ArlingtonSpecialEducationParentTeacherStudentAssociation

OUR PURPOSE  

To work together with the school system to provide the best educational experience possible for all children with special needs;   To provide a local community support group for parents/guardians of special needs children; and   To be a resource of information on locally available special services. Membership is open to all parents/guardians, grandparents, teachers, administrators, and anyone with an interest in the education of children with special needs in the Arlington Independent School District.

OUR MISSION  

Providing vital information and support to parents through forums, discussion groups and workshops in order to enhance parent's efforts to maximize the potential of their children;   Training parents to be partners in education through networking opportunities with teachers, educators and other professionals;   Creating a mutually supportive environment for parents of both younger and older special education students to share experiences, resources and expertise;   Advocating for the issues affecting special education students and their families.

 Why should there be a PTA for parents of children with special needs?

Because parents of children with special needs have special needs themselves. They need to learn how to work with the special education teachers and other specialists who educate their children. They need to understand the system of special education and their rights under the law. And they need to connect with and support other parents in the same position. Special Education PTAs help meet these needs by bringing together people who have an interest in special education and providing a forum for them to share their experiences.

Who can join SEPTSA?

   Anyone in the Arlington or AISD area can join, but you don’t have to reside in our district. We welcome teachers, school administrators, community members, and of course parents of children of any age with any kind of special need or disability. If your child receives any sort of special ed services, with or without a disability, you will find valuable resources in our ASEPTSA. Anyone who subscribes to the basic policies and Objects of PTA is eligible for membership (student members must be in the 9th grade or above).