Supporting Students with Disabilities at Charter Schools: LAUSD SELPA Options

The LAUSD Division of Special Education is committed to ensuring students with disabilities thrive in charter schools by collaborating to provide a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). The Charter Operated Programs team empowers a community of independent charter schools to create innovative, high-quality educational programs tailored to students with unique needs. This collaboration is formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which defines the relationship between each independent charter school and the Division of Special Education.

The LAUSD SELPA (Special Education Local Plan Area) offers three distinct options for special education service delivery for independent charter schools authorized by the LAUSD Board. Below is an overview of each option, including the supports available, and a downloadable document for more details.

Special Education Option 1: District-Operated Model

Charter schools choosing Option 1 operate as a full “school of the district,” receiving comprehensive support from LAUSD:
• Responsibilities: Charter schools ensure their special education programs comply with federal and state laws.
• Supports: LAUSD provides special education personnel, manages and implements programs and services, and leads all due process matters.

Special Education Option 2: Collaborative Model

Option 2 balances charter school autonomy with LAUSD partnership:
• Responsibilities: Charter schools oversee and deliver all special education programming, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations.
• Supports: LAUSD partners with the school for non-public school placements and due process matters.

Special Education Option 3: Autonomous Model

Option 3 offers the highest level of autonomy, with charter schools functioning similarly to Local Education Agencies (LEAs):
• Responsibilities: Charter schools assume full management and fiscal responsibility for their special education programs, related services, and non-public placements.
• Supports: Schools receive dedicated support from an LAUSD team and access to District-wide professional development.

Note: Enrollment in Option 3 requires an application and interview process due to the increased responsibilities associated with full autonomy.

Explore More

For a comprehensive overview of the independent charter schools supported by the Charter Operated Programs team within the Division of Special Education or a detailed overview of all three options and their corresponding supports, download the documents below.

Enrollment and Special Education at Independent Charter Schools

Independent charter schools authorized by the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) are open to all students, including those with disabilities. The California Charter Schools Act of 1992 (Education Code Section 47605[d][1]) mandates that charter schools “… shall not discriminate against any pupil on the basis of characteristics listed in Section 220” of the California Education Code, which includes disability. Within their capacity, charter schools must admit all students who wish to attend.

Charter schools are required to meet the needs of students with disabilities as outlined in their Individualized Education Program (IEP), just like District-operated schools. This includes offering special day and resource specialist programs as well as related services such as:

• Speech and language therapy
• Counseling
• Occupational therapy
• Behavioral support
• Physical therapy
• Adapted physical education
• Transportation

Parent Information and Enrollment

Charter schools should include details about their special education programs and services in their outreach and recruitment materials. Parents can expect:

• Annual meetings to inform families that the school is open to all students and offers services for students with  disabilities.
• An application process to begin enrollment at an independent charter school.
• A commitment that no student will be denied enrollment based on their special education status.

Staff Training and Support

Independent charter schools are required to:

• Provide staff with intensive training or professional development focused on serving students with disabilities.
• Offer a continuum of services and a full range of related services to meet the needs of all enrolled students.

To support these efforts, the Division of Special Education, Charter Operated Programs team helps charter schools develop high-quality special education programs for students with mild to severe disabilities. Charter school staff also have access to LAUSD trainings, and parents of students enrolled in independent charter schools are welcome to attend any District parent training or meeting.

Supporting Independent Charter Schools

The Charter Operated Programs (COP) team is dedicated to delivering high-quality support and technical assistance to all independent charter schools authorized by LAUSD. As part of the Division of Special Education, the COP team works closely with other LAUSD teams to ensure charter schools have the resources and guidance needed to effectively support students with disabilities.

Find More Information:

Details about current and upcoming charter schools are regularly updated on the Charter Schools Division page.

Need Assistance?

If you have concerns about the implementation of special education services at your child’s independent charter school, please reach out to:

• Email: spedsfss@lausd.net
• Phone: 213-241-6701