Fresno Unified School District
CAC Meeting Minutes October 21st, 2025
Community Advisory Committee for Special Education Meeting
Tuesday, October 21, 2025 at 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Location: Adult Transition Program, 3132 E. Fairmont Ave., Fresno, CA 93726
MINUTES
Welcome (Chair Wong) – 5:30 pm
CAC stands for the Community Advisory Committee for Special Education, a volunteer group composed predominantly of parents of children with special needs who attend school within the Fresno Unified School District. CAC is a group of parents, school personnel, and other community members who work together to ensure that children with special needs receive the best education available. CAC meets once a month to identify the needs of students with special needs in our district and advises the district on issues relating to special education. CAC works to provide information to parents and also listens to parents’ concerns. CAC’s ultimate purpose is to participate in a partnership with the school district that enhances the education of each child with special needs. Fresno Unified is required by law to have a CAC.
CAC Respect Agreement:
· Recognize and respect differences of perspective and style of the CAC among members, staff, students, parents/guardians and the community.
· Act with dignity and understand the implications of demeanor and behavior.
· When speaking of your concerns, please do not use your student’s name or the school location. Please respect the confidentiality and needs of your student.
Roll Call (Secretary Aoki)
15 members were present; quorum was met.
Agenda Approval (Chair Wong)
Motion to accept: 1st Steven V., 2nd Edith R. – 15 Yeas/0 Nays
Previous Meeting Minutes (Julie Wong)
August 26, 2025 - Motion to accept: 1st Cara F., 2nd Steven V. – 15 Yeas/0 Nays
New Membership (Secretary Aoki)
None present.
Old Business (Patrick Morrison)
Working with CVRC, we were able to get students in school that haven’t received vaccines.
Self Determination Program (presented by Michelle Smith, Pathway to Change)
See Journey into the Self Determination Program PPT.
Requires persistence for caregiver. Can be done at any age, although those under age 3 years have more rules. Process time may vary from 2 months to 2 years, although typically 4-6 months.
Q: How often can you change the focus or plan?
A: Plans last for one year and are updated annually.
Q: How does this benefit a 6-year-old?
A: The child is able to be included more in the community. Self Determination may provide for social recreation and staff; enables people to help so that mom isn’t split. Program builds off child’s strengths and how to help family.
DDS has posted rate reforms for services on website.
Businesses get paid ahead with SDP.
Financial Manager handles background checks. If there is anything on the record within 7 years, not allowed to drive client.
Can have backup personnel, usually 2 or 3 staff.
Educational Partners Forum
Cara F. – Special Olympics at Clovis HS. There will be cheerleading at Summer Games. Bring the littles out to watch. Trying to get youth and parents involved. Child wasn’t in SDC, but had adaptive PE. Never would have thought about it if they hadn’t asked. Regional programs have different levels, skills and games; gives lots of opportunities.
Parent – Student had AAC device on IEP, but no one knew.
Answer – Check with previous school site. Talk to Patrick M. after.
Parent – How do I become a para?
Patrick M. – Leave name and contact info. Job description is listed for paras. CPI training will be provided by HR within the first 6 months of being hired. There is a job fair for hiring paras on October 28.
Parent – Can you be a para for your own child?
Answer – More like a classroom volunteer. Need to work with site on volunteer policy.
Cara F. – SDP orientation meetings are listed on CVRC website.
Announcements
Next Upcoming CAC Meeting: Tuesday, November 18, 2025 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm
Closing & Adjournment (Chair Wong) – 7:25 p.m.