrs. Melanie Patterson ~ patterson@oceangateschool.net or ogsepag@gmail.com

Please note that meetings are not the forum for a discussion about individual students or your child's IEP. Topics are limited to those that impact all students or a group of students. Additionally, these meetings are for parents only. It is not appropriate to have your child attend these meetings. If you have concerns that you would like to share with the Director of  Special Services or a specific concern about your child's program, please contact your child’s case manager.

SEPAG also works with SPAN Parent Network 

SPAN is committed to engaging parents and professionals as partners in improving outcomes for infants, toddlers, children, and youth in NJ. We offer programs that address parent involvement, child care, general and special education, dropout and bullying prevention, child welfare, health care, mental health, youth leadership, transition to adult life, incarcerated youth, military family support, violence prevention, and more!

SPAN runs multiple programs and projects that support youth, young adults, families, and caregivers to be advocates and leaders in their communities. Our services include informative materials, webinars, in-person and online trainings, conferences, one-on-one assistance, and much more. We also offer information, resources, and support to professionals, policymakers, and other Parent Centers like ours throughout the United States and US Territories.

More information can be found at https://spanadvocacy.org/