About Charter SELPA
As public schools, charter schools are required to enroll and serve children with disabilities in the same manner as traditional public schools. The process for addressing special education at the school level is the same for all charter schools whether the charter school is a local education agency (LEA) for the purposes of special education, a school of the district, or if the charter school is an independent study and non-classroom-based school.
Charter schools have two options for the delivery of special education services:
- Operate as a "school of the district" (Dependent LEA) for special education purposes; or
- Become an LEA for special education purposes (Independent LEA).
Charter schools who wish to be considered as Independent LEAs, have the option of joining a multi-district SELPA or a charter-only SELPA. Charter schools that opt for Independent LEA status within a multi-district or charter-only SELPA, are legally responsible for ensuring that children with disabilities receive special education and related services to which they are entitled under federal law.
Any charter school within the State of California may apply for LEA membership to the Charter SELPA. The Charter SELPA established in July of 2013, originally began with four LEA members and has since expanded. Charter LEA members participate in the Governance in the same manner as all other Charter LEA members. Whether located within the San Bernardino County and/or outside of the geographic boundaries of the county, Charter LEA members are responsible to comply with all provisions of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), implement federal and state regulations, and to ensure that a free appropriate public education (FAPE) is provided to all children with disabilities who are enrolled in an attend the Charter LEA in the same manner that children with disabilities are served in other public schools.
For more information about California SELPAs, visit the California Department of Education.
Our Members