Here’s what’s happening at SPAN
Find all of our events in one place.
Empowering families as advocates and partners in improving education, health/mental health and human services outcomes for infants, toddlers, children, youth and young adults.
We are committed to children and families with the greatest need due to disability or special health/mental health needs; poverty; discrimination based on race/ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, language, immigrant or homeless status; involvement in the child welfare or juvenile justice systems; geographic location; or other special circumstances. SPAN’s individual assistance, workshops, and resources are available in languages other than English. Learn more about us.
read our 2023 annual report: Doing More for Families and Students →
Paul & Karen Franklin
THANK YOU to everyone who came out to support SPAN on Friday evening, September 26, and enjoyed some great food, drinks, inspiring conversation, and an amazing awards presentation.
Congratulations to our two award recipients, New Jersey Attorney General, Matthew J. Platkin and Susan Coll-Guedes, M.Ed.
visit our Soiree Review Page →
Make a Lasting Impression
The SPAN Parent Advocacy Network invites our friends, parents, partners, and affiliated organizations to take part in a unique opportunity to be featured on our Tree of Gratitude, which will grace the entryway of our new office.
Find support, trainings, assistance and other information and resources here.
Stay up to date with what SPAN is doing.
Learn how a strengths-based approach helps educators build trust, motivation, and engagement by identifying and leveraging what students do well, especially those who struggle most. Shift from deficit-based thinking to strength-based noticing without minimizing challenges or expectations. Identify and name student strengths, academic, social, emotional, and behavioral, in authentic, meaningful ways. Use […]
Participants will learn:1. What do families and students need to do to begin the student-led IEP process for students?2. What do student-led IEPs look and feel like for students, families, and teachers?3. Tools for students to develop self-advocacy skills
Through this workshop, parents and professionals will learn practical strategies for developing IEPs with clear, measurable annual goals, along with step-by-step guidance for writing effective objectives and tracking student progress.
The presentation will provide an overview of the IEP process and describe the legal requirements for the Least Restrictive Environment principle.
Lunch & Learn: Understanding the School BudgetPresented by: New Jersey Family Engagement Hub &Paterson Education Fund Asking the Right Questions Understanding the School Budget Parent Advocacy Meeting Facilitation Tuesday, June 16, 2026The New Jersey Family Engagement Hub is a project of SPAN funded by the U.S. Department of Education. PEF Workshops 2026 Decode school budget […]
MULTIPLE DATES AVAILABLE This workshop provides families with an introduction to their rights and responsibilities as parents of children with special needs. This workshop provides families with an introduction to their rights and responsibilities as parents of children with special needs under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the NJ Code, and Section 504 […]
Gain a clear understanding of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and how it can support children with communication needs and more.
This workshop will focus on helping parents and professionals “create agreement” and avoid, minimize, or appropriately address conflict in the IFSP and IEP process. Participants will: 1. explore the benefits and challenges of parent-professional collaboration2. learn best practices for creating agreement, addressing power imbalances, and implementing cultural reciprocity3. learn how to “create agreement” with others […]
SPAN Youth Chats is a community of youth supporting youth, monthly, hearing from professionals and SPAN staff on empowerment in daily living
This workshop will discuss issues relating to transitioning from school to adult life, identifying outcomes, and developing goals as part of the IEP process. Parents and students will become knowledgeable regarding resources in the community in order to build linkages and ensure a dignified life as contributing citizens.
Parents/Caregivers will train to be volunteers for social/emotional supports.
MULTIPLE DATES AVAILABLE This workshop provides families with an introduction to their rights and responsibilities as parents of children with special needs. This workshop provides families with an introduction to their rights and responsibilities as parents of children with special needs under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the NJ Code, and Section 504 […]
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