Parent and Caregiver Involvement
Volunteering
Join us in creating a vibrant learning community by contributing your time and skills to support your students' educational journey and enhance the overall school experience. To begin the volunteer application process, please visit our Volunteering website.
Special Education Advisory Committee
The Minneapolis Public Schools Special Education Advisory Council, SEAC (pronounced "seek") is a partnership between the school district and parents/guardians of Minneapolis students with disabilities. The SEAC is mandated by the state to advise the District on policy and planning through the Executive Director of Special Education.
The SEAC is comprised of a majority of parents/guardians, and key Special Ed Department staff. The SEAC often invites leaders from other district departments in order to be informed and to lend perspective to decision making.
Vision Statement
All children, regardless of their abilities, will achieve an academic, functional and social education in the Minneapolis Public Schools from birth through transition, to maximize their life choices and opportunities.
Mission Statement
- To increase the involvement and add the informed perspective of parents and families of children with disabilities in the making and implementation of district policies
- To identify and promote the common concerns of special education and non-special education students alike.
- To fulfill the requirements of Minnesota Statute 125A.24.
Get Involved
To get involved in Minneapolis Public Schools’ SEAC, visit our membership application or join the SEAC meeting from 5:30-7pm on the first Thursday of each month.
SEAC Zoom meeting information:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83985279308?pwd=SVExZ256Ym5NLzNCSVdYd3Uyempmdz09
Meeting ID: 839 8527 9308
Passcode: 010421
Meeting Agenda
Click here to view the April 2024 SEAC meeting agenda.
Percentage of Students in Each Disability Area per MPS Child Count on December 1, 2017
Current SEAC Leadership
- Current Parent Co-Chairs: Erika Lamboglia and Sarah Vinueza
- Executive Director: Deeqaifrah Hussein
If you have a question or would like to add a topic to the SEAC agenda, please email the SEAC at seac@mpls.k12.mn.us and your question will be routed to the appropriate individual or to the Leadership Team.
Monthly Meetings
The SEAC meets the first Thursday of each month from 5:30-7 pm virtually via Zoom. Meetings are open to all parents, staff, and interested community partners.
Why should I come to a SEAC meeting?
- To learn more about special education
- To have your voice heard
- To have input on planning in the department and district
- Meet other families of children with special needs
How do I become a voting member?
- Fill out our online Membership Application
Tips and Resources from SEAC
Below are some helpful tips and suggestions from caregivers of students who receive special education services within Minneapolis Public Schools.
- Keep all your child's records
- Maintain a paper trail when a crisis happens
- Share and update your at home crisis plan with your child’s team
- Frequently communicate with your child’s team when you notice a change in your child’s behavior outside of the school day
- Trust your gut
- Advocate for your child
- Remember to take care of yourself
- If an expulsion is proposed, the IEP team must meet within ten school days of the removal of the student for the purpose of determining whether the student’s behavior is a manifestation of the student’s disability. Minn. Stat. §121A.43(d), and 20 U.S.C. § 1415(k)(1)(E).
Additional Resources
External Links
- Hennepin County Human Services
- Minnesota Department of Education - Special Education Page
- MPS Application for Educational Benefits
- MPS SEAC Community Facebook Page
- National Council on Disability
- Pacer Center
- U.S. Department of Education - Office of Special Education Programs
Documents
- SEAC Meeting Presentation Feb '24 - ESY
- SEAC Meeting Presentation Feb '24 - Music Therapy
- Past SEAC Meeting Presentation
- List of Public Benefits
- Family Resource Center
- Minnesota High School Diploma for Students Receiving Special Education Services
- VRS Student Career Services
- PACER Center Workshops and Live Stream Events
- Is Your School Inclusive
- Open Letter from One Parent to Parents New to Special Education
- First Evaluation of Kindergartners in Community Schools
SEAC Achievements
SEAC Recognized for Their Contributions: MPS Board Director, Carla Bates discusses the positive impact SEAC is making in the May 14 edition of the MPS Board Briefs
Statement of Needs: SEAC develops a Statement of Needs in order to strengthen services provided by MPS.