Join our SELPA

There are two categories of partnership: Single Charter Partner and Organization Partner. A Single Charter Partner is a SELPA member with one school (single CDS code). An Organization Partner is defined as a non-profit with one governing board or an organization with one Chief Executive Officer position that is vested with comprehensive operating authority for two or more SELPA member schools (multiple CDS codes).

The 2024-25 application process for membership beginning July 1, 2024 is a seven-stage process beginning with the Potential New Partner Meetings.

1. Potential New Partner Meetings
   Mandatory attendance by a school’s CEO is required. This meeting outlines the services provided by the Charter SELPA, what is expected as a new charter partner within the Charter SELPA, as well as the application process.
   
   Please Note: If your application is considered an expansion of a current partnership, you are not required to attend a Potential New Partner Meeting. 
2. Stage 1
   Completion of the online initial application packet, fiscal information and submittal of required documentation.
3. Stage 2
   Completion of the program portion of the application and submittal of required documentation. Followed by an internal review by the SELPA and selected charter partners.
4. Due Diligence
   Concurrently to stage 3 a due diligence review will take place.
5. Capacity Interview
   This interview will allow the Charter SELPA to understand the overall culture of your charter and your leadership vision for serving students with special needs.
6. Selection Committee
   The SELPA Selection Committee determines the final approval of recommended applicants.
7. New Partner Induction
   Mandatory attendance at a New Partner Induction Meeting is required. This meeting discusses the mutual commitment between the SELPA and new partners.

Application Timeline for potential new partners looking to join for the 2024-2025 school year

To be eligible to apply for 2025-26, attendance is required at our next Potential New Partner Meeting being held September 2024 via Zoom. 

Registration will be open soon.

If  you have any questions, please contact SELPA Membership at SELPAMembership@edcoe.org.

Please note, if you are currently in operation, per Ed. Code 56195.3(b) Cooperate with the county office and other districts in the geographic areas in planning its option under Section 56195.1 and each fiscal year, notify the department, impacted special education local plan areas, and participating county offices of its intent to elect an alternative option from those specified in Section 56195.1, at least one year before the proposed effective date of the implementation of the alternative plan, and to avoid any difficulty should you choose to join another SELPA, notice should be provided to your current SELPA and cc’d to the CDE, one year and one day in advance of the school year you intend to leave (i.e., June 30, 2024, for the 2025-26 school year).  We advise providing notice of intent to withdrawal to your authorizer, current SELPA, and CDE.  If you do not provide this notice before the June 30 deadline, you would need to acquire a letter of agreed-upon early release from your SELPA.

The importance of this communication is to ensure sufficient planning time for all involved and is required by law. Our process will require evidence of timely communication. We recommend sending these letters by certified mail with a return receipt. CLICK HERE for a letter template.