Special Education

Is your student on an IEP or 504?

Do you have questions about what CUSD has to offer for Special Education students? 

Do you have questions you'd like to ask other parents about your child's IEP? 

Looking for resources or educational opportunities about a specific disability?  

Reach out to your VdM PTA Special Education Representatives. 

Our role is to help support, inform, and connect parents who have students on either an Individual Education Plan (IEP) or 504.

We’re here to help you!

  • Join the Vista del Mar Special Education email list.

    Receive additional information about special education or future CAC meetings, or simply connect with other parents. E-mail Kara Pyper at karaleac@gmail.com and she will add you to the Vista del Mar Special Education email list.

    Join the email list

  • Attend a CAC meeting (Community Advisory Committee “CAC”).

    Hear directly from our Student Support Services/Special Education administration about changes to special education in CUSD. Learn more about Special Education at Vista del Mar and in the Capistrano Unified School district.

    Follow CAC on Facebook for more info

  • E-mail questions regarding K-5th grade.

    Feel free to email Whitney Zolna with any questions you have regarding Special Education services for K-5th grade. She is here to help you get connected to the resources and information you need.

    Ask a question

  • E-mail questions regarding 6th-8th grade.

    Feel free to email Kara Pyper with any questions you have regarding Special Education services for 6th-8th grade. She is here to help you get connected to the resources and information you need.

    Ask a question

CAPO CAC Purpose

1. To review the special education plan (“SELPA”) that describes the local policies, procedures and programs, which are consistent with state laws, regulations, and policies for Special Education.

2. Provide parent education opportunities, give families an opportunity to communicate with district administrators, connect with other parents, and share resources and support.

3. Support activities on behalf of individuals with exceptional needs.

4. Each school has a representative that attends meetings, reports back to the site’s PTA and helps connect parents of other students with special needs while bridging any gaps between general education and special education communities.

5. Across California, every Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA) is required to establish a CAC.