Community Advisory Committee (CAC)
The Community Advisory Committee (CAC) supports parents, educators, and community members in working together to improve special education programs and services for students with disabilities through their Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA).
Under Education Code §56190, each SELPA in California must establish a CAC. The law states that the CAC shall serve solely in an advisory capacity to the SELPA. It is intended to help develop and review the SELPA Local Plan for special education and to promote communication, understanding, and cooperation between schools, parents, and the community to strengthen special education services.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Mid-Cities SELPA Community Advisory Committee for Special Education is to create an inclusive community where each person is valued. We support collaboration among individuals and agencies in order to honor the dignity and promote the aspirations of people who are differently-abled.
About the CAC
The CAC serves in an advisory role concerning special education services for students with disabilities within the SELPA. It represents the interests of students with disabilities and supports their parents, educators, and the broader community.
The CAC’s responsibilities, as outlined in Education Code §56194, include advising the policy and administrative entities of the SELPA regarding the development, amendment, and review of the Local Plan; recommending annual priorities; assisting in parent education and recruiting volunteers; encouraging community involvement in plan development and review; supporting activities for individuals with disabilities; and promoting parent awareness of the importance of regular school attendance.
These responsibilities are designed to ensure that educational partners within the local area play an active role in shaping services for students with disabilities.
Who We Are
The CAC works to strengthen special education programs and build meaningful connections between families, schools, and the community in support of the SELPA Local Plan.
Under Education Code §56192, the CAC must reflect the diversity of the community the SELPA serves. Its membership includes parents of students with disabilities enrolled in public or private schools, parents of other students enrolled in school, individuals with disabilities, regular education teachers, special education teachers and other school personnel, representatives of public and private agencies, and persons concerned with the needs of individuals with disabilities.