News from Arlington SEPAC (Special Education Parent Advisory Committee)

11/7/2025 5:46 am

Monthly SEPAC meeting, November 11th

WHEN: Tuesday, November 11th, 7:30-8:30pm (Zoom)

The meeting this month is only for parents and caregivers of children with disabilities in Arlington..Join us this month to learn about:

  • Progress we’re making

  • School Committee priorities (related to budgets, policy, and strategy)

  • SEPAC priorities this year

  • A recap of our survey presentation to the School Committee in October

  • A discussion of future APS structural deficits and implications.

What is SEPAC? Arlington’s Special Education Parent Advisory Committee (SEPAC) is a volunteer parent group that acts as a resource for parents and caregivers and advises the district and the School Committee regarding meeting the needs of students with disabilities in Arlington. Each school district in the state is required to have a SEPAC.
 

TIMELY REMINDER: Friday Deadline (11/7) for Important DESE Survey of Parents and Caregivers

If you are a parent or caregiver of a child on an IEP in Arlington, please don't miss this opportunity to provide feedback to the MA Department of Elementary and Special Education (via a parent survey) by Friday, Nov. 7th, as part of their Integrated Monitoring Review of Arlington Public Schools. The email "FROM" is the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (look in your other tabs if you use Gmail! More information on the Integrated Monitoring Review can be found here.
 

[WEBINAR] Cartwheel Caregiver Forum on Supporting Student’s Social & Emotional Growth

Date & Time: November 18, 6:30 PM

Learn more about social emotional learning in the Arlington Public Schools and receive strategies on how to support children navigating social conflict. More information about Cartwheel and their partnership with APS is here.

Register in advance
 

All-access Pass to FCSN Available to Arlington Families 

Our district is a member of the Federation for Children with Special Needs (FSCN), a Massachusetts-based nonprofit, that supports families through information, individual assistance, training, and advocacy. It provides resources and offers direct support through its various centers and programs, including parent-to-parent support, leadership development, and assistance for families with cultural or linguistic barriers. 

Arlington families have access to monthly workshops under an All-Access Pass. Attached is a calendar of November workshops which are open to both families and educators. 

Register to get the zoom link for workshops: https://fcsn.org/events/
 

Programs and services in and around the community

NOTE: SEPAC is sharing this information as a courtesy. An endorsement should not be inferred. Have a program or service to share? Please fill out this form.

  • McLean Hospital Research study for people 13-18 years old who are feeling
    stressed and find themselves overthinking or focusing on negative thoughts.
    This study looks at mindfulness, a technique that helps you focus on the present and accept your feelings without judgment. Learn more, including information about compensation here and view the flyer with QR code to register.

  • Aha Connections specializes in supporting neurodiverse children (age 2 to 6) and their families through the DIRFloortime® approach; a developmental, relationship-based model focusing on helping children build connections, communication, problem-solving, and creativity through play. Learn about their Waltham-based services available here.

  • How to Navigate the College Journey (2-part series): two-part webinar series through The Chris Walsh Center for Educators and Families at Framingham State. Get accessible, practical guidance especially for students with disabilities. Register here or learn more here.

  • Wayside Youth and Family Support Network runs the Parent Peer Partnership Program for families who have children with mental health challenges. It’s free of charge, no insurance required. Find out more here. Questions? Contact Nick Cote, CCHW, 978-349-4167 or Nick_Cote@waysideyouth.org

  • Child Therapy Boston is Coming to Belmont: This organization runs social groups and does individual therapy in their Sudbury and Needham locations, where they have openings. Join the Belmont Interest List

  • The Concord Free Public Library is offering a Sensory-Friendly Storytime for ages 2–10, every Saturday afternoon at 1:00PM. This program is designed to support neurodivergent children, including those with autism, sensory processing challenges, and any child who may benefit from a smaller, sensory based, supportive group setting. Best to register in advance, but they accept walkins too..