California SELPA Association

SELPA's "Emotional Disability" Bill Passes!

SELPA Administrators of California is the proud sponsor of AB 2173 (Addis), which has now replaced the term "emotional disturbance" with "emotional disability" in Education Code, effective January 1, 2025.

An Integrated Statewide System of Support

California is in the midst of bold educational reform effort that fundamentally changes how the state provides resources to local educational agencies (LEAs). Central to this reform is that LEAs are accountable for improving student performance and narrowing performance gaps among student groups. One of the most pronounced performance gaps relates to meeting the needs of California’s students with disabilities. As the new accountability system shines a different light on students with disabilities, Special Education Local Plan Areas (SELPAs) are uniquely positioned to leverage a well-established resource network to support LEAs in improving outcomes for students with disabilities. In response to the "One System" California Statewide Special Education Task Force Report that called for “one coherent system” to serve all students, the California Department of Education (CDE) designed the “Statewide System of Support” to assist LEAs and their schools in meeting the needs of each student served, with a focus on building capacity to sustain improvement and effectively address inequities in student opportunities and outcomes. SELPA leadership and expertise is integrated throughout this Statewide System of Support.

Capacity Builders

SELPAs provide targeted technical assistance resulting in quality special education programming and increased student engagement in the least restrictive environment. As partners in special education compliance monitoring and Differentiated Assistance processes, SELPAs utilize continuous improvement as a framework for identifying equity gaps to improve student outcomes. SELPAs provide extensive professional development on high leverage, evidenced-based practices, and SELPAs are key collaborators on numerous statewide reform efforts.

Facilitators

SELPAs facilitate equity in local decision-making and access to the full continuum of supports and services in the least restrictive environment for all students with disabilities regardless of where they reside. The leadership local governance structures facilitate ensures SELPAs equitably allocate resources and disseminate essential information. SELPAs collaborate with LEAs to ensure alignment of statewide and local improvement efforts. SELPAs build positive relationships among and between stakeholders by proactively providing conflict resolution services and trainings.

Connectors

Our ability to connect is rooted in shared leadership, expertise, and local control. SELPAs connect with experts across all domains associated with quality special education programs and services. SELPAs build on parent and community knowledge and engagement through their Community Advisory Committees (CAC) that serve as forums for collaboration, training, and shared leadership in program design. SELPAs leverage interagency partnerships and resources to help districts and families access specialized supports, enhance learning opportunities, and innovate on behalf of students with disabilities.

Our Partners

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Pathways to Partnership

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Siras Systems

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Straus Institute

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IEP & Me

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Goalbook

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University Instructors

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Imagine Learning

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E-Therapy

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Language World

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Aptus Staffing Solutions

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KEY2ED

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Testimonials

Since I became aware of SELPA, I feel validated in my experiences, thoughts and emotions regarding the services I seek and expect for my child. Feeling supported with access to the tools, resources and information, I am equipped to support and advocate for my child. SELPA allows parents to make connections with other parents and people who value our children as productive members of our society.

Angelika Markes, East San Gabriel Valley SELPA CAC Parent Representative, Baldwin Park USD

Superintendents in Ventura County are committed to our collaborative process and interaction with our local SELPA to ensure we meet the needs of each and every student. We recognize both the efficiency and cost effectiveness of sharing resources, services and supports, as well as the resulting high quality programs and instruction that occur because of our work together.

Craig Helmstedter, Ed.D., Superintendent, Ocean View School District and Ventura County SELPA Superintendents' Policy Council Chair

The world of special education is so incredibly complex and fluid that trying to navigate things without the steady "support group" of a SELPA behind me would have been incredibly difficult. I am grateful for the expertise, guidance, brainstorming, and fellowship that the SELPA network brought me during my time as a special education director. It's reassuring to know that the SELPA philosophy of collaboration and solidarity is there to support staff, students, and families.

Jim Stolze, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, Yucaipa-Calimesa JUSD

The SELPA makes a difference by creating a bridge between parents, teacher, and administrators. SELPAs encourage and empower parents to get involved in their children's school, district, and community. The SELPA creates a space where the values of IDEA's mission are realized through every parent workshop, support group, legislative day, and Community Advisory Committee meeting.

Leslie Castellanos, Azusa Parent Alternate, East San Gabriel Valley SELPA Community Advisory Committee

Navigating the sea of special education compliance monitoring can be incredibly overwhelming, with ever-changing rules and processes, all with different template formats, phases, requirements, and timelines. LEAs in the state, and particularly smaller LEAs like mine, need resources and support, someone to make sense of it all, and a strong lighthouse to bring us safely into harbor. Our SELPA is that beacon for us, a true lifesaver.

Kimberly Tyler, Director of Special Education, Oroville City ESD

I just love everything about our San Mateo County SELPA! The staff are wonderful. Everyone is passionate and dedicated to giving each and every student a nurturing, supportive and challenging learning environment by supporting all the school leaders and other stakeholders. I was given lots of support, resources, training and connections with other local SELPA leaders so I can be confident in supporting our students and their families. This is just an example of the wonderful caring leadership of San Mateo SELPA and the culture it fosters among everyone.

Grace Ventura, Director of Special Education, Jefferson Union High School District

The connections with other SELPA professionals and resources has been phenomenal. It has saved us time and resources because we are not always re-inventing the wheel. I am able to better understand many more policies, procedures, best practices, and compliance issues to help me support students in our district. The Tri-Valley SELPA is awesome!

Jeni Rickard, Ed.D, Assistant Director of Special Education, Pleasanton USD

The San Mateo County SELPA is consistently supportive, informative, and accessible. The SELPA truly seeks to assist us in being as successful as possible in serving our students and families. The professionals that make up our SELPA are approachable, knowledgeable experts that provide us with the guidance and tools necessary to do our best work. We are so grateful to have their support!

Lee Medvedoff, M. Ed., Director of Special Education, Jefferson Union High School District

A Voice for Students with Disabilities for 45 Years

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SELPA Overview

News and Resources

SELPA IMPACT Fall 2024 Edition

SELPA's "Emotional Disability" Bill Passes!

SELPA Backs Duchenne Screening

SELPA Leads on Staffing Solutions

SELPA Now Offers Continuing Ed!

Students First

SELPA Accountability, Innovation & Design

Season 2 Podcasts Released!

An Integrated Statewide System of Support

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