Community Advisory Committee (CAC)

Providing a high-quality special education experience for each child involves teamwork, and parent participation is central to meeting student needs. Collaboration with parents through the Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA) is facilitated through the Community Advisory Committee (CAC). The CAC is a vital component of providing effective special education programs, and it is commissioned by law and reflects the communities it serves. The CAC is comprised of parents, educators, pupils and adults with disabilities, representatives of public and private agencies, and persons concerned with the needs of individuals with disabilities. The school district governing board appoints the Members following locally determined selection procedures described in the SELPA Local Plan.

The CAC is designed to be a dynamic, collaborative partnership of educators, parents, and community members. The active membership of each CAC meets the mandate of informed parent-community involvement between those who provide Special Education programs and services and those who receive Special Education programs and services.

Community Advisory Committees have specific and vital roles and responsibilities, which are reviewed in detail in the California SELPA Community Advisory Committee Guide, 5th Edition, 2022.

The duties and responsibilities of the CAC include the following:

* Acting in an advisory capacity regarding developing, amending, and reviewing the Local Plan.
* Encouraging community & parental involvement in developing, reviewing, and implementing the Local Plan.
* Supporting activities on behalf of individuals with exceptional needs.
* Assisting in parent awareness of the importance of regular school attendance.
* Providing families an opportunity to share resources and support.

CAC meetings are open meetings, meaning anyone interested may attend the meetings. CAC meetings provide parents with up-to-date information on issues that impact their children, the opportunity to communicate with school administrators, and the chance to connect with other parents. Membership is NOT required.

Are you interested in taking on a formal role in the CAC by becoming a voting member? Please download the membership application. Once you have completed the membership application, please submit it to the Special Education Department at 1928 S. Nogales Street, Rowland Heights, CA 91748. It may also be emailed to: [email protected]