- Special Education
- Administrative/Staff Directory
- Overview
- Assessment and Eligibility
- Assessment Procedure
- Child Find
- Community Advisory Committee (CAC)
- Extended School Year (ESY)
- IEP Development
- Local Plan
- Parent Handbook
- Placement and Services
- Preschool Special Education
- Career Prep
- Post Secondary Programs
- Matriculation/Transition
- Resources and Questions
Special Ed Community Advisory Committee (CAC)
WHAT IS THE CAC?
WHAT IS THE CAC?![]()
WHAT IS THE CAC?
It is a collaborative partnership of parents, educators, and community members.
The purpose of the CAC is:
To review the local plan, this describes the local policies, procedures and programs that are consistent with state laws, regulations, and policies for Special Education. Across California, every Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA) is required to establish a CAC.
Provide parent education opportunities, give families an opportunity to communicate with district administrators, connect with other parents, and share resources and support.
Support activities on behalf of individuals with exceptional needs.
This group is also connected with PTA. Each school has a special education parent representative for their site. That representative attends meetings, reports back to the site’s PTA, helps connect parents of other students with special needs and helps to bridge the gap between the general education, and special education community.
GET INVOLVED:
Our CAC monthly meetings are open to the public. Hear updates directly from Special Education Administration:
- Dr. Greg Merwin, Associate Superintendent, Education & Support Services
- Dr. Cary Johnson, Assistant Superintendent - Curriculum & Instruction, Education & Support Services
- Clint Collins, Assistant Superintendent, Special Education Services
- Jeana Dagley, Executive Director of Special Education Programs and Related Services, SELPA Director
- Peggy Baerst, Executive Director, PK - 5th, General Education and Special Education, Curriculum and Instruction
- Dr. Meg Ervais, Executive Director, 6-12, ATP, General Education and Special Education, Curriculum and Instruction
- Dr. Lauren Pattullo, Director II, Early Childhood, General Education and Special Education Programs
Sunshine Honorees 2024
Sunshine Honorees 2024![]()
SPED REP ORIENTATION
SPED REP ORIENTATION![]()
FOOD ALLERGY AWARENESS
FOOD ALLERGY AWARENESS![]()
WHAT MAKES ME SPECIAL
WHAT MAKES ME SPECIAL![]()
DOWN SYNDROME AWARENESS VIDEO
DOWN SYNDROME AWARENESS VIDEO![]()
DOWN SYNDROME AWARENESS VIDEO
Down Syndrome Awareness Video, courtesy of Chaparral Elementary.
Video for CUSD Educational purposes only - sale and distribution are prohibited. Many thanks to Special Education representatives - Katie Gresko and Cara Giovani.
CUSD CAC Exceptional Student Awards for 2022-23
CUSD CAC Exceptional Student Awards for 2022-23![]()
CUSD CAC Exceptional Student Awards for 2022-23
Dana Hills High School
Sydnie Duvall, Jasmine “Blue” Eslami, Zoie Fuentes, Hannah Miner, Avery Sky and Maria Fernanda-Ramirez
San Clemente High School
Amanda Dirpes, Kaelyn Graham, Chloe Mills, Sienna Seefelt
Tesoro High School
Rachel Adams, Ryan Badie and Nick Singer
The Special Education Community Advisory Committee recognizes you for your outstanding contributions in creating an inclusive school community.
We honor your dedication to authentically advocate for peers with disabilities.
We celebrate your ability to break down barriers and lead with courage.
We commend you for the dynamic and diverse foundation you are building
for a more compassionate world.
We encourage you to embrace the possibilities of your potential
and continue to soar with brilliance.
QUICK LINKS:
QUICK LINKS:![]()
QUICK LINKS:
The Local Plan
The Local Plan![]()
The Local Plan
Local Special Education programs and services are defined in prescribed Local Plans and approved by local boards of education.
ANNUAL EVENTS:
ANNUAL EVENTS:![]()
ANNUAL EVENTS:
Ability Awareness: Every year, schools around CUSD host Ability Awareness Events. CAC is here to help school sites and their PTA special ed parent rep in putting together one of these events. Contact your PTA special ed rep or capocac@gmail.com to get involved!
Grade Level Transitions Event: Information presented to help guide parents through their child’s transition from one grade level to the next.
2024 Grade Level Transitions Meetings:
- PreK to TK and Beyond
- Elementary to Middle School
- Middle to High School Part 1 Part 2
- High School to Post Secondary
Sunshine Awards: A special educator recognition event, parents are invited to nominate staff members who have had a positive impact on their child with special needs.
The Exceptional Student Award
