OUR RICH HISTORY
Late in 1970, nine special education directors from southern California met to explore the possibility of forming a professional association aimed at improving communication between the public and private sector. In March of 1971, their idea was realized by the convening their first Annual Conference, and finally incorporating in 1973 as a California non-profit corporation, .
CAPSES’ primary mission is to maximize the potential of individuals with disabilities by advocating for them in public policy and by promoting high quality instruction, guidance, therapy and staff development.
Focusing on the need for private schools to be heard, as well as the challenge of assisting parents in their search for appropriate special education alternatives, CAPSES pushed forward to create a structure that would grow into the statewide, private, nonprofit professional association that exists today.​
CAPSES’ membership currently includes over 170 private special education schools, nonpublic agencies and other individuals interested in the welfare of children with disabilities and the private schools and agencies who serve them.
The number of special education students enrolled in California's public schools has grown to 836,846 in 2023-2024 (newborn through twenty-two years of age), almost five times the number enrolled since the California Master Plan for Special Education was first implemented in 1980.
CAPSES member agencies serve over 8,200 pupils through member organizations, accounting for nearly 80 percent of all children contracted for and placed by California Special Education Local Plan Areas (SELPA) and California School Districts in California Nonpublic Schools and Agencies.
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Our Values & Beliefs
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1. We Believe the System Must Evolve
We believe students, families, and educators deserve a system that allows equitable access, fair and sustainable funding to meet the challenges of today. The current structures of special education are outdated and imbalanced.
2. We Value Innovation and Forward Thinking
Rigid frameworks and inherited belief systems have limited the potential of special education. We value bold, dynamic approaches that challenge the status quo and make space for new, more effective solutions.
3. We Lead with Vision and Strategy
We are developing a shared blueprint for the next decade balancing urgency with long-term planning to drive sustainable impact.
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4. We Value Trusted Partnerships and Collaboration
We move beyond one-size-fits-all approaches and compliance-driven models, championing forward-thinking solutions co-created with families, educators, and stakeholders.
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5. We Believe This Is Our Moment.
Now is the time to align, unify, and lead. We believe this is a pivotal year for building trust, strengthening relationships, and advancing a shared vision for special education that centers on students and their futures.