Skip to main content
California Department of Education Logo

Special Education

Information and resources that support the provision of high-quality, inclusive educational programs and services for students with disabilities, ensuring access, opportunity, and achievement across academic and nonacademic domains.
Photo of an adult and children standing in front of a chalkboard.

Mission

The California Department of Education collaborates closely with education partners to create inclusive learning environments, deliver high-quality programs and resources, and support data-driven continuous improvement, ensuring that students with disabilities are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities to achieve exceptional educational outcomes.

Families, Students & Educators

Family Involvement & Partnerships
Information regarding organizations, partnerships, and resources for parents, guardians, and families of students with disabilities.

Secondary Transition
Resources and guidelines to assist children and youth with disabilities as they transition from school to adult life.

Programs & Services

Integrated Monitoring
Information on California’s Compliance Improvement Monitoring system, California Special Education Technical Assistance Network, as well as other resoures for technical assistance and professional development.

Nonpublic Schools & Nonpublic Agencies
Information and resources regarding certified Nonpublic Schools and Nonpublic Agencies.

Policy, Compliance & Accountability

Dispute Resolution
Information and resources for resolving disputes in special education.

Fiscal Management
Oversight, monitoring, and administration of funds designated for serving students with disabilities.

Policies & Initiatives
Federal and state legislation, laws, regulations, policies, workgroups, commissions, and guidance related to special education.

Special Education Data
Special Education data collection and reporting.

News & Communications

Communications
Official messages from the State Director of Special Education, notices, newsletters, meeting agendas, and frequently asked questions.

Questions:   Special Education Division | SEDCO@cde.ca.gov | 916-445-4613
Last Reviewed: Thursday, July 23, 2026
Trending in Special Education
Recently Posted in Special Education
  • Nonpublic Agencies Certification Data (updated 23-Jul-2026)
    The Nonpublic Agencies Certification Data contains information regarding those currently certified by the California Department of Education to serve students.
  • Nonpublic Schools and Nonpublic Agencies (updated 23-Jul-2026)
    Information and resources regarding certified Nonpublic Schools and Nonpublic Agencies.
  • Advisory Commission on Special Education (ACSE) (updated 23-Jul-2026)
    Authorized by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), 20 United States Code Section 1412 (a)(21); California Education Code, Section 33590.
  • California Special Education Local Plan Areas (updated 17-Jul-2026)
    Service area covered by a special education local plan and the governance structure created under any of the planning options of Section 56205, 56206, 56208, 56211, 56213, 56241, 56243, 56244, & 56245 of the Education Code.
  • Complaint Process (updated 17-Jul-2026)
    The special education complaint process with federal and state law resource links.

  • California Dyslexia Guidelines (PDF) (updated 17-Jul-2026)
    Assembly Bill (AB) 1369 requires the Superintendent of Public Instruction to develop program guidelines for dyslexia. The guidelines will be used to assist educators and parents to identify, assess and support pupils with
  • Equitable Services for Students with Disabilities (updated 17-Jul-2026)
    Equitable services provisions and proportionate share calculation are required for students aged 3-21, parentally placed in private school. Local Educational Agencies have an obligation to locate and evaluate all students within their boundaries.
  • Parents' Rights (updated 17-Jul-2026)
    A brief summary of Procedural Safeguards for students with disabilities receiving special education services.
  • WAI Executive Meeting June 26, 2025 (added 15-Jul-2026)
    WorkAbility I (WAI) State Advisory Executive Committee Meeting Agenda.
  • WAI State Advisory Meeting February 27–28, 2025 (added 15-Jul-2026)
    Workability I (WAI) State Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda.