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What is a Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA)?

A Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA) is a collaborative system established in 1977 when all school districts and county offices of education were required to form geographical regions designed to ensure that all students with special needs living within the region boundaries have access to educational opportunities. Each SELPA provides a range of special education services to local districts, including specialized programs for students who are deaf, hard of hearing, visually impaired, or have orientation and mobility challenges. These services are operated at the request of the local school districts.

The governance structure of SELPAs varies across regions. Large single-district SELPAs can provide all necessary services within their boundaries, while smaller districts often form consortia to offer a full range of special education programs. In Shasta County, for example, the Shasta SELPA consists of 30 school districts (including the Mountain Valley Special Education JPA), the Shasta County Office of Education, and four charter schools that act as local education agencies for special education purposes. The districts in Shasta County range from those with over 5,000 students to small, single-site districts serving fewer than 100 students.

Each SELPA is required to have an Administrative Unit, the legal entity that manages funding and ensures that every eligible student receives appropriate services. The Shasta County Office of Education serves as the Administrative Unit for Shasta SELPA.

The determination of the specific services or placements a student may receive is made by an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) team, which typically includes the student's parent or legal guardian, as well as school personnel. Referrals for more intensive educational settings are made by the student's district of residence when necessary, ensuring that each child receives the support they need to thrive academically.