Special Education Parent Advisory Committee (SEPAC)

SEPAC’s mission is to support families in Special Education in the Pacifica School District through collaboration, networking, and education, in order to optimize outcomes for students.

Monthly SEPAC Committee Meeting

This year we are opening these meetings to all. Join us as we meet virtually to plan events and share ideas to benefit all students in Pacifica.

Next meeting: Friday, 10/18/24, 9-10am

  • Join Zoom Meeting

Parent and Caregiver Monthly Socials

We are excited to offer additional ways to connect with other families this year. 

1st Wednesday Sit-Down Chats, 9am-10am

  • Outdoor back patio (indoors if raining)
  • 1196 Crespi Drive, private home, Pacifica
  • Questions? Contact Rachel Lownds, Ocean Shore parent: mrs.rachel.lownds@gmail.com

2nd Sunday Virtual Meet-Ups, 9am-10am

3rd Thursday Healing Hikes, 9am-10am
Join us on the beautiful nature trails in Pacifica! 

  • Join us on the beautiful nature trails of Pacifica!
  • Click here to join the WhatsApp group specific to this monthly event for details and to RSVP
  • Questions? Contact Sara Johnson, parent: saradavitt@gmail.com

Parent and Caregiver Education

“Communication with Your Child’s IEP Team” 

Special thanks to our speakers, Martha Ladd, PSD Interim Director of Special Education and Student Services, Betsy Belkin, PSD Coordinator of Special Education, and Monica Oca Howell, parent, for providing this wonderful and informative session to our families last week. 

If you were unable to attend or would like to revisit the materials, see below:

  • Click here for presentation recording
  • Click here for printout of slides

Community Highlights

AYSO Soccer now has a Special Needs EPIC division in Pacifica! 

  • Fall season goes through Nov 9 and has already kicked off, but registration has been extended until Sept 30. This is a great way for your child to be introduced to the sport in a no-pressure, fun, family-friendly environment. Hope to see you out on the field! 
  • Sign up at www.ayso157.org. 
  • Contact Head Coach and Ortega mom, Brandy Petrasunas, at brandy.petrasunas@gmail.com with questions.

Get Connected! 

ParentSquare

  • Open to all! You must opt-in to receive communication and event updates on ParentSquare from SEPAC. To do so: 
    • – Log in
    • – Select “Groups” in left column under the “Participate” dropdown
    • – Select “Special Education Parent Advisory Committee (SEPAC)” 
    • – Click “join”

Whatsapp

  • SEPAC Parent-Caregiver Community group for parents and caregivers.
  • Email Rachel Lownds, parent, with your phone number at mrs.rachel.lownds@gmail.com 

Facebook

Your 2024-2025 SEPAC Team

  • Parent Co-Chairs: Linda Banares, Tarra Knotts
  • District Administrators for Special Education:
    • Director: Martha Ladd
    • Coordinator: Betsy Belkin
    • Program Manager for Behavior and Related Services: Maricela Garcia-Plascencia
  • Board of Trustees Liaisons: Elizabeth Bredall and Laverne Villalobos 
  • Parent Site Representatives for Ocean Shore
  • Social Coordinators: Monica Howell, Sara Johnson, Tarra Knotts, Rachel Lownds
  • Webinar Coordinator: Monica Howell
  • Superintendent’s Budget Collaborative members: Linda Banares, Tarra Knotts 
  • SMC SELPA Community Advisory Committee (CAC) representative: Tarra Knotts 

Bay Area Resources

Parents Helping Parents

Family Resource Center – San Mateo County

Support for Families – San Francisco

  • Access to Adventure at Crissy Field Center
    • Saturday September 28th, 2024 @ 11am-3pm
    • See flyer for event details

Ability Path https://abilitypath.org/

Disability Rights/Defense Fund https://dredf.org/

Autism and Mental Health Insurance Project https://mhautism.org/

Golden Gate Regional Center (autism/developmental delay services) https://www.ggrc.org/

Behavioral Health (county-based, mainly for those with Medi-Cal) https://www.smchealth.org/bhrsservices

Early Support Program for Autism (ESPA)

San Mateo County SELPA – San Mateo County Office of Education

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