What is a SELPA?

SELPA Logo Blue GoldSELPA is the acronym for Special Education Local Plan Area.

A special education program needs a minimum size and scope. Because many LEAs in California are under this minimum, SELPAs were created. They are a membership of LEAs that, together, form this minimum size. 

Every LEA in California must be a member of a SELPA. Every SELPA is unique, and some LEAs are large enough to be their own "stand-alone" SELPA. Currently, there are just under 140 SELPAs in California.

Along with a minimum size, a SELPA provides local control and accountability in accordance with assurances set forth in federal law. 

Additional Information

Both the California Department of Education (CDE) and the California Legislative Analyst's Office (LAO) have webpages and videos that help describe and explain SELPAs:

Did you know...

A SELPA also receives the majority of the State and Federal special education funding from the State. Because of this, each SELPA is required to develop and update a Local Plan.

The Fresno County SELPA, in particular, provides Monitoring and Compliance, Professional Development, Allocation of Special Education Funds, Program and Fiscal Reporting, Data Collection, Ongoing Review of Programs. 

See our full list of SELPA programs and services here.