Hello ACPS Families,

Let’s work together to strengthen our special education community and collaborate for positive change! I have volunteered to serve as co-chair of the Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) this year. Currently, several schools remain unrepresented (see our list of parent representatives). If you have an interest in serving, please consider applying. Whether or not you are able to serve, please continue reading to learn how our parent-led organization is here to help!

Special Education Survey

New this year, our team has worked with Albemarle County Public Schools (ACPS) leadership to develop a survey about your family’s experience with special education in ACPS. Our parent-led team will use the data collected by this survey to help advise the school board on current issues within our disability community. The survey should be arriving in your inbox in late September or early October; please take the time to complete it so we can best represent you!

What is SEAC and what do we do?

The main goal of SEAC is to provide an opportunity for parents and community members to have a voice in how our school division provides services to students with disabilities. Each school division in Virginia is required to have a special education advisory committee, as detailed in the Regulations Governing Special Education Programs for Children with Disabilities in Virginia.

Here in ACPS, we meet once a month to discuss, share and learn about current issues pertaining to our community. Our meetings are open to the public, and public comment is also welcome via email at spedhelp@k12albemarle.org.

The SEAC application deadline is October 1. Click here to apply.

SEAC Resources

• 2023-24 meeting schedule
• Current members and contact info
• Committee documents (bylaws, meeting minutes, annual reports, etc.)
• Information on the role and regulations of SEACs in the state of Virginia (This link will take you to the Virginia Department of Education’s website.)

Parent Resource Center

The Albemarle County Parent Resource Center is our local effort to link families, schools and communities together to better support children with disabilities in the school setting. The Parent Resource Center has a goal of fostering a positive relationship between parents and schools in an effort to assist parents with questions and planning, as well as through the provision of resources and training.

Thank you!

Jessica

Jessica Allen, PhD
Co-chair, Special Education Advisory Committee
Parent Representative, Ivy Elementary School
Albemarle County Public Schools
Jessicaallenseac@gmail.com