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 ensure that all children receive an education that allows them to reach their full potential.
To bring together parents, families and teachers of children with special needs so that they may share their experiences.
To 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 improve the lives of children by providing cultural, social and physical enrichment.
To 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!
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS!
If you suspect your child has a disability that interferes with learning, you can ask to have your child tested by your school district at no cost to you. You can do this even if your child does not attend public school.
You can see your child’s school records and get a copy of the school records at no cost to you. If your child’s school records contain incorrect or misleading information, you can ask to have the information corrected.
When your child is evaluated for special education, the school must explain the tests your child has been given. If you disagree with the school’s evaluation, you can ask for additional testing or an independent evaluation at no cost to you.
You must be treated as a full and equal member of your child’s Committee on Special Education (CSE). You should be included in every decision involving your child’s special education.
If you disagree with decisions affecting your child’s special education, you have many rights, including the right to mediation and due process.
For more information, please visit our SEPTA webpage on the PTA website: www.gardencitypta.org or call (516) 712-4246.
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