What is Santa Barbara County SELPA

Santa Barbara County SELPA (Special Education Local Plan Area) is a joint powers agency that provides oversight, guidance, training, and support to our member school districts, parents, guardians, and the community. Our focus is helping students with disabilities receive high-quality, compliant Individualized Education Program (IEP) services built on best practice.

Our SELPA is mandated by the California Department of Education to implement and oversee the Santa Barbara County SELPA Local Plan, which ensures that individuals with disabilities receive a free and appropriate public education under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and its regulations (34 CFR Parts 300–301), as well as California special education law.

SBC SELPA is governed by a Joint Powers Agency (JPA) Board with 8 superintendents from our member school districts and the Santa Barbara County Superintendent of Schools. Together, we serve 21 school districts, the Santa Barbara County Education Office, and five charter schools across Santa Barbara County.