The SECAC Mission

SECAC works together to put children first.

The Committee focuses on open and honest communication, improving effectiveness and accountability, identifying systemic issues, and advocating for appropriate resources. In collaboration with Frederick County Public Schools leadership of special education, parents, FCPS staff and community members, the Committee strives to facilitate positive changes in the delivery of special education services and the success and achievements of students with disabilities.

What Is A Special Education Citizens Advisory Committee?

A Special Education Citizens Advisory Committee (SECAC) advises the district on issues affecting students with disabilities. The Committee reviews policies, gives feedback, and helps ensure that the district remains in compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The Committee listens to families, shares concerns and ideas, and provides advice to help improve special education services and supports.

  • Yes! The IDEA requires each state to establish and maintain an advisory panel to provide guidance on the education of children with disabilities. IDEA sets the foundation for each state to develop the framework.

  • The Maryland State Department of Education runs a Special Education State Advisory Committee and requires every local school system to establish a SECAC to advise local systems on the unique needs of students with disabilities.

  • The Frederick County SECAC, in partnership with Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) Department of Special Education leadership, typically reviews special education data and policies, provides input, helps evaluate the effectiveness of special education programs, advocates, actively listens to the community, and advises on unmet needs in FCPS.

  • No, the SECAC does not have decision making authority.

    The SECAC’s recommendations can influence how FCPS spends funding, writes policy, staffing matters, responding to public feedback, or systemic issues.

  • The SECAC is a 25 voting member committee of volunteers comprised of parents/guardians, FCPS staff, Community Members/Organizations, and high school students.

Term 2026-2027 Voting Members
SECAC in partnership with A Mothers Rest : A Mother’s Rest, The Carriage House, Respite Inn. A colonial style historic home surrounded by trees and manicured shrubbery. The title "Celebrates National Family Caregivers Month!" overlays the shrubbery.

“How we treat our young children, aging parents, and loved ones and how we value those who care for them are fundamental to who we are as a Nation. During National Family Caregivers Month, we pledge to get every family caregiver in this country the same kind of relief, respect, and support that they give so selflessly to others.”

~The 2024 National Family Caregiver Month presidential proclamation

What is National Family Caregivers Month?

November is National Family Caregivers Month in the United States that raises awareness of the societal value provided by caregivers.

Family caregivers provide care and assistance to a family member with limitations due to illness, injury or disability.

A group of diverse students with diverse disabilities and their caregiver.

A Mother’s Rest : The Terrace House & Respite Inn

A Mother's Rest is a first-of-its-kind nationwide respite & fellowship experience exclusively for parents and caregivers who have loved ones with disabilities and/or chronic illness.

Located in historic Downtown New Market, A Mother’s Rest offers respite not only for mothers, but fathers, special educators, spouses caring for injured /chronically ill husbands/wives, spouses of Wounded Warriors, as well as those caring for their own parents facing Alzheimers/Dementia and other age related illnesses at home.

Click Here to Learn More About A Mother's Rest

The Frederick County SECAC is raising awareness of this wonderful community resource.

You can find A Mother’s Rest in the Frederick County Public Schools EDUCATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS ANNUAL REPORT, that features several partnerships and organizations that are champions for education.

Caregivers Unite!

A time for connection

From the Cozy Living Room - A Mother's Rest

Seated from left to right: Lauren Shillinger, (SECAC Vice-Chair), Tairen (Mom), Jody (Mom), Priyanka (Mom), Laura O’Neill, (SECAC Secretary), Amy Nelson (SECAC Member), Larissa Johnson (Formula for Fun & A Laughter Master), & Jamie Shopland (2024-2026 SECAC Chair).

A time for fun

Formula For Fun

As a trained Laughter Yoga teacher and leader, certified by Dr. Madan Kataria, the founder of the Laughter Yoga movement, Larissa helped us reconnect to the wonder within, enabling us to continue fighting the good fights while maintaining our sanity in the process. :)

A time for learning

Ami Gregor, Innkeeper of Terrace Guest House

Ami, herself, a family caregiver, taught us the history of A Mother’s Rest, gave us a tour of the Guest House, and shared with us how A Mother’s Rest came to be.

Remember to encourage and support all the caregivers in your life!

  • Provide Respite Care

  • Offer Encouragement

  • Be Specific When Offering Help

  • Helping With Chores

  • Check In Regularly

Fill Out The Family Support Survey 2026

Family Support Survey 2026

Please complete this brief survey to ensure FCPS family support is doing all they can can support the needs of your family within Special Education.

This survey gathers feedback from you on what events and workshops would best serve your family needs.

This survey is not intended to address specific FCPS Special Education schools, programs, students, or staff.

Partners for Success, (PFS) Special Education Family Support Coordinators support families who have students 3-21 years old with disabilities within FCPS Special Education. PFS organizes and hosts educational workshops and inclusive events for students with disabilities and their families based on specific needs.

We thank you for your participation in advance for taking this survey!

The continuum of special education services is the range of supports, instruction, and learning settings available to meet a student’s individual needs. It includes both the help a student receives and where that help is provided. Special education is not one classroom or a one-size-fits-all program. As we continue to work on our multi-year plan to strengthen our continuum of special education services, we want to hear from the voices of our stakeholders.

What is the continuum of services for special education?

To Learn more about FCPS Special Education Inclusionary Continuum of Services Click Here

Oakdale High School becomes ninth FCPS school to earn Maryland Unified Champion School status from Special Olympics Maryland

Oakdale High School earned Maryland Unified Champion School status for the first time this year, adding to Frederick County Public Schools’ growing list of schools recognized for creating inclusive opportunities for all students.

The Maryland Unified Champion Schools initiative recognizes schools that promote inclusion and belonging by providing opportunities for students with and without intellectual disabilities to participate together in sports, activities and schoolwide initiatives.

Read the Press Release

I am thrilled Oakdale High School became the latest FCPS school to earn Maryland Unified Champion School status…In FCPS, we are focused on providing meaningful opportunities for all students to participate, connect and belong.

~ FCPS Superintendent Dr. Cheryl L. Dyson