What is a SELPA?
A SELPA is an acronym for a Special Education Local Plan Area. It is a group of school districts, charter schools, and County Offices of Education who provide special education and related services to students with disabilities.
The California Department of Education has a web page that helps describe SELPAs. Also, the Legislative Analyst's Office has a quick video that help explain a SELPA.
Similar to School Districts, each SELPA provides local control and accountability. However, each SELPA must be of sufficient size and scope to provide all of the special education assurances.
The Legislative Analyst's Office has other short videos and information pertaining to special education in California:
- http://www.lao.ca.gov/Videos/Player?playlistId=107
- http://www.lao.ca.gov/reports/2013/edu/special-ed-primer/special-ed-primer-010313.aspx
- http://www.cde.ca.gov/sp/se/as/caselpas.asp
The Fresno County SELPA provides Compliance and Monitoring, Professional Development, Allocation of Special Education Funds, Program and Fiscal Reporting, Data Collection, and the Ongoing Review of Programs. See our full list of services.