Sutton Special Education

Parent Advisory Council

Parent Advisory Councils are a requirement of the current 603 CMR 28.00 Special Education Regulations. Each school district is currently required to have a Parent Advisory Council.

The 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, talented, disabled, those who have special needs or disabilities need a strong, and loud unified voice to gain equity in ensuring rights. We have too many children who could be misunderstood, excluded, isolated, overlooked, and potentially discriminated against in society.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Sutton Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SSEPAC) is to work toward the understanding, respect, support and appropriate education for all children with special needs in our community.

Key Objectives

Provide outreach and network of support for parents, including access to relevant information, regulation and laws, training and emotional support.

Collaborate with the school community to continually improve the educational opportunities for children with disabilities.

Promote communication and programs within the community to encourage greater understanding, acceptance, compassion and inclusion of children who are different.

Who should be Involved?

Parents/Guardians:

• Of children who receive special education services, in or out of this community.
• Who think their child may have some learning issues, behavioral issues, attention issues, is socially isolated, or is just different.
• Who are just learning about the special education process and IEP’s or already have a child on an IEP.
• Who want to learn more about local resource, therapists, evaluations, workshops, and programs.
• Who want a support group that understands their issues or concerns.

Meetings

Meetings are held the first Monday of each month in the Sutton Elementary School Library. Contact the Special Education Office at 508.581.1615 for information with regard to the next meeting.