WHAT IS THE COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE?
Parents are members of the Community Advisory Committee (CAC) and of these members, the majority are parents of students with disabilities. Members of local PTAs, special education teachers, regular classroom teachers and other school personnel, students with disabilities, representatives of related public and private agencies, and other persons concerned with the needs of individuals with exceptional needs may also be represented.
The Community Advisory Committee (CAC) is advisory in nature. The primary responsibilities and activities of the CAC include, but need not be limited to:
- Advising the administrative entity of the district/special education local plan area regarding the development and review of the Local Plan.
- Making recommendations and suggestions for annual priorities to be addressed.
- Assisting in parent education and in recruiting parents, volunteers, and agencies who may contribute to the implementation of the plan.
- Encouraging community awareness and involvement in the development and review of the plan.
- Supporting activities on behalf of individuals with exceptional needs.
- Facilitating communication between schools, parents, and community.
- Assisting in parent awareness of the importance of regular school attendance.
Participation in regular meetings helps to keep members well informed and facilitates closer communications and better understanding of the mutual goals of school administrators, faculty, parents, and community.
Your school district Director/Administrator of SELPA will be able to give you information on Community Advisory Committee meetings. All meetings are open to anyone interested.