What is SEPTA?

Garden City SEPTA

WHAT IS SEPTA?

The Special Education Parent Teacher Association (SEPTA) brings together parents, teachers, learning specialists, and professionals with an interest in the special education of children. Special education is an individually designed educational program for children with identified needs.

SEPTA members address common concerns and participate in activities that benefit and enrich the lives of children. The interaction of special needs students with other students and adults can be a mutually rewarding experience and SEPTA encourages community understanding of the importance of special needs programs.

The special education programs in our district include services such as special education classes, co-taught classes, resource room, consultant teaching, and related services such as speech/language therapy, counseling, occupational therapy, and physical therapy. Our student population extends from the age of 3 to 21, in both in-district and out-of-district placements. As an active New York State PTA unit, SEPTA offers parents and interested friends help in understanding the special education system. Parents new to special education have much to learn and will benefit greatly from the SEPTA support system. Parents already involved are always learning new information and are eager to share their extensive knowledge and experience.

Garden City SEPTA coordinates parent information presentations led by professionals in the field of special education. SEPTA General Meetings provide updated information and discussion of issues concerning all of the schools in our district. Notices of these meetings are disseminated through the SEPTA Newsletter, local newspapers, school flyers, and the SEPTA web page found in the PTA website: www.gardencitypta.org. Please call any of the Executive Officers if you have a question, if you need information about special education or if you wish to contribute or become an active member in the organization.

Garden City SEPTA welcomes the involvement of any member of our community. You do not need to have a child receiving special education services to be a member of SEPTA. 


WHAT ARE THE GOALS OF SEPTA?
 
To help bring together parents, families and teachers of children with special needs so that they may share their experiences.
 
To help educate parents about special education, including the identification and placement regulations and procedures for children with special needs.

To inform legislators, school boards, and the community about the importance of special education programs.

To help improve the lives of children by providing cultural, social and physical enrichment.
 
To help parents advocate for children with special needs and their right to a free and appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment.

WHO ARE SEPTA MEMBERS?
 
Parents, families, teachers and school administrators.
 
Anyone having an interest in the welfare of children with special needs.

HOW CAN YOU SUPPORT SEPTA?
 
Join Garden City SEPTA
 
Attend Garden City SEPTA General Meetings
 
Participate in programs sponsored by Garden City SEPTA
 
Give a donation or volunteer your time
 
GET INVOLVED!





For more information, please visit our SEPTA webpage on the PTA website: www.gardencitypta.org