Parent Advisory Councils are a requirement of the current Chapter 766 Massachusetts Special Education Regulations. Each school district is currently required to have a Parent Advisory Council. As a regional school, we are a system-wide organization of parents, teachers, and administrators working in partnership to promote an innovative educational environment where children with disabilities have equal access to educational opportunities and that our schools are safe, nurturing, challenging learning environments for ALL children.

This organization provides access to relevant resources, laws, regulations and activities that impact special education in this community and across the state.

Though we have all kinds of children, typical, gifted and talented, disabled those who have special needs or disabilities need a strong, and loud unified voice to gain parity with their non-disabled peers. We have too many children who are misunderstood, excluded, isolated, overlooked, misdiagnosed, and discriminated against.

• Provide outreach and a network of support for parents, including access to relevant information, regulation and laws, training and emotional support.
• Promote an innovative educational environment where children with disabilities have equal access to educational opportunities and a school environment where all children are encouraged to reach their potential.
• Collaborate with the school community to continually improve the educational opportunities available within and without our schools that promote improved educational outcomes for children with disabilities.
• Promote communication and programs within the community to encourage greater understanding, acceptance, compassion, and inclusion of children who are different.
• Stay current on public policy issues that impact all education in Massachusetts and respond as necessary.

Who Should Be Involved?

• Any Parent, Teacher, Administrators whom want to see children achieve (whether or not your child has special needs) can join
• Parents and/or guardians of children who receive special education services-in or out of this community.
• Parents who think their child may have some learning issues or differences or behavioral issues, if your child has attention issues, does not have many friends, and is socially isolated or just different.
• Parents who are just learning about the special education process and IEP's or who already have children on an IEP.
• Parents and educators who want to learn more about local resources-therapists, testing, workshops, programs, camps, etc.
• Parents who would like a support group that understands their issues and concerns.

Why Should I Get Involved?

• To have input into programs that could affect your child.
• Networking with parents "who have been there"-sharing tips, advice and feedback on what has and has not worked in the school system.
• Access to a comprehensive website, resource library and parent to parent meetings and workshops.
• To learn to advocate more effectively for your child and learn to maneuver in the special education maze.

What are the Benefits? There are many benefits to becoming a participant and member of SEPAC. Networking and expanding your advocacy skills are others. SEPAC can be your source for services, therapists, advocates and attorneys. Access to timely information is another major benefit.

Resources  As members of MASSPAC we also have the use of their extensive library which includes topics ranging from autism, reading issues, sensory integration, stuttering, other speech issues, Down syndrome, ADHD, cerebral palsy, hearing and visual impairments along with titles for all students including teen issues, study skills and general parenting books. Please let us know what you are interested and we’ll try to locate information on it for you. Please take advantage of this community resource.