Parents & families advocating for positive changes in special education

The Special Education Citizens’ Advisory Committee of Prince George’s County Public Schools (SECAC-PG) is an organization of volunteers. We are parents and caregivers of students who need special education. Your input is solicited, valued, and respected as part of our work to advocate for meaningful changes in special education in YOUR community.  Don’t miss your opportunity to advise the Department of Special Education on educational matters that lead to achievements in students. 

SECAC-PG: 

    • Parent LED: The executive board members are parent volunteers.
    • Parent INPUT: Your voice and advocacy lead to meaningful recommendations.
    • Parent EDUCATION: You help set the agenda.
    • Parent PARTNERSHIPS: School and community stakeholders collaborate for change.
    • General Assembly APPROVED:  Maryland regulations require each school district to maintain a SECAC. 

Qualifications:  a willingness to be a volunteer and be a part of the conversation on achievement of all students!

General membership meetings are open to all. They are held the fourth Tuesday of every month* during the school year at 6:30 pm. There are no meetings in the summer (June, July, August) or December.

For more information, call (301) 431-5675 (The Family Support Center).

* When PGCPS after school activities close due to inclement weather our meetings will be rescheduled.

2023-2024 Meetings:

Meetings are currently being held remotely over Zoom. Please sign up to be on our email list, and we will send out a link to our meeting so you can join us.

meeting schedule

 

September 26, 2023

Welcome Back to School! You have questions. We have Answers.

Navigating the school system when you have questions can be a time-consuming process. The Department of Special Education and The Family Support Center would like to provide information to streamline that process for you. Join us as we answer questions related to transportation, student health, and safety. We will have representatives from the Transportation Department, Health Services, and the Family Support Center. They will join us to share tips on how to get the information that you are seeking.

October 24, 2023

The IEP Process: How to Navigate the Process and Where to Go When You Have Questions

Join us for this opportunity to learn from The Parents Place of Maryland about the IEP process and how to navigate the process for your child. Also, find out where you can go to get support when needed through the Department of Special Education Family Support Team.

November 28, 2023

Respect for All: Preventing and Addressing Bullying, Harassment, and Intimidation in our Schools

Students with disabilities can be at an increased risk for bullying, harassment & intimidation in today’s environment in school, in the home community, and on social media. Unfortunately, these experiences can have an enormous impact on students. That’s why it’s particularly important for both parents and educators to take a proactive role in promoting healthy social relationships and positive social media use. Bullying, harassment and intimidation have no place in Prince George’s County Public Schools. Come learn about what Prince George’s County Public Schools is doing regarding bullying, harassment, and intimidation prevention as well as Social Emotional health and wellness for our students.

December

NO MEETING

January 23, 2024

Planning for Successful Transitions Across Grade Levels!

Come learn what to expect during transitions from preschool, elementary, middle, high school and post-secondary from the school perspective and the parent/guardian perspective.  Panel members will share “lessons learned” over the years to ensure successful transitions.

February 27, 2024

Executive Functioning Skills-What are They and How Do You Help Develop them in Your Child?  

Executive functions are the essential self-regulating skills that we all use every day to accomplish just about everything. They help us plan, organize, make decisions, shift between situations or thoughts, control our emotions and impulsivity, and learn from past mistakes. Come learn more about executive functioning skills and how to develop them in your child.  

March 19, 2024

Join us at our 12th Annual Parent Empowerment Conference!

Stay tuned for more information to come. The session topic and speaker will be announced at the January SECAC meeting.

April 16, 2024

It’s Autism Awareness Month! Please join us at the 2nd Annual Department of Special Education Autism Summit! 

Stay tuned for more information to come. The session topic and speaker will be announced at the January SECAC meeting and will be co-sponsored by the Department of Special Education Family Support Center and the SECAC-PG.

May 28, 2024

SECAC Parent Engagement Round Table

Come join us for the opportunity to come together, share ideas and experiences, and engage in an open dialogue about how to best partner with the Department of Special Education to discuss challenges, successes, and resources for enhancing our children’s educational journey. Your SECAC Board will facilitate this session and will also use this time to identify support systems for each other as we connect with one another and build a supportive community. Come ready to share topic ideas for next year’s meetings.

When we meet in person, we meet at 6:30 pm at John Carroll Elementary School, 1400 Nalley Terrace, Landover, MD 20785.


Share your experiences at your school so other families can evaluate their options!  This website collects and shares information about special education programs and services in Prince George’s County, Maryland.