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Discipline & Positive Behavior Supports
Will the President's School Discipline Order Drive Wider Disparities or ‘Restore Common Sense’?
A recent White House executive order aims to remove school discipline practices based on “discriminatory equity ideology.” Critics, including EdTrust, warn it could increase racial disparities and disproportionately impact students of color and students with disabilities.
Read more here.
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NJ Community of Care Consortium Taking Place on June 5
DATE: Thursday, June 5, 2025
TIME: 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
East Brunswick Public Library
2 Jean Walling, East Brunswick, Civic Center Drive East Brunswick, NJ 08816
In-Person Only
About the CoCC
The NJ Community of Care Consortium (CoCC) brings together state agencies; family, health, advocacy, and disability organizations; and parents, youth, and professionals, to advocate to improve systems of care for Children and Youth with Special Healthcare Needs (CYSHCN) and their families, and for diverse families who face disproportionate disparities in health outcomes. The CoCC consists of 4 workgroups, each co-chaired by a parent and a professional:
- Medical Home and Community Resources
- Early and Continuous Screening
- Transition to Adulthood
- Adequate Public and Private Insurance
On June 5, learn about:
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Family Connects NJ: Nurse home visits for any family caring for a newborn baby.
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Updates on Affordable Healthcare and NJ Paid Family Leave
- Discussion on responding to threats to health care and social services and their impact on NJ families.
To register to attend, click here.
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You’re Invited: Share Your Voice on Inclusive Child Care in NJ
English Sessions
6/3/2025: (1:30 PM–3:00 PM)
Or
6/6/2025: (10:30 AM–12:00 PM)
Spanish Session
6/17/2025: (7:00 PM-8:30 PM)
Online
Early Childhood professionals are invited to join a Listening Session hosted by SPAN’s NJ Inclusive Child Care Project (NJICCP). This is a valuable opportunity to share your insights, experiences, and challenges related to inclusive practices in child care, or supporting others in these settings, across New Jersey.
Your voice matters! Whether you work in a center-based program, family child care, or provide support services, your input will help shape the training and professional development opportunities that we can support you with to improve inclusive education for all children, including those with developmental delays, or disabilities.
The Listening Sessions are designed to be respectful and collaborative, and we will use your feedback for solution-focused programming. Because, together we can identify what’s working and what needs to change. The NJICCP can contribute as a partner to help ensure that every family has access to high-quality, inclusive early learning environments.
Join us in building a more inclusive future for New Jersey’s youngest learners. Your perspective can help make a real difference and you just might win one of two Kindle Fire HD tablets - two winners will be chosen in each session!
Register today by clicking here and be heard! Share with your colleagues and encourage them to join us too!
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This 5th Week of Mental Health Awareness Month, We Focus on Community and Connectedness
Volunteering, helping a friend or neighbor, or teaching someone a new skill fosters a feeling of connection and is good for your mental health! During Mental Health Awareness Month and beyond, make a difference in someone’s life.
To learn how from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), click here.
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Become a Sponsor or Exhibitor Supporting the 2025 SPAN Parent Leadership & Advocacy Conference
The 2025 SPAN Parent Leadership & Advocacy Conference brings together parent leaders, advocates, and community partners from across New Jersey for a day dedicated to skill-building, networking, and celebrating our vital advocacy work together. This year’s conference will feature thought-provoking speakers, dynamic breakout sessions, and powerful personal stories from youth leaders developing self-advocacy skills.
We invite you to support this impactful event in a meaningful and visible way. With a variety of sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities available, you can showcase your commitment to families, advocacy, and SPAN’s statewide initiatives. Your support enables us to provide scholarships for families in need, ensure multilingual access, and create an inclusive, enriching experience for all participants.
To learn more, access our Sponsorship & Exhibitor Opportunities Guide by clicking here.
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The Latest Issue of RAISE The Standard
is Out!
In the latest issue of the RAISE The Standard newsletter, the focus is on Mental Health Issues in Youth.
Young people with disabilities often face extra challenges when it comes to their mental health. They may feel left out or different from others, which can lead to feelings of sadness, loneliness, or low self-esteem. They might also have trouble finding the right mental health support, especially if services are not designed to meet their unique needs.
Read focused perspectives, access tools that work, watch a great Youth Voice video discussion, and more.
Open the newsletter by clicking here.
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START Project Summer Fun Reading Workshop: Tips, Activities & Resources to Prevent the Summer Slide
TOMORROW, May 29, 2025
12:00 PM ET
Online
In this workshop, families will learn simple, effective strategies they can do at home and on-the-go to prevent the "summer slide" while making reading together fun and engaging.
Guest Presenter: Dr. Jamie Zibulsky, co-author of Book Smart: How to Support Successful, Motivated Readers.
Spanish interpretation available.
For more information and to register, click here.
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Upcoming Events
SPAN offers a variety of learning opportunities for families and the professionals who work with them.
Highlighted Event This Week
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Engaging Fathers: Building Stronger School Communities
Tuesday, June 10, 2025
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM ET
Online
N.J. State Senator Benjie E. Wimberly will moderate a powerful discussion featuring Peter Burgos and Doug Goulding, amplifying the voices of dads and highlighting the vital role they play in family and community engagement.
To register, click here.
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