In 1977, all school districts and county school offices were required to form geographical regions of sufficient size and scope to provide for all special education service needs of children residing within the region boundaries. Each region (Special Education Local Plan Area-SELPA) developed a local plan describing how it would provide special education services. Today, there are approximately 135 SELPA’s in the State, ranging in size from those serving fewer than 1,000 students to those serving more than 10,000 students with the most common size between 2,000 and 4,000 students. 

The Southwest SELPA services over 13,000 students in 12 School Districts and 5 Charter Schools. Responsibilities of the SELPA include such things as Ensuring Program Availability for all Children with Disabilities, Curriculum Development and Support, Community Advisory Committee Support, Transition Planning, Legal Assistance, Program Evaluation, Interagency Coordination, Program Coordination, Fiscal Management, Community Awareness, and Staff Development.

If you have any questions, please contact Special Education Services at [email protected]