Grafton SEPAC Community

09/03/2026

New to special education or the IEP process? 💙

If you’re a newer special education parent and sometimes feel like there’s a lot to learn, this could be a helpful starting point.

WI FACETS is offering a 30-minute IEP Mini-Module covering essential information for families and professionals.

📅 September 8, 2026
⏰ 12:00–12:30 PM
💻 Virtual

It’s a quick way to build some foundational knowledge and feel a little more confident navigating the IEP process.

👉 Learn more and register: https://tinyurl.com/6xs23aw3

09/02/2026

09/01/2026

To Our SEPAC Families 💙

Back-to-school season can bring a whole mix of emotions for special needs families.

Excitement. Anxiety. A million questions. Maybe even a little “How are we going to make this work?”

And if you're feeling that way, you're not alone.

A new school year can mean new teachers, new routines, new expectations, new supports—and sometimes a whole lot of advocating to make sure our kids have what they need to be successful.

So here's your reminder from one SEPAC family to another:

You don't have to have it all figured out on day one.

Ask questions. Share what works at home. Speak up when something doesn't feel right. Celebrate the small wins. Give yourself—and your child—room to adjust.

And most importantly, remember that you know your child best. Your voice matters.

Here's to a school year filled with growth, connection, and a little more understanding for every learner. 💙

SEPAC families, what is ONE thing you're hoping for this school year?

08/29/2026

If you have a child who loves books but faces barriers to traditional reading, Bookshare is a great resource to know about.

📖 Bookshare offers accessible talking ebooks that can help remove barriers like decoding and seeing text, allowing students to focus more on learning and enjoying the story.

✨ Sign up for free: https://www.bookshare.org/

Definitely one to tuck away as we head into a new school year! 🧡

08/27/2026

💙 Families Deserve Support Too 💙

Caregiving is rewarding, but every family needs support and time to recharge.

Respite care services through Christian Home Services can provide families with trusted support while giving caregivers valuable time to rest, reset, and take care of themselves.

Because supporting the whole family matters. 💙

Learn more about respite care options and how this resource may support your family.

08/24/2026

Little Steps Together at Balance is a new parent & child developmental play class for children infants through age 4 with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their parent/caregiver.

Each class will include music & movement, sensory play, motor skill development, social interaction, and opportunities for caregivers and children to connect in a fun, supportive environment. 💛

📅 Fall Classes: 2nd & 4th Fridays
⏰ 10:00–11:00 AM
📍 Balance
💰 FREE for families (donations appreciated, never required!)

Dates: Sept. 11 & 25 • Oct. 9 & 23 • Nov. 13 • Dec. 11

Classes are led by Kristen Byers, an experienced early childhood educator.

Interested or have questions?
📧 [email protected]
📞 414-588-0547

Please note: November and December each have one class due to the holidays.

If you have a little one who might benefit, this sounds like a really sweet opportunity to connect, play, and build skills together! 🧡

08/22/2026

📣 Save the Date: Children Come First Conference 2026 💙

Families, caregivers, professionals, and advocates — this is an opportunity to connect, learn, and grow together.

The Children Come First Conference brings together hundreds of people from across Wisconsin who are passionate about supporting children, youth, and families involved in child welfare.

✨ Two days of learning and connection
✨ Inspiring speakers and resources
✨ Opportunities to build community and strengthen support systems

📅 November 16–17, 2026
📍 Kalahari Resorts & Conventions | Wisconsin Dells

Mark your calendar and stay tuned for more details!

08/20/2026

Back-to-school season can bring big feelings for kids AND parents. 💛

A few simple ways to help ease the transition:

🌡️ Take your own temperature. Kids pick up on our stress, so check in with yourself, too.

👂 Listen to the worries. Give them space to talk about what feels exciting, scary, or uncertain—without rushing to fix it.

🎒 Do a few test runs. Practice the morning routine, drive the school route, visit the school, or try out that new backpack. A little familiarity can go a long way.

The goal isn’t to make every worry disappear. It’s to help your child feel heard, prepared, and supported as they head into a new school year. 🧡

08/17/2026

Did You Know? Understanding IEPs vs. 504 Plans 💙

One of the biggest questions families have when navigating special education support is:

“What kind of support does my child need?”

Two common plans families hear about are IEPs and 504 Plans — but they serve different purposes.

📘 An IEP (Individualized Education Program)
An IEP is designed for students who need specialized instruction to make progress in school. It creates individualized goals based on the student’s unique needs and outlines the services, supports, and instruction they will receive.

An IEP may include:
✅ Individual learning goals
✅ Specialized instruction
✅ Speech, occupational therapy, or other related services
✅ Progress monitoring
✅ Classroom supports and accommodations

📋 A 504 Plan
A 504 Plan focuses on providing accommodations that help a student access learning alongside their peers. It removes barriers so students have the tools they need to be successful.

A 504 Plan may include:
✅ Extra time on assignments or tests
✅ Preferential seating
✅ Breaks or sensory supports
✅ Classroom accommodations
✅ Adjustments to the learning environment

The biggest thing to remember?

Every student is different. 💙

The goal isn’t about choosing one plan over another — it’s about understanding your child’s needs and making sure they have the right supports in place to help them learn, grow, and feel successful.

Families are an important part of this process. Asking questions, sharing what works at home, and building partnerships with educators can make a meaningful difference.

💬 What special education topic would you like us to cover next?
IEPs? 504 Plans? Evaluations? Accommodations? Transition planning?

08/14/2026

Great resources to keep in mind as we enter the school year.

Visit https://wifacets.org/training/training-archives/ to see the full listing of free archived training for families.