CACE brings parents, teachers and administrators together to improve the quality of education for California's children, particularly children attending schools impacted by high poverty.  Founded in the 1960's by directors of compensatory education programs from around the state, CACE works with administrators, parents and the California Department of Education to support the active involvement of parents in their children's education and in the schools.

CACE organizes state and local workshops and conferences to disseminate relevant information to our members and others, and to share strategies for increasing parent involvement.  The CACE website and newsletter keeps members informed on issues that impact our children.

CACE also offers a limited number of scholarships to low-income students to support their enrollment in post-secondary education.

CACE has a regional structure.  Each of the six CACE regions serves several counties.  Many regions organize local conferences, which provide additional opportunities for training and leadership.

CACE achieves it's mission by organizing state and regional conferences on topics of concern to our members.  You can also find some of this information on our website.  Topics of particular interest to our members include:

• the impact of federal and state programs and policies - including No Child Left Behind - on our children

• strategies for increasing parent participation

• the mission and operation of school site councils and advisory committees and the opportunities they offer for parents to exercise leadership

• parents rights and responsibilities, and how to advocate for your child

• proposed legislation that can impact our children

• information to help prepare children for post-secondary education

Members are encouraged to take an active role in all levels of the organization.  Members can vote in annual elections for regional and state officers.  Members pay a lower rate to attend statewide conference.