START–Engaging Parents of Students with Disabilities
Offering programs and services that support the engagement of families to improve outcomes for students.
START-Engaging Parent of Students with Disabilities (EPSD) offers assistance and services that support the engagement of families to improve outcomes for students, including developing and supporting Special Education Parent Advisory Groups (SEPAGs) in communities and school districts.
Through workshops, trainings, and parent leadership development activities, we help parents:
- Become informed and active participants in their child’s education
- Partner with educators in improving educational programs for students with disabilities, particularly in the area of Inclusion
- Start or strengthen parent advisory groups or parent support groups in their areas
Meeting Tools & Resources
Using best practices can help ensure that a SEPAG starts strong and remains effective, with sustained growth and engagement. Using tools can keep the meetings running smoothly and ensure meaningful input from everyone.
Sample Participation Agreement I English: PDF I Modelo de acuerdo de participación I Español: PDF
Developing & Implementing an Effective Special Education Parent Advisory Group (SEPAG) | This chart includes the steps and questions to consider when developing a SEPAG. Use this tool as a guide for discussion when forming your group. English: DOC / PDF | Español: DOC / PDF
Action Minutes—Organizational tool for taking minutes | Use this form at meetings to quickly and effectively take minutes, document a group discussion, and create an action plan. It can also be copied into a Google Doc and made interactive so anyone with a link can add comments or suggestions. English: DOC / PDF | Español: DOC / PDF
Input Tool for SEPAG Meetings—Organizational Tool for collecting input at SEPAG meetings | Use this chart to organize input, identify systemic issues, and include suggestions for possible resolution. It can also be copied into a Google Doc and made interactive so anyone with a link can add comments or suggestions. English: DOC / PDF | Español: DOC / PDF