ABOUT US
Community Advisory Committees (CACs) are at the heart of the Special Education system in California. They are a vital component of parent-community involvement and are designed to reflect the families they serve. The CAC of the Tulare County SELPA (Special Education Local Plan Area) is composed of individuals from all four geographic regions in the county who meet monthly to discuss current topics in special education and provide feedback to the SELPA Director. Members include: parents, educators, students and adults with special needs, representatives of public and private agencies, and anyone wanting to be involved with the needs of individuals with disabilities.
Becoming a part of the CAC gives you a voice in the development of the Local Plan—the blueprint for how Special Education services will be delivered to students in Tulare County. State law (California Education Code, Section 56194) calls for such community involvement and describes how the CAC will serve an advisory role. Meetings are open to the public and provide opportunities to give input, participate in training related to special education, connect with parents and administration, and learn about local resources for students with disabilities. Whether you are a student who qualifies for special education, a parent or family member of a student, or a teacher or staff person, we welcome you. Scroll down to learn more about getting involved!
PARENT RESOURCES
Students with disabilities can meet school challenges through support and encouragement from home and school. Research, history, and experience show that children do better in school when parents are actively involved in their child's education, and Tulare County SELPA provides many opportunities to learn more and become involved. Click the buttons below to find out how.
OUR JOB
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Support and promote a free, appropriate public education for students with special needs
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Increase awareness of the needs and abilities of special education students
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Advise the SELPA Administrator and the Directors of Special Education Committee on special education issues
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Recognize and honor people, agencies and businesses that support the principles of special education
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Become familiar with current trends and issues in special education
MEETING INFORMATION
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Meetings are held monthly from September through May
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Meetings are open to the public
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For questions or additional information, call (559) 730-2910 ext. 5125
HOW TO BECOME A MEMBER
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If you would like to serve on the Committee, please call the Director of Special Education in your district or call Malinda Furtado, Parent Liaison, TCOE at (559) 730-2910 ext. 5125
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Note: we suggest that you attend one or more meetings prior to requesting membership
MEMBERS
COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE
AT - LARGE MEMBERS
Dr. Anthony Martin, Chairperson
Tina Shirley, Administrator
Stephanie Lopez (CVRC), Agency Representative
Irma Peralta, Parent (Special Ed)
Phillip Rios, Teacher (Special Ed)
Sally Fernandes, Vice Chairperson
Connie Acevedo, Parent (Special Ed)
Bryce Flores-Meek, Exceptional Individual
Region 1
Region 2
Region 3
Region 4
Eric Lindberg, Special Education Parent
Josefina Manríquez, Special Education Parent
Nicole Delima, Special Education Parent
Stephanie Caldera, Special Education Parent
Tiffany Stark, Special Education Parent
Vacant
Vacant
Vacant
MEETING FACILITATOR
Malinda Furtado, Parent Liaison
Tulare County Office of Education
(559) 730-2910 ext. 5125