What is a Special Education PAC?

Massachusetts Special Education Regulations state that each school committee shall establish a Parent Advisory Council (PAC) on Special Education.  A PAC is a formally organized group of individuals committed to the best possible services for children with special needs.  A PAC:

• Promotes a network of parents and forum to share information
• Advises the school district on special education programs, training needs, and policy
• Promotes communication between PAC members; local, state and national organizations, councils and groups
• Promotes understanding, acceptance and inclusion within the community
• Provides informational forums for parents, students, educators, and professionals

Who Should join the Special Education PAC?

• Parents and/or guardians of children who receive any type of special education services or accommodations in school, such as an Individualized Education Program (IEP), a 504 accommodation, or out-of-district placement.
• Parents who think their child may have some learning issues or differences.
• Parents who would like to understand or have an interest in the Special Education process.
• Parents, educators, or any members of the community who want to learn more!

Why Get Involved?

• To network with other parents in the community.
• To share your own expertise and experiences with other parents.
• To learn about the services available for children with learning issues or differences.
• To learn to advocate for your child's needs more effectively.

When are the Meetings?

Maynard Special Education PAC meetings are held in the Maynard High School Library and begin at 7:00pm.

Schedule for the school year 2009-2010

September 22, 2009 - Special Needs Planning

October 27, 2009 - Special Education Basic Rights

Come and discover how to be an effective partner with your school. Whether your child has been on an IEP for 14 days or 14 years, you will be a better Advocate for them if you attend a Basic Rights workshop yearly. Understanding your Special Education Basic Rights will provide you with information on your rights and responsibilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Massachusetts Special Education Law, and No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act. You will also learn about the eligibility process, how to plan for and make decisions about your child's Individual Education Plan (IEP) and team meetings, and how to monitor the progress of your child. IEPs will also be discussed. Presented by the Federation for Children with Special Needs.

Dr. Maguire, Behavior Specialist at Green Meadow Elementary School and the Fowler Middle School in Maynard, will speak to parents, caregivers, and educators about how to determine the cause of your child's challenging behavior and will help to point out how certain reactions can increase undesirable behaviors. He will also provide more useful alternatives for decreasing these behaviors and how to increase "pro-social alternatives". To R.S.V.P. for this event or for more information about the Maynard PAC, please contact Traci Edwards, Secretary, Maynard PAC at 978-496-5449 or via e-mail at traci.edwards47@gmail.com.

Jill will give an overview of Special Education in Maynard and at all 3 schools in Maynard: Green Meadow, Fowler and the High School. She will also be available for Q&A after her presentation. To R.S.V.P. for this event or for more information about the Maynard PAC, please contact Traci Edwards, Secretary, Maynard PAC at 978-496-5449 or via e-mail at traci.edwards47@gmail.com.

Every child with a disability who receives special education services must have an Individual Education Program.  This workshop takes parents step-by-step through the development of the IEP including how to articulate a Vision, using evaluations to write annual measurable goals and how to measure their child’s progress.  Sandra Osborne from the Federation of Children With Special Needs will present. To R.S.V.P. for this event or for more information about the Maynard PAC, please contact Traci Edwards, Secretary, Maynard PAC at 978-496-5449 or via e-mail at traci.edwards47@gmail.com.

Officers/board members volunteer/elected for following school year.

The topic for Nadine's presentation will be "Friendships and Social Coaching: Helping Kids Make and Keep Friends" The seminar will explore how parents can improve the social lives of children. Seminar discussion topics include:

• Barriers to Socialization
• Adult Role in Socialization
• Teaching Empathy and Respect
• Creating and Accessing Socialization Opportunities
• The School's Role in Teaching Social Skills
• Overall Advice on How to Develop Social Relationships

The seminar will provide practical advice with examples of how to assist children in making and keeping friends. To R.S.V.P. for this event or for more information about the Maynard PAC, please contact Traci Edwards, Secretary, Maynard PAC at 978-496-5449 or via e-mail at traci.edwards47@gmail.com.

To attend or for more information on meeting topics, contact one of the officers or parent representatives.

We welcome and need your participation!

How do I Join?

To join the Maynard Special Education PAC, contact an officer or parent representative.

You may also join the Maynard Special Education PAC Public Discussion group on Yahoo by going to:http://groups.yahoo.com/group/maynardspedpac/

Links to Additional Resources

The Maynard Special Education PAC is a proud member of MassPAC, a statewide network of parent advisory councils, parents, and professionals working together for children with special needs.