Special Education Handbook, Local Plans & Compliance

"In 1977, all California school districts and county school offices were mandated to form consortiums in geographical regions of sufficient size and scope to provide for all special education service needs of children residing within the region boundaries. Each region, Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA), developed a local plan describing how it would provide special education services. San Francisco Unified School District is it's own single district SELPA.

SELPAs are dedicated to the belief that all students can learn and that special needs students must be guaranteed equal opportunity to become contributing members of society. SELPAs facilitate high quality educational programs and services for special needs students and training for parents and educators. The SELPA collaborates with county agencies and school districts to develop and maintain healthy and enriching environments in which special needs students and families can live and succeed."

You can read more about SELPA's on the CDE Website.

Note: The 25-26 SELPA Local Plan was presented to the SFUSD Board of Education on June 17, 2025. (View the Slides)

2026 Plan Development Link to this section

We are offering 4 opportunities for staff and community members to review and provide input on the local plan. If you would like to provide input, please register to attend one of the meetings below or contact Julia Martin at martinj5@sfusd.edu.

• Monday, April 27 from 12:00 to 1:00pm - Overview of the SELPA Local Plan Register 
   
• Monday, April 27 from 6:00-7:00pm - Overview of the SELPA Local Plan Register
   
• Wednesday, May 13 from 12:00-1:00pm - Special Education Policy and Procedure Review Register
   
• Monday, May 18 from 6:00-7:00 pm - Review of Final Draft of the Local Plan Register