Source of Funds

Both State and Federal Governments provide funds for the provision of special education and related services. Most of these funds are provided to Special Education Local Plan Areas, or SELPAs. 

Image of State and Federal funding, each in their own bubble, going into another larger bubble called the SELPA.

In the spirit of California's local control philosophy, each SELPA determines how the funds are allocated. For the Fresno County SELPA, funds are allocated to Member LEAs, to the County Operated Program, and to the SELPA for services. This determination is outlined in each SELPA's Funding Allocation Plan. 

In addition to funds from the SELPA, School Districts and County Operated Programs receive other funds as well. This includes Mental Health funds and Early Intervention funds. 

For more information, contact Eddie Davidson, Director of Fiscal Student Services, at (559) 265-3047 or edavidson@fcoe.org.

State Funding

Most of the state funding for special education goes to the SELPA to allocate. This funding consists of Assembly Bill 602, Out-of-Home Care, Infant Entitlement, and several others. Access the CDE Webpage for State Funding Sources here. Most of these funds are disbursed by CDE to the SELPA through their Principal Apportionment. 

Federal Funding

Most of the federal funding for special education goes to the SELPA to allocate. This funding consists of IDEA Part B, IDEA Part C, and several others. Access the CDE Webpage for Federal Funding Sources here. Most Federal Funds are disbursed by CDE to the SELPA through their IDEA Reporting. 

A short video by the Legislative Analyst's Office (LAO) regarding this funding can be found here. Also, the LAO provides information regarding the history of special education funding in California here.