Tacoma Special Education PTA is a district-wide, non-traditional PTA that serves students in Tacoma who access Special Education. Our mission is:

"Using CARE to Build Bridges." What does this mean?

C=Connections

Connections are essential. We aim to connect parents across the district and at their individual schools. A team of organized parents advocating for the same thing is powerful.

A=Advocacy

Advocacy is speaking on behalf of our children in the schools, in the community, and before governmental bodies and other organizations that make decisions affecting our children.

R=Resources

A variety of community resources are available in the Greater Tacoma area that are geared toward families of children receiving special education services. Advocacy groups, specialized recreation, summer camps, and social gatherings are a few examples. Our goal is to help families find the resources that fit their child’s unique needs by keeping parents informed about these local opportunities.

E=Education

Education is imperative. Parents need a working knowledge of topics in Special Education in order to effectively advocate for their children. Our PTA provides multiple opportunities throughout the year for parent education and enrichment. Guest speakers are chosen for their expertise and ability to present on the most relevant topics facing parents of children with disabilities.

Our Story: On the afternoon of Sunday May 15th, 2016 a group of dedicated parents of children with disabilities met on the Skyline Elementary playground and made it a goal to form a PTA that served students with disabilities in Tacoma. We realized that the 4,000+ students with IEPs and 504s in Tacoma had no unified voice. Exactly seven months later, on December 15, 2016, our goal became a reality. One decade later, we are celebrating our accomplishments as a PTA with a diverse membership that includes parents, teachers and community members. We encourage your participation to ensure our organization thrives well into the future.

Take a look at some of our accomplishments over the last 10 years!