Mission and Purpose

The Palo Alto CAC (Community Advisory Committee) has been serving families in Palo Alto since 1988.  The Palo Alto CAC is a sub-committee of the SELPA1 CAC (state-mandated as part of the larger SELPA system). The Palo Alto CAC collaborates with the Palo Alto Council of PTAs to impact and reach parents, students and staff in PAUSDs 18 school sites. Some of our committee members are Special Ed Inclusion Representatives in their local PTAs. We advise the Palo Alto Unified School District (PAUSD)’s administrators and the Board of Education. The Palo Alto CAC also works in partnership with community organizations such as Ada’s Cafe, City of Palo Alto Recreation, and others.

Purpose

The committee’s focus is:

  1.  Community building through events and outreach
  2.  Education for parents and students through workshops and forums
  3.  Advisory to district leadership on policies and programs that impact students

community building       parent/student education       district advisory

Mission

Our mission is to support families of students with special education needs by providing forums for respectful interaction and communication between families, the community, and the school district.

We believe that the most effective way to educate and include students with special education needs is through genuine collaboration between parents and school leadership.

We aim to educate and advocate about issues in our community, to develop and encourage understanding, acceptance and inclusion so all children have the resources and support they need for an appropriate education – Every child, Every day!

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