First off I better explain what a SELPA is and what a CAC is.
A SELPA is a Special Education Local Plan Area. Still don't know what that means? Well it is a defined geographic area that is made up to include one or more school districts and coordinate special education services to or in those districts. What does that mean in simpler language? It means that the school district(s) plan together so that special education can be set up with certain guidelines in place to use the federal and/or state money for special education in ways that will help the students who need special education support.
A CAC is a Community Advisory Committee made up of parents, teachers, and other interested community members who review the local plan, and advise the SELPA and school board(s) and provide education and support for parents of students with IEPs, teachers, etc so that students can receive effective supports and get the free appropriate public education the law insures them. California, the state I live in, requires that the CAC consist of 51% or more parents of children residing in the SELPA and a majority of those must be parents of Children with IEPs.
What is an IEP? Well, that is an Individualized Education Program/Plan. If your child is struggling in school and you feel there is a need to look closer at the reasons why, you can look to your local CAC for information on assessments and the IEP process. The CAC does not advocate for individual children but for the overall process and plan in the SELPA. However, they are able to provide you with the names of your local Family Empowerment center, trained parent advocates, or other resources to help you get what your child needs.
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