The CAC's ultimate goal is to ensure that students succeed in maximizing their potential, receive the best possible education, and have equal access to all services. The CAC collaborates with the local SELPA to ensure that the educational requirements of special education students are met. The CAC serves as a liaison between SELPA, the Sonoma County Office of Education (SCOE), local districts, families, community members, students, and teachers, so that all voices are heard. The organization also provides consumer education, information, and referral to resources. The Sonoma County Community Advisory Committee (CAC) advises the local Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA) as specified by the State Education Code Part 30, Sections 56001, 56190-56194, 56195.7, 56195.9, 56200, 56205, 56240, 56728.7, and 56780.
More information about the CAC and its operations can be found in the CAC Bylaws.
2025-2026 Meeting Schedule
We invite parents and guardians, educators, administrators, service providers, and community members to join us throughout the school year at our scheduled meetings. All meetings are open to the public. These meetings are held in a hybrid format - in person at SCOE (5340 Skylane Boulevard, Santa Rosa) and via video link (see Zoom link below). Meetings begin at 6:00 p.m. with a business session, followed by an informational session presented by a guest speaker or panel of presenters.
Zoom Link:
https://sonomacoe.zoom.us/j/
| Date (Click on the Date for the Meeting Flyer) | Location | Topic | Recording |
| September 22, 2025 | SCOE: Skylane Blvd Santa Rosa CA 95403 |
Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) Presenter - Janel Plack (SELPA Program Specialist) |
|
| November 17, 2025 | SCOE: Skylane Blvd Santa Rosa CA 95403 |
Getting involved in school and your IEP North Bay Regional Center (NBRC) Consumer Advocate Presenter - Ellen Sweigert (NBRC Consumer Advocate) |
|
| January 26, 2026 | SCOE: Skylane Blvd Santa Rosa CA 95403 |
Understanding Parent Rights Presenter - Heather Edwards (Edwards, Stevens, and Tucker, LLP) |
|
| March 2, 2026 |
SCOE: Skylane Blvd Santa Rosa CA 95403 |
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Presenter - Andrea Wells (SELPA Program Specialist) |
2025-2026 Mini Meeting Schedule
These mini meetings will only be held via Zoom from 12:00p.m. - 12:45p.m. They will not replace regular scheduled meetings and are a new addition to our CAC. These meetings are being offered as another option for the community to connect with us. We will be focusing on "Understanding the Special Education System" throughout the coming year
Zoom Link:
https://sonomacoe.zoom.us/j/
| Date | Location | Topic | Recording |
| October 14, 2025 | Virtual Via Zoom | Understanding the Special Education System: What is the CAC? | |
| December 9, 2025 | Virtual Via Zoom | Understanding the Special Education System: What is the SELPA? | |
| February 10, 2026 | Virtual Via Zoom | Understanding the Special Education System: What is SCOE? | |
| April 14, 2026 |
Virtual Via Zoom |
Understanding the Special Education System: What are all of the school options? (Public, Private, Non-Public, Charter)
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Legislature Contact Links (County and Above)