Dear CAPSES Members, As we approach the Legislature's July recess and the final stages of state budget negotiations, I wanted to share a brief update on several policy and regulatory developments that may affect nonpublic schools, nonpublic agencies, and the students we serve. Please find below the issues most relevant to our sector that CAPSES is actively monitoring, engaging with, or advocating for. Federal: moving federal special education programs from the U.S. Depa

CAPSES Advocacy Update Keeping California's nonpublic schools and agencies informed, connected, and represented. One of CAPSES' core responsibilities is monitoring the rapidly changing policy landscape affecting California's certified Nonpublic Schools (NPS) and Nonpublic Agencies (NPA). We believe it is important to keep our members informed about the issues shaping our field. This update highlights where CAPSES has been engaged over the past several weeks, the policy

2026 CAPSES Conference The 2026 CAPSES Administrative Conference brought together leaders from across California’s Nonpublic School and Nonpublic Agency community for two days of learning, collaboration, and advocacy. Conference Highlights • Over 90 attendees from across the state• Presentations from state and national partners• Policy updates from experts and advocates• Interactive table talk sessions on workforce, technology, and emerging policy issues These discussi

Introduction California’s system for overseeing Nonpublic Agencies (NPAs) and related school support organizations no longer reflects the realities of how special-education services are delivered. [1] NPAs provide targeted, specialized supports essential to implementing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), including speech therapy, behavioral intervention, occupational therapy, and counseling. Although NPAs operate as vendors contracted by LEAs, they are currently regula

CAPSES and CA Alliance Public Comment and Formal Position CAPSES and CACFS Opposition to Proposed Amendments to CCR Section 3043(d): Reduction of ESY Minimum Days from 20 to 15 Submitted to: California State Board of Education45-Day Public Comment Period on Extended School Year (ESY) Waivers Regulations Introduction The California Association of Private Special Education Services (CAPSES) and the California Alliance of Child and Family Services (CA Alliance) respectfully sub

4 Action Steps for Compliance Starting July 1, 2026, all private and religious K–12 schools in California must comply with child abuse prevention and school safety requirements that already apply to public schools. The law, SB 848, aims to create safer learning environments and strengthen accountability across all educational institutions. Key Requirements - By July 2026, private schools must: Adopt written safety and boundaries policies that promote safe supervi

Federal Oversight at Risk: What It Means for California’s Students and Schools The Trump Administration’s plan to downsize, and potentially eliminate, the U.S. Department of Education (ED) has triggered mass layoffs within the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), which oversees implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). More than 120 OSEP and OSERS employees were terminated in October 2025, prompting bipartisan concern and emergenc

Insurance Coalition Updates CAPSES continues to participate in the Statewide Insurance Crisis Coalition, working alongside youth-serving organizations, county partners, and policy advisors to develop a two-year plan for stabilizing the insurance landscape. This statewide effort is shaping legislative and regulatory solutions to ensure providers can have access to affordable insurance and continue serving students safely and sustainably. NPA Reviews The NPA community i

As we begin a new quarter, I’m filled with gratitude for the momentum our community continues to build together. Across California, nonpublic schools and agencies are doing extraordinary work to support students with disabilities, work that is only possible when we stay grounded in our shared purpose and the values that guide us forward. This year, CAPSES has more clearly articulated those beliefs: that our system must evolve to provide equitable access and sustainable fu