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LAUSD Division of Special Education is committed to the enrollment and success of students with disabilities at charter schools. Our goal is to collaborate with charter schools to ensure that they provide students with disabilities a free and appropriate public education (FAPE). The mission of the Charter Operated Programs (COP) team is to empower a community of charter schools to work together to build innovative, high-quality educational programs and services for students with unique needs.
To solidify this mission, a Memorandum of Understanding defines the relationship between the charter and Division of Special Education. District authorized charter schools have the option to apply for membership in Option 1, Option 2 or Option 3. Please see this breakdown of supports for each Option and review the high-level information below:
- Option 1: The charter school remains a true “school of the District” with all responsibilities and privileges extended to any other school of the District. The charter school is responsible for ensuring its special education programs and services are in compliance with federal and state education laws and regulations. However, the District will provide special education personnel, operate special education programs, implement the programs and services including providing related services which are required by the IEPs of the students enrolled at the Charter school and handle due process matters.
- Option 2: The charter school remains a “school of the District”, while retaining autonomy and responsibility for service delivery. The charter school is responsible for ensuring its special education programs and services are in compliance with federal and state education laws and regulations. The District will continue to provide special education and related supports to the charter in order to assist the school in developing the capacity to meet the needs of students requiring an increased level of supports and services.
- Option 3: The charter school operates independently for the purposes of special education. The charter school will not have complete LEA status but will function in a similar manner. The charter will assume sole management and fiscal responsibility for all of its students’ special education instruction, program and services, related services, placement, due process, and supports. As full autonomy comes with increased responsibility, there is an application process for membership into Option 3. While Option 3 charter schools do operate mostly independently, they continue to be housed within the LAUSD SELPA and have access to District-wide special education supports.
