Community Advisory Committee (CAC)
What is the CAC?
The Community Advisory Committee (CAC) functions as a liaison between the Calaveras County SELPA (Special Education Local Plan Area, i.e.- the Special Education Department) and the community (parents, community members, teachers, and local school districts). It is a state mandated association that oversees and facilitates the special education services in Calaveras County.
Who are we?
The CAC is composed of parents of children with special educational needs, educators, administrators, community members and representatives of other public and private agencies who are interested in providing quality education for children with special needs.
What is our goal?
We strive, as a parent-driven group, to build bridges of understanding and cooperation between families and educators. Our goals are:
- To educate families and the community about special education in Calaveras County
- To promote community awareness of special education
- To advocate for families of students with special educational needs
- Facilitate the collaboration of parents and educators to improve special education opportunities for students
- To act as an advisory board to SELPA (Special Education Local Plan Area) regarding the development, implementation and review of the county’s local plan for special education.
What does the CAC do?
- We support and provide a network for parents of students with special needs
- Provide resources for families, including: IEP support, informational and educational materials, parent rights information, referrals, references to support groups
- Provide educational workshops to help families better understand their special needs child
- We engage in advocacy for children with special education needs
- Facilitate communication between schools, parents and the community on issues of special education
How can I get involved?
- Come to our monthly meetings to:
- learn more about our programs
- to meet other family members of children with special needs
- Attend workshops supported by the CAC
CAC Meeting Dates
The CAC meetings take place from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Main Conference Room at the Calaveras County Office of Education in Angels Camp.
Download the 2011-2012 CAC Calendar.
Meeting Dates for 2011-2012:
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September 27, 2011
“What Makes Teenagers Tick?” by Carol Vance, LMFT
Co-Sponsored with First 5
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November 29, 2011
“Understanding ADHD – Understanding the Role of Nutrition and Behavior” By Dr. Ryan Thompson
Co-Sponsored with First 5
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February 28, 2012
“Getting the Best of Stress” by Carol Vance, LMFT
Co-Sponsored with First 5
-
April 24, 2012
“Understanding the Difference Between Autism, Aspergers Syndrome and PDD-NOS” by Corrina Lindblom
Location:
Calaveras County Office of Education
185 S. Main St.
P.O. Box 760
Angels Camp, CA 95221
E-mail: lwise@ccoe.k12.ca.us
Contact:
Lorie Wise
Phone: (209) 736-6016
Fax: (209) 736-6048
E-mail: lwise@ccoe.k12.ca.us
CAC Members for 2011-2012
Elected Officers
- vacant - Chairperson
- vacant - Secretary
Elections to be held during the first meeting in 2011-2012 school year.
Representatives
- BHUHSD - Joan Lark
- CUSD - Shannon Todd
- MTUESD - vacant
- VUSD - Laurie Meira
- Home School – vacant
- AU/SELPA - vacant
- SELPA Director - Robin Searway
- SPED Teachers - Chris Markus
- Mental Health Liasion - Mike Carll
- Community Rep - Pam Kramer
- First 5 Calaveras – Joyce Peek
Publications
- IDEA - A Parent Guide (A comprehensive guide to your rights and responsibilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act) available at http://www.ncld.org/content/view/900/456084/
- All Children Are Special: How to Know When a Child Needs Help – A Manual for Parents and Child Care Providers by Children’s Inclusive Care Council available @ http://www.first5calaveras.org or (209) 754-1470.
Resources
LINKS
