THE COMMUNITY

ADVISORY COMMITTEE What is it and how do I become

involved?

WHY DO WE HAVE A COMMUNITY ADVISORY

COMMITTEE (CAC)?

Education codeSection 56190-56194

Each Special Education Local Plan Area shall establish a Community Advisory Committee which will serve in an advisory capacity

WHO SERVES ON THE CAC?

The members of the advisory committee are appointed by and responsible to the participating district or county office

Appointment of the CAC is in accordance with the procedure defined in the local plan (Special Education Local Plan Area-SELPA)

Our SELPA is Siskiyou County

SISKIYOU COUNTY SELPA “In 1977, all school districts and county

school offices in California were required to form geographical regions of sufficient size and scope to provide for all special education service needs of children residing within the region’s boundaries. Each region became known as a Special Education Local Plan Area – SELPA”

Small Necessary SELPA

MAIN AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY Child Find

Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE)

Least Restrictive Environment(LRE)

Due Process

Individualized Educational Program(IEP)

SISKIYOU SELPA GOALS Provide FAPE for all students in Siskiyou

SELPA Win/Win resolution to conflict between

district and parents Student is always the center of every

decision To have an active CAC:

Parent input on SELPA needsSharing of information and direction of

SELPAParent trainings and support

WHO MAKES UP THE CAC?The CAC is composed of: Parents of individuals with exceptional

needs enrolled in public or private schools Parents of other students enrolled in school Pupils and adults with disabilities Regular Education teachers Special Education teachers Other school personnel Representatives of public or private

agencies Persons concerned with the needs of

individuals with exceptional needs

At least the majority of the CAC shall be composed of parents of pupils enrolled in schools participating in the local plan

AND

At least a majority of such parents will be parents of individuals with exceptional needs.

WHAT DOES THE CAC DO? The CAC fulfills the responsibilities that

are defined in the SELPA:

Advising the policy and administrative entity of the SELPA regarding the Local Plan Development Amendment Review

The CAC recommends annual priorities to be addressed by the Plan

The CAC assists in parent education and recruiting other parents and volunteers who may contribute to the implementation of the Plan

The CAC encourages community involvement in development and review of the Local Plan

The CAC supports activities on behalf of individuals with exceptional needs

The CAC assists in parent awareness of the importance of regular school attendance

HOW DO I GET INVOLVED IN THE COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE?

SISKIYOU COUNTY SELPA SELPA stands for Special Education Local

Plan Area