Special Education Parent Teacher Association
Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is a SEPTA?
A: SEPTA stands for Special Education Parent Teacher Association. National PTA first introduced the concept of SEPTA in 1996 to address the needs of parents of children with special needs.

Q: How many SEPTAs are there in Connecticut?
A: As of May, 2004, there are fourteen SEPTAs in Connecticut, including our newly formed SEPTA Council which was chartered May 31, 2003:

Q: What’s the difference between a SEPTA and a regular PTA?
A: In many ways, SEPTAs are just like any other PTA. Every SEPTA has bylaws and a board of directors, including a President, Secretary and Treasurer. Like all PTAs, SEPTAs report their membership to Connecticut PTA and submit the same dues. And like all PTAs everywhere, SEPTAs exist to improve the welfare of children.

In other ways, SEPTAs are unique. SEPTAs are community-wide organizations. They aren’t associated with a single school, like the vast majority of PTAs. And unlike most PTAs, SEPTAs focus primarily on special education issues and advocacy for children with disabilities.

Q: Why should there be a PTA for parents of children with special needs?
A: 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. SEPTAs 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.

Q: If I belong to a SEPTA do I need to become a member of the PTA in my child’s school?
A: Yes. SEPTA members should also participate in their school PTA. School-based PTAs provide parent involvement opportunities that SEPTAs cannot.

Q: Is SEPTA the only kind of special interest PTA?
A: No. National PTA and Connecticut PTA also encourage the formation of PTSA (Parent Teacher Student PTA) in middle and secondary schools, Early Childhood PTA for parents of young children and Senior Citizen PTA for older people who want to get involved in the PTA mission. Click here for more information on membership options.

For more information about starting a SEPTA or to get in touch with a SEPTA near you, contact the Connecticut PTA office.

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