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Colorado Special Education Advisory Committee (CSEAC)
CSEAC is a state level committee mandated by federal and state law. Members are interested in the quality of education received by children/youth with disabilities. The committee includes parents of and individuals with disabilities, educational service providers, administrators and representatives from a variety of related agencies. Participation is statewide and representative of diverse disabilities.
Vision
All learners are respected and challenged with high expectations, their needs are met, and student aspirations for success are fulfilled.
Mission
Our mission is to actively represent children/youth with disabilities and impact decisions made on their behalf to enhance the quality of educational services.
Subcommittees
Standing Subcommittees are:
- Membership - Searches for and proposes new committee members to serve for six years (three 2-year terms).
- Communications - Formulates and carries out plans to exchange information statewide.
- Student Outcomes - Advises on the development and implementation of the Colorado Special Education State Performance Plan.
Membership
Vacancies & Application
Current Vacancies (Open Until Filled)
- One Representative from the Division of Youth Services
- One Representative from an institution of higher education that prepares special education and related services personnel
Membership Information
Overview of the Committee
The Colorado Special Education Advisory Committee (CSEAC) is a state level committee mandated by federal and state law that advises the Colorado Department of Education and the Colorado State Board of Education on the unmet needs of Colorado children with disabilities. CSEAC serves as a forum for parents and professionals to participate in certain duties set out under Colorado’s Exceptional Children’s Education Act (ECEA) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) including:
In addition to the work of the committee as a whole, CSEAC has three standing subcommittees: Membership, Student Outcomes, and Meaningful Parent Engagement/Communications. Each member is asked to serve on one subcommittee. The subcommittees meet as breakout groups during regular CSEAC meetings.
Time Commitment
Regular Meetings
CSEAC meets four times per year for regular meetings. Meetings are typically held in September, November, February, and April. Lunch is provided and members can be reimbursed for mileage. Lodging reimbursement is available for members who qualify. Meetings are held in-person in the Denver metro area.
Annual Planning Meeting
A mandatory, multi-day annual planning meeting is held each July. New members attend an orientation, typically on Wednesday evening, and returning members arrive Thursday morning. The full committee meets on Thursday and Friday. The meeting typically adjourns midday Friday.
Time Commitment Outside of Regular Meetings
Every effort is made to complete committee work within the regular meeting. Occasionally, members will be asked to take on tasks for their subcommittee in between regular meetings. Members may also have the opportunity to participate in stakeholder feedback opportunities or rulemaking hearings.
Membership
The CSEAC Membership Subcommittee oversees the application process and recommends new members to the full committee, which submits them to the Colorado State Board of Education for final approval and appointment. New member terms begin in July and continue for two years. Members can serve up to three successive terms.
CSEAC membership must be representative of the state population and include individuals concerned with the education of children and youth with disabilities including:
- Parents of children and youth with disabilities (ages birth-26)
- Individuals with disabilities
- Teachers
- State and local education officials, including officials who carry out activities under Subtitle B of Title VII of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act
- Administrators of programs for children with disabilities
- Representatives from:
- Institutions of higher education that prepare special education and related services personnel
- Other state agencies involved in the financing or delivery of related services
- Private schools and charter schools
- Vocational, community or business organizations concerned with the provision of transition services
- Division of Youth Corrections in the Department of Human Services
- Department of Corrections
- Child Welfare Services in the Department of Human Services
- Colorado’s Parent Training and Information Center
If you have questions regarding CSEAC membership, please contact:
Beth Donahue
Family Engagement Specialist
Donahue_b@cde.state.co.us
720-926-1453
Meeting Information
Meetings are open to the public and held in-person on the third Thursday of September, November, February, and April. For more information about attending a meeting or public comment please contact David Ramer ramer_d@cde.state.co.us.
- September 18, 2025 - 8:30 - 3:30 PM Adams 12 Conference Center, Thornton, CO
- November 20, 2025 - 8:30 - 3:30 PM 581 Conference Place, Jeffco Public Schools, Golden, CO
- February 19, 2026 - 8:30 - 3:30 PM 581 Conference Place, Jeffco Public Schools, Golden, CO
- April 16, 2026 8:30 - 3:30 PM Adams 12 Conference Center, Thornton, CO
- July 2026 Annual Planning Meeting, Time and Dates Pending
Documents and Resources
Meeting Minutes
Annual Reports
- 2023-2024 (PDF)
- 2022-2023 (PDF)
- 2021-2022 (CSEAC did not issue a report.)
- 2020-2021 (PDF)
- 2019-2020 (PDF)
Local Special Education Advisory Committees (Local SEACs)
- Power of Partnership, a resource for local SEACs (PDF)
- Power of Partnership, a resource for local SEACs (Spanish) (PDF)
For more information about local SEACs please contact Beth Donahue, ESSU Family Engagement Specialist, donahue_b@cde.state.co.us.
Contact
To contact a CSEAC member or for further information:
Beth Donahue, ESSU Family Engagement Specialist
Phone: (720) 926-1453
Email Beth Donahue
Please state that your email message is for CSEAC.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed on this webpage are those of the Colorado Special Education Advisory Committee and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Colorado Department of Education or the Colorado State Board of Education.