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

Joint Statement on the Elimination of OSEP and the Future of IDEA Oversight   Over the weekend, the Department of Education (DOE) executed a sweeping dismantling of its Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) by issuing Reduction in Force notices that will terminate the positions of all but 2 or 3 OSEP staff. This move effectively eliminates the federal body responsible for distributing the $15 billion annual Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) funding and

#BUDGETALERT  from Capitol Advisors: "Late yesterday we learned about very troubling action by the U.S. Department of Education,...

Diana Lambert  and  Lasherica Thornton  at  EdSource  reported on the impact raids had on school absences. Interrupted attendance impacts...