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