California resource
Every California school district belongs to a Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA). Your SELPA is a regional authority that oversees special education across multiple districts — and is one of your most important escalation contacts when things aren't working.
A Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA) is a consortium of school districts (or a single large district) that jointly plans and delivers special education services in a region. California law requires every district to belong to one.
The SELPA is responsible for ensuring that all students with disabilities in its area receive a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE), that districts comply with IDEA and California Ed Code, and that regional resources — specialists, placement options, training — are coordinated efficiently.
Most parents deal only with their school district. But when the district is unresponsive, non-compliant, or unable to provide a needed service, the SELPA is the next call to make — before filing a State Complaint or requesting due process.
You're not receiving services
If your child has an IEP but services are not being delivered, the SELPA can intervene to ensure compliance.
The district is unresponsive
If you've made repeated requests for a meeting or document and the district isn't responding, the SELPA can apply pressure and track compliance.
You need a due process neutral
SELPAs facilitate mediation and sometimes facilitate informal resolution conferences before escalating to due process.
You can't find a qualified provider
If a service in the IEP requires a specialist the district can't locate, the SELPA coordinates regional providers.
Your child is between districts
If you move mid-year or your child transfers, the SELPA helps ensure continuity of services during the transition.
You want general guidance
Many SELPAs have parent liaisons or family resource centers that can answer procedural questions and help you understand your rights — at no cost.
Search by county, city, or region. Contact details are maintained by the CDE — use the link at the bottom to reach the official directory.
Southern California
Los Angeles County SELPA
Covers most LA County districts. LAUSD, Long Beach Unified, and several other large districts operate their own independent SELPAs — search your district name if unsure.
Los Angeles Unified School District SELPA
Covers students enrolled in LAUSD only.
Long Beach Unified School District SELPA
Antelope Valley SELPA
Serves the Antelope Valley area of northern Los Angeles County.
Orange County Department of Education SELPA
San Diego County Office of Education SELPA
Covers most San Diego County districts. SDUSD operates its own SELPA.
San Diego Unified School District SELPA
Riverside County Office of Education SELPA
San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools SELPA
Ventura County Office of Education SELPA
Central Valley
Kern County Superintendent of Schools SELPA
Fresno County Office of Education SELPA
Fresno Unified operates its own SELPA.
San Joaquin County Office of Education SELPA
Stanislaus County Office of Education SELPA
Tulare County Office of Education SELPA
Kings County Office of Education SELPA
Merced County Office of Education SELPA
Madera County Office of Education SELPA
Bay Area
Alameda County Office of Education SELPA
Oakland Unified and several other Alameda County districts operate independent SELPAs.
Contra Costa County Office of Education SELPA
Santa Clara County Office of Education SELPA
San Francisco Unified School District SELPA
San Mateo County Office of Education SELPA
Marin County Office of Education SELPA
Napa County Office of Education SELPA
Solano County Office of Education SELPA
Bay Area / North Coast
Sonoma County Office of Education SELPA
Central Coast
Santa Barbara County Education Office SELPA
Monterey County Office of Education SELPA
San Luis Obispo County Office of Education SELPA
Santa Cruz County Office of Education SELPA
Sacramento Area
Sacramento County Office of Education SELPA
Sacramento City Unified School District operates its own SELPA.
El Dorado County Office of Education SELPA
Placer County Office of Education SELPA
Yolo County Office of Education SELPA
Sutter / Yuba Counties SELPA
Northern California
Butte County Office of Education SELPA
Shasta County Office of Education SELPA
Tehama County Department of Education SELPA
Glenn County Office of Education SELPA
Colusa County Office of Education SELPA
Nevada County Office of Education SELPA
North Coast
Humboldt County Office of Education SELPA
Mendocino County Office of Education SELPA
Lake County Office of Education SELPA
Del Norte County Office of Education SELPA
Trinity County Office of Education SELPA
Far North
Siskiyou County Office of Education SELPA
Modoc County Office of Education SELPA
Lassen County Office of Education SELPA
Sierra Foothills
Amador County Office of Education SELPA
Calaveras County Office of Education SELPA
Tuolumne County Office of Education SELPA
Mariposa County Office of Education SELPA
Plumas County Office of Education SELPA
Sierra County Office of Education SELPA
Alpine County Office of Education SELPA
Desert / Eastern
Imperial County Office of Education SELPA
Inyo County Office of Education SELPA
Mono County Office of Education SELPA