CAPSES Administrative Conference

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 discussions highlighted both the challenges facing the field and the extraordinary commitment of professionals working every day to support students with complex needs.

Learn more here.

CAPSES held its annual Advocacy Day at the State Capitol on March 10th.

We discussed how non-public schools and agencies fit into the continuum of care for public education and the compliance of IDEA. We also highlighted workforce challenges, ESY regulatory changes, insurance pressures, and the role of NPS and NPAs in California’s special education system.

We had over 28 CAPSES participants advocating directly with policymakers

It was an incredibly successful day. We are deeply grateful to the offices of

Sasha Renee Perez, Jesse Arreguin, Dawn Addis, Stephanie Nguyen, Rosilicie Bogh, Mike Gipson, Al Muratsuchi, Roger Niello, Damon Connolly, Rebecca Bauer-Kahan, Assemblymember Gail Pellerin, Assemblymember Mia Bonta, Akilah Weber Pierson, Darshana Patel, Ph.D., Senator Mike McGuire, Assemblymember Phillip Chen, Assemblymember Josh Hoover, Senator Steven "Steve" Choi, Senator Akilah Weber Pierson, and Assemblymember Darshana Patel.

These meetings ensure that lawmakers understand how policy decisions affect the students and services our members provide. They are instrumental in lawmakers’ understanding how these programs impact families in their district.

It was also a great opportunity for CAPSES members to invite them to visit their programs!

CAPSES Presenters

CAPSES deeply values our decades-long partnership with the California Department of Education and its continued presence at our annual Administrative Conference.

This year, we were pleased to have Director of Special Education Division, Rachel Heenan, Ed.D. , Noelia Hernandez, Associate Director of Special Education, Barbara Gaskin, Education Administrator I for the NPS Division, join us alongside the NPS statewide team.

Together, and only together, can we strengthen services and improve outcomes for public school students with disabilities across California.

Thank you, National Association of Private Special Education Centers, for joining us in Sacramento and sharing such timely insights on the federal special education landscape.

Your partnership and leadership help keep our members informed, prepared, and connected to the broader advocacy efforts happening across the country. We truly value the collaboration and the opportunity to bring these important updates directly to our community.

Thank you for your continued commitment to advancing services and supports for students with disabilities.