Our Programs- Learn more and ways to help
SEPAC
The SEPAC is comprised of several official roles. SEPACs are required by law and a government organization subject to Open Meeting Law. Parents, caregivers, educators, and other community members provide information for feedback to the school committee and administration. The SEPAC meets at regular monthly intervals to advise administration on the needs of the SPED community.
Additionally, the SEPAC provides educational workshops based on feedback from the community on what people would like to learn more about. Some ideas members have presented are Dyslexia, Basic Rights of a SPED recipient presented by a SPED lawyer, and supporting siblings of children with special needs.
Roles:
Co-chair: Jenny Gillard
Co-chair: Aspen Ference
Secretary: Jennifer Finch
Communications Chair: Molly Vaughan
Board member: Shannon Molloy
Board member: Lotti Turbide
Positions to fill:
Events Coordinator
Communications Chair (2020-2021 period)
Membership Coordinator
Schedule
Meetings the 4th Thursday of each month. Workshops at least twice per year, social events seasonally.
Location
Board meetings currently on Zoom. Social events in-person, in Harvard!
Parent Support Group
The Parent Support Group is not a branch or subcommittee of the SEPAC, and is not subject to Open Meeting Law. It is a self-sustaining support group for parents and caregivers of children with special needs in the Harvard School District. It meets in several ways.
Informal chats at coffee shops, restaurants, and members’ homes to build community, support, and share resources.
Larger groups at venues like the Volunteers’ Hall of the Harvard Public Library to discuss direction for the support group, share experiences, and network.
Playgroups for children at as accessible venues as possible, like the Rideout Playground in Concord, or member homes. Playgroups take into account the different sensory, physical, and neurodiverse needs of the attendees.
A Media List that provides book, movie, website, and other resource recommendations on topics relating to special needs that will be helpful at different stages- for parents, children, educators, siblings, and more.
Parents’ Night Out at local restaurants, the movies, or whatever the collective group desires!
Positions needed:
Chats Coordinator
Playgroup Coordinator
Parents’ Night Out Coordinator
Book, Movie, and Resource Manager
Availability
Monday – Saturday
Morning, Afternoon or Evening
Location
In and around Harvard, MA