The Community Advisory Committee

What is the Community Advisory Committee?

The development of the CAC began under the California Master Plan and since that time has functioned under a legislative mandate. The CAC acts in an advisory capacity to the Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA) and involves the community in actively participating in the development, amendment, and review of the Kern County Consortium SELPA's Local Plan for Special Education.
The Community Advisory Committee (CAC) for the Kern County Consortium SELPA is composed of parents, agency representatives, teachers and others from each school district who come together to learn more about special education and how they are able to be part of the "system." This committee acts in an advisory capacity to the governing board of the SELPA.
Each year there are several meetings on topics of interest. The meetings are open and each has a presentation and a discussion section. It is an opportunity to learn more about some of the requirements of special education and to meet other parents who have similar interests.

Who participates as members of the CAC?

A representative from each school district attends the meetings to discuss special education issues, share local concerns and activities and take information from the Community Advisory Committee to the district. Parents comprise a majority of the membership of the CAC, and of those members, the majority are parents of children with special needs. Identified CAC representatives for each district will receive a notice and are required to attend four meetings a year. Other members may include general and special education staff, administrators, agency representative, and other interested parties. The SELPA Director acts as the liaison to the Superintendents' Executive Council and the Special Education Administrator's Committee.

What does the CAC do?

The primary responsibilities and activities of the CAC include by are not limited to:

  • Advising the administration of the SELPA and the Superintendent of the local district regarding the development and review of programs and services.
  • Informing and advising SELPA staff regarding community conditions, and goals for individuals with special needs.
  • Making recommendations and suggestions of annual priorities to be addressed.
  • Assisting in parent education and in recruiting parents, volunteers and agencies who may contribute to the implementation of the Local Plan.
  • Encouraging community awareness and involvement in the development and review of the local Plan.
  • Supporting activities on behalf of individuals with exceptional needs.
  • Facilitating communication between school, parents, and community.

We make information available to the community through speakers, printed materials, and participation on SELPA task forces. Monthly meetings provide a forum for the parents to talk with the Director to express concerns and issues. It also provides a way in which to learn of the program direction, legislation and funding maters. The CAC also provides input into the Quality Assurance Review Process when the SELPA and districts are reviewed by the California Department of Education.

What are some benefits of being involved with CAC?

Through regular attendance as a committee member, the CAC can give you the knowledge and skills necessary to become more comfortable in the role as partner in the education process for your child. The CAC serves as a way to gain, as well as share, knowledge and help develop the best possible programs for our students.

By becoming involved, parents can:

  • Receive information about programs, services and resources.
  • Receive training and skill building.
  • Have the opportunity to raise questions, express concerns, and share common issues.
  • Find support and connect with other parents.
  • Have the opportunities for personal grown and leadership development.
  • Receive information related to the child's disability.

In addition:

  • A collaborative atmosphere is encouraged through team building and sharing of information.
  • Parents become more aware of constraints on the system including legal and funding mechanisms.
  • The children's programs are more effective when parents and teachers are informed and working cooperatively.
  • Teacher and staff come to understand the parent's perspective as well as legal mandates.

If you would like to get involved please contact Jennifer Acuña at(661.636.4886).

There will be general meetings held in Bakersfield. All parents are encouraged to attend the meetings. Meetings in the Area Centers will also be held to discuss topics related to the Local Plan and changes in how services might be given to students that will allow greater contact with typical peers and classroom settings and other issues of interest to the area center. Watch for a notice for your area. arrow: Area Center 1 (Belridge, Elk Hills, Maricopa, McKittrick, Midway, Taft City, Taft High)
arrow: Area Center 2 (Buttonwillow, Maple, Lost Hills, Richland, Rio Bravo, Semitropic, Wasco, Wasco High)
arrow: Area Center 3 (McFarland, Delano, Delano High, Pond)
arrow: Area Center 4 (Arvin, DiGiorgio, Edison El Tejon, Fairfax, Lamont, Vineland)
arrow: Area Center 5 (General Shafter, Greenfield, Lakeside, Panama Buena Vista)
arrow: Area Center 6 (Mojave, Muroc, Tehachapi, Southern Kern, Ridgecrest Charter)
arrow: Area Center 7 (Bake, Caliente, Kernville, Linns Valley, South Fork)
arrow: Area Center 8 (Fruitvale, Beardsley, Norris, Rosedale, Standard)

Want more information?
Community Advisory Committee (CAC) Brochure pdf symbol:

2009-2010 Meeting Dates

Community Advisory Committee (CAC) Flyer 2009-2010 pdf symbol:

  • October 7, 2009

  • December 9, 2009

  • February 10, 2010

  • May 12, 2010

    1300 17th Street, City Center Room 318, 3rd Floor -- 11:00a.m.-1:00p.m.

    Identified CAC representatives for each district will receive a notice and are required to attend four meetings a year.


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