Toms River Regional Schools Special Education PTA (SEPTA) is a collaboration of parents, teachers and community who have come together to form a voice for all children with special needs.

TRRS SEPTA was formed in 2008 to help address the issues parents may encounter when their child has special needs.  TRRS SEPTA helps parents by bringing together people who have an interest in Special Education. Our PTA provides a forum enabling parents, teachers and experts in the field of Special Education to share their knowledge and experience

TRRS SEPTA is like any other PTA in which it has an executive board, bylaws, reports to the NJPTA, collects and submits dues, and most importantly exists to improve the welfare of children.

TRRS SEPTA is a district wide organization and is not affiliated with just one school.  We focus primarily on special education issues, advocacy, and special events and programs for children with all disabilities.  We represent all children from mainstream to self contained classroom settings.

Some ask why there should be a PTA for parents of special needs children. Parents with special needs children need to learn how to work and communicate with special education teachers and specialists who educate their children. Parents need to understand the special education system, and it is crucial for them to know what their child's rights are under the law (such as IDEA - Individuals with Disabilities Education Act). It is also important to be knowledgeable about your child's disability and the services available to your child. It is very important for parents to connect with other parents who have children with disabilities and to share their experiences. TRRS SEPTA helps meet these needs by providing an atmosphere where parents, guardians, teachers, specialists who have an interest in special education can come together and share their experiences. 

TRRS SEPTA members care about all children and are advocates for all children and supportive of all parents and teachers. Special Ed PTAs provide an additional level of support which makes PTA an even stronger voice for every child.

TRRS SEPTA always encourages parents, teachers, specialists, guardians, and community to join their home school PTO as well. They too provide extraordinary events and programs which directly benefit your children. Please become a member of your home school PTO and if you have a child with special needs or would like to support our organization become a TRRS SEPTA member as well.