Four individual images of children playing outside

Our News You Can Use weekly e-newsletter has been redesigned and entitled The Bridge.

The Bridge is your new access to SPAN news, events, and resources.

October 19, 2021 | Issue 2 (Click to view as a webpage)

Resources for Military Connected Families Who Have Children With Special Healthcare Needs or Disabilities

Wednesday, October 27th from 7 - 8 p.m. on Zoom

Receive resources and guidance, information on low or no-cost services, help with school enrollment and transitions and more!

Welcome Remarks by Congressman Andy Kim and Capt. Frank Ingargiola,JB MDL Deputy Commander-Navy and NSA Lakehurst Commander.

Presenters Include:

Peg Kinsell, Director of Military Family Support 360 Project
Kim Murray, Acting Director, Office of Special Education, NJ Department of Education
Mollie Greene, Assistant Commissioner, The Children’s System of Care, NJ Department of Children and Families

See the Flyer for more details

Important News

Return to School Roadmap: Development and Implementation of Individualized Education Programs in the Least Restrictive Environment under the Individuals with Disabilities

Education Act

US Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services Guidance

Released: September 30, 2021

This recent guidance includes information about:

Ensuring individualized education programs (IEPs) are in place
IEP Team meetings
Consideration of each child’s need for assistive technology devices and services and other factors
Social, behavioral, emotional, and mental health needs of children with disabilities
Measurable annual goals and considering needs for compensatory services
Extended School Year Services (ESY) determinations
Secondary transition service needs
Educational placement decisions
Resolving disagreements regarding the child’s educational program.

Read the full guidance here

Upcoming Events

See what's happening this month

SPAN offers a variety of learning opportunities for families and the professionals who work with them. Check out our Event Calendar for details and registration links.

Upcoming Events include:

NAACP: COVID KNOW MORE

Black Americans are contracting COVID-19 and dying from it at higher rates, nearly two times greater than their share of the population. In the last two months, there has been a sharp increase in the number of African Americans who are concerned the worst of the pandemic is yet to come.

Learn More:

New SPAN Resource

American Rescue Plan (ARP) Funding in New Jersey:

Key Details and Strategies

This quick guide outlines details of the ARP funding in New Jersey. It offers strategies that families, educators and other stakeholders can use to advocate for systemic changes.

The focus is on strategies that target the education of students with the greatest needs, including students with disabilities and/or of color and English Language Learners.

English: PDF Español: PDF

SPAN Parent Advocacy Network | spanadvocacy.org

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