​Information provided in these responses relies on CDE and SELPA information pages.

1. Q: What is a SELPA?
   A:  A SELPA ensures appropriate education services for individuals with disabilities by working cooperatively with other public and private agencies to support a full complement of special education services for students.  It is made up of school districts, charter schools, and county offices in certain geographic locations across California.  All schools are required to be part of a SELPA or CHELP​​A.

2. Q: What is a Charter only SELPA (CHELPA)?
   A: A charter-only SELPA is a SELPA which serves only charter schools.  There are three CHELPA’s across California: El Dorado County Office of Education (can serve any charter across the state), Los Angeles County Office of Education (can serve any charter located in Los Angeles County), and Sonoma County Office of Education (can serve any charter located in northwest California).  Charter schools which join a CHELPA typically run their own special education servic​es.

3. Q: What services does a SELPA/CHELPA provide?
   A: A SELPA/CHELPA provides:
   1. Ensuring programs/services are available for all children with disabilities
   2. Curriculum/Program Development, Professional Development, Program Specialists
   3. Community Advisory Committee , Surrogate Parent Training, Community Awareness
   4. Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), compliance and program concerns
   5. Management Information Systems, Evaluation, Technical Assistance, State/federal reporting
   6. Personnel Development, Interagency and/or Program Coordination

   7. Budget Planning and Review Evaluati​​on

4. Q: How can families access SELPA/CHELPA services if the SELPA/CHELPA is located elsewhere?
   A: El Dorado SELPA provides local program specialist to provide assistance and support to charter school members.  Further, families may participate in the Community Advisory Committee (CAC) telephonically which meets three times a year.  Many charter schools provide access for parents to participate in the CAC if they desi​re.

5. Q: Why would a charter school select a CHELPA rather than a SELPA?
   A: A charter school might select to participate in a CHELPA rather than the local SELPA as there are unique challenges which face charter schools.  Many charter schools are single entities which a charter only SELPA understands and can cater to. CHELPAs can provide support fo​r similar schools.