Skip to main content
California Department of Education Logo

NPS/A Certification Applications

Process for submitting Nonpublic, Nonsectarian School/Agency Certification Applications.

Prior to completing a new or renewing certification application, applicants should review the California Education Code (EC) sections 56365 through 56366.12, and the California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 5, Section 3051, which contains the qualification standards required for a Nonpublic, Nonsectarian School (NPS) or Nonpublic, Nonsectarian Agency (NPA) to provide services to students with exceptional needs.

Due dates for NPS and NPA Certification Applications:

  • New NPS and NPA applicants may submit the completed Certification Application anytime throughout the year unless the applicant falls under the requirements of EC Section 56366.1(k).
  • Renewing NPS and NPA applicants must submit the completed Certification Application and fee no later than October 31.

No refunds will be provided, pursuant to EC Section 56366.1(m).

To view information for the county in which you are located, select the appropriate link below:

To begin the new or renewal application process, select the appropriate link below:

Regional Map

California Counties by Region: Region 1 - Del Norte, Humboldt, Lake, Mendocino, and Sonoma Counties; Region 2 - Butte, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Plumas, Shasta, Siskiyou, Tehama, and Trinity Counties; Region 3 - Alpine, Colusa, El Dorado, Nevada, Placer, Sacramento, Sierra, Sutter, Yolo, and Yuba Counties; Region 4 - Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, and Solano Counties; Region 5 - Monterey, San Benito, Santa Clara, and Santa Cruz Counties; Region 6 - Amador, Calaveras, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, and Tuolumne Counties; Region 7 - Fresno, Kings, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, and Tulare Counties; Region 8 - Kern, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura Counties; Region 9 - Imperial, Orange, and San Diego Counties; Region 10 - Inyo, Mono, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties; Region 11 - Los Angeles County

NPS - Consultant Contact Information

Questions regarding NPSs may be directed to the Special Education Division, Nonpublic Schools Unit contacts list below.

Region Counties Consultant(s) Email Telephone Number
All Nonpublic Schools Nonpublic Schools Unit NPSA@cde.ca.gov 916-327-0141
Various Complaints and Investigations John Liddell NPSAcomplaints@cde.ca.gov 916-327-4221
Various Complaints and Investigations Matthew Hill NPSAcomplaints@cde.ca.gov 916-445-5577
Other Out-of-State (NM, OR, UT) Harry Canfield HCanfield@cde.ca.gov 916-327-3546
Other Out-of-State (All Other States) Marla Stock MStock@cde.ca.gov 916-324-4532
Various

Beach Cities Sites

Harry Canfield

HCanfield@cde.ca.gov

916-327-3546

Various LA County Multi-Sites Harry Canfield HCanfield@cde.ca.gov 916-327-3546
Various Large Multi-Sites (Sierra, Spectrum, Point Quest)

Matthew Hill

MHill@cde.ca.gov

916-445-5577

Various Seneca Family of Agencies Sites

Steve Perez

StPerez@cde.ca.gov

916-319-0581

Various The Help Group Sites

Michele Donahue

MDonahue@cde.ca.gov

916-319-0769

Various The Help Group Sites Kimberly Doyle KDoyle@cde.ca.gov 916-327-3658

1

Del Norte, Humboldt, Lake, Mendocino, Sonoma John Liddell JLiddell@cde.ca.gov 916-327-4221

2

Butte, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Plumas, Shasta, Siskiyou, Tehama, Trinity Nonpublic Schools Unit NPSA@cde.ca.gov 916-327-0141

3

Alpine, Colusa, El Dorado, Nevada, Placer, Sacramento, Sierra, Sutter, Yolo, Yuba John Liddell JLiddell@cde.ca.gov 916-327-4221

4

Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Solano Steve Perez StPerez@cde.ca.gov 916-319-0581
5 Monterey, San Benito, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz Melissa Elvidge MElvidge@cde.ca.gov 916-323-2590

6

Amador, Calaveras, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Tuolumne Steve Perez StPerez@cde.ca.gov 916-319-0581

7

Fresno, Kings, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, Tulare Melissa Elvidge MElvidge@cde.ca.gov 916-323-2590

8

Kern, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura Melissa Elvidge MElvidge@cde.ca.gov 916-323-2590
9 Imperial, Orange, San Diego Kimberly Doyle KDoyle@cde.ca.gov 916-327-3658
9 Imperial, Orange, San Diego Melissa Elvidge MElvidge@cde.ca.gov 916-323-2590

10

Inyo, Mono, Riverside, San Bernardino Melissa Elvidge MElvidge@cde.ca.gov 916-323-2590

11

Los Angeles Kimberly Doyle KDoyle@cde.ca.gov 916-327-3658
11 Los Angeles Melissa Elvidge MElvidge@cde.ca.gov 916-323-2590
11 Los Angeles Michele Donahue MDonahue@cde.ca.gov 916-319-0769

Return to top of page.

NPA - Analyst Contact Information

Questions regarding NPAs may be directed to the Special Education Division, Nonpublic Agencies Unit contacts list below

Region Counties Analyst(s) Email Telephone Number
Various Nonpublic Agencies Nonpublic Agencies Unit NPSA@cde.ca.gov 916-327-0141
Various Complaints and Investigations Michael Ettner NPSAcomplaints@cde.ca.gov 916-327-3690
Other Out-of-State Allison Fernandez AFernandez@cde.ca.gov 916-445-7313
Various All Other Multi-Sites

Lisa Lui

LLui@cde.ca.gov 916-327-3691
Various Maxim Healthcare Michael Ettner MEttner@cde.ca.gov 916-327-3690

1

Del Norte, Humboldt, Lake, Mendocino, Sonoma Michael Ettner MEttner@cde.ca.gov 916-327-3690

2

Butte, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Plumas, Shasta, Siskiyou, Tehama, Trinity Jennifer Anderson JAnderson@cde.ca.gov 916-327-3549

3

Alpine, Colusa, El Dorado, Nevada, Placer, Sacramento, Sierra, Sutter, Yolo, Yuba Jennifer Anderson JAnderson@cde.ca.gov 916-327-3549

4

Napa, San Francisco Allison Fernandez AFernandez@cde.ca.gov 916-445-7313
4 Contra Costa, Marin, San Mateo, Solano Michael Ettner MEttner@cde.ca.gov 916-327-3690
4 Alameda Kathy Ward KWard@cde.ca.gov 916-327-3718

5

Monterey, San Benito, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz Jennifer Anderson JAnderson@cde.ca.gov 916-327-3549

6

Amador, Calaveras, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Tuolumne Michael Ettner MEttner@cde.ca.gov 916-327-3690

7

Fresno, Kings, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, Tulare Jennifer Anderson JAnderson@cde.ca.gov 916-327-3549

8

Santa Barbara, Ventura Kathy Ward KWard@cde.ca.gov 916-327-3718
8 Kern, San Luis Obispo Michael Ettner MEttner@cde.ca.gov 916-327-3690
9 Imperial, Orange, San Diego Allison Fernandez AFernandez@cde.ca.gov 916-445-7313

10

Inyo, Mono, Riverside, San Bernardino Jennifer Anderson JAnderson@cde.ca.gov 916-327-3549
11 LA County Multi-sites (except Maxim) Kathy Ward KWard@cde.ca.gov 916-327-3718
11 Los Angeles (#’s and Letter A) Michael Ettner MEttner@cde.ca.gov 916-327-3690

11

Los Angeles (Letters B-K)

Kristy Bickell KBickell@cde.ca.gov 916-327-4223
11 Los Angeles (Letters L-Z) Kathy Ward KWard@cde.ca.gov 916-327-3718

Return to top of page.


Instructions for New Certification as a Nonpublic, Nonsectarian School

To complete the certification application as a new Nonpublic, Nonsectarian School (NPS), NPS applicants must follow the steps below:

Step Certification Processes for NPS
1
Review the General Certification Information for detailed information regarding the NPS Certification requirements.
2

Email the Nonpublic Schools Unit at NPSA@cde.ca.gov or call 916-327-0141 to obtain an Intent to Apply for NPS Certification form and receive further instructions.

Completion of the NPS Certification Application is required for private schools applying for certification to serve individuals with exceptional needs under EC Section 56366.1. It is strongly recommended that EC sections 56365–56366.12 and the California Code of Regulations, Title 5, Section 3051 be reviewed for qualification standards required for a NPS to provide services to students with exceptional needs.

Return to top of page.

Instructions for Applying for Certification as a renewing Nonpublic, Nonsectarian School

To complete the certification application as a renewing Nonpublic, Nonsectarian School (NPS), NPS applicants must follow the steps below:

Step Certification Processes for NPS
1
Review the General Certification Information for detailed information regarding the NPS certification requirements.
2
The Certification Application will be sent by email to all renewing NPSs by August 1 of each year.
3

Email the Nonpublic Schools Unit at NPSA@cde.ca.gov or call 916-327-0141 if you have not received your Certification Application by August 1.

Completion of the NPS Certification Application is required for private schools applying for certification to serve individuals with exceptional needs under EC Section 56366.1. It is strongly recommended that EC sections 56365–56366.12 and the California Code of Regulations, Title 5, Section 3051 be reviewed for qualification standards required for a NPS to provide services to students with exceptional needs.

Return to top of page.

Instructions for New Certification as a Nonpublic, Nonsectarian Agency

To complete the certification application as a new Nonpublic, Nonsectarian Agency (NPA), NPA applicants must follow the steps below:

Step Certification Processes for NPA
1
Review the General Certification Information for detailed information regarding the NPA Certification requirements.
2

If the applicant is intending to become a certified NPA, to enter into a master contract with a local educational agency (LEA) or special education local plan area (SELPA), to provide related services pursuant to an individualized education program and currently employ staff that are licensed or credentialed to provide those services, an applicant may be eligible for certification.

Related services that may be authorized by the NPA certification are defined by the California Code of Regulations, Title 5, Sections 3051.1 through 3051.24 External link opens in new window or tab..

Authorized services do not include assessments, independent educational evaluations (IEEs), or “child find” services.

3

Please email the Nonpublic Agencies Unit at NPSA@cde.ca.gov or call 916-327-0141 to request the Intent to Apply for Nonpublic, Nonsectarian Certification form.

4

Once you have completed the Intent to Apply for Nonpublic, Nonsectarian Certification form, mail the form and application fees to the following address:

California Department of Education
Special Education Division
Nonpublic Agencies Unit
1430 N Street, Suite 2401
Sacramento, CA 95814

5
Once the California Department of Education (CDE) receives the Intent to Apply for Nonpublic, Nonsectarian Certification form and fees, the NPA Unit will email the Certification Application for Nonpublic, Nonsectarian Agency and Instructions for completing the California Certification Application for Nonpublic, Nonsectarian Agency. In addition, a separate email from noreply@box.com will be sent to the email on your Intent to Apply form. It is advised that you review the instructions prior to beginning the application process. An overview of the Box Electronic Submission process can be found in the Instruction Manual.
6

Contact the Department of Justice (DOJ) to start the process of (1) becoming an authorized agency as an “Other Applicant Agency” and (2) obtaining an approved Custodian of Records (COR). This requirement involves an additional application process that is separate from the NPA certification process and is administrated by a separate government entity.

Information related to this process can be found at DOJ Applicant Agencies External link opens in new window or tab., and questions regarding this process can be sent to authorizationquestions@doj.ca.gov.

A copy of the COR Approval Letter must be included in the completed NPA application.

Do not submit your application until this requirement has been met.

7

Once the application is completed (including COR letter) the application must be submitted to the SELPA of location.

The SELPA has 60 days to review the application and complete the SELPA Notification form. If the SELPA does not respond, the applicant may submit the completed application, including a copy of the unsigned form and evidence that the SELPA has had 60 days to respond.

Do not submit your application until this requirement has been met.

8

Once your application packet is completed and all supplemental documents are gathered, upload all documents to the assigned Box folder and email your assigned analyst to let them know your application is complete and all documents have been uploaded.

9
The assigned NPA Unit staff will review the NPA Certification Application and provide feedback via e-mail. Additional documentation may be required. Please note that the California Department of Education has up to 120 days from submission to approve or deny your application.

Completion of the NPA Certification Application is required for private agencies applying for certification to serve individuals with exceptional needs under California EC Section 56366.1. It is strongly recommended that EC sections 56365–56366.12 and the California Code of Regulations, Title 5, Section 3051 be reviewed for qualification standards required for a NPA to provide services to students with exceptional needs.

Return to top of page.

Instructions for Applying for Certification as a renewing Nonpublic, Nonsectarian Agency

To complete the certification application as a renewing Nonpublic, Nonsectarian Agency (NPA), NPA applicants must follow the steps below:

Step Certification Processes for NPA
1
Review the General Certification Information for detailed information regarding the NPA certification requirements.
2
The NPA Certification Application and Instructions will be e-mailed to all renewing NPA applicants on August 1. This ensures that renewing NPA applicants can begin working on the NPA Certification Application at the start of the renewal period which begins August 1 and ends on October 31.
3

Once you have completed the Intent to Renew for Nonpublic, Nonsectarian Certification form, mail the form and application fees to the following address:

California Department of Education
Special Education Division
Nonpublic Agencies Unit
1430 N Street, Suite 2401
Sacramento, CA 95814

4

Once your Intent to Renew form has been received, a separate email from noreply@box.com will be sent to the email(s) listed on your Intent to Renew form. An overview of the Box Electronic Submission process can be found in the Instruction Manual.

5

Once the application is completed the application must be submitted to the SELPA of location.

The SELPA has 30 days to review the application and complete the SELPA Notification form. If the SELPA does not respond, the applicant may submit the completed application, including a copy of the unsigned form and attach the United States Postal Service (USPS) delivery confirmation receipt that the SELPA received the application.

Do not submit your application until this requirement has been met

6
Once your application packet is completed and all supplemental documents are gathered, upload all documents to the assigned Box folder and email your assigned analyst to let them know your application is complete and all documents have been uploaded.
7
The assigned CDE staff member will review the California Certification Application for Nonpublic, Nonsectarian Agency and provide feedback via e-mail. Additional documentation may be required.
8
Once the application is complete and meets all the requirements, the CDE will issue an NPA certification.

Completion of the NPA Certification Application is required for private agencies applying for certification to serve individuals with exceptional needs under California Education Code (EC) Section 56366.1. It is strongly recommended that EC sections 56365 through 56366.12 and the California Code of Regulations, Title 5, Section 3051 be reviewed for qualification standards required for a NPA to provide services to students with exceptional needs.

Return to top of page.

Questions:   Nonpublic Schools and Agencies | NPSA@cde.ca.gov | 916-327-0141
Last Reviewed: Monday, September 16, 2024
Recently Posted in Special Education
  • Equitable Services for Students with Disabilities (updated 08-Nov-2024)
    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.
  • Local MTP-Education Partner IA FAQs (updated 04-Nov-2024)
    Frequently asked questions (FAQs) and guidance regarding the Local Medical Therapy Program (MTP)-Education Partner Interagency Agreement (IA).
  • CALPADS Special Education Data Fall Roadshows (updated 17-Oct-2024)
    California Longitudinal Pupil Achievement Data System (CALPADS) Regional trainings in Fall 2024 to inform local educational agencies (LEAs) with updates and changes to the collection of data for students with disabilities.
  • FMTA Consultant Assignments by Region (updated 17-Oct-2024)
    The Focused Monitoring and Technical Assistance (FMTA) Consultants are assigned geographically and by quality assurance activity to align with the eleven California County Superintendents Educational Services Association (CCSESA) regions.
  • WAI State Advisory Meeting October 28 and 30, 2024 (added 15-Oct-2024)
    WorkAbility I (WAI) State Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda.

  • California Special Education Local Plan Areas (updated 11-Oct-2024)
    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.
  • ACSE Agenda October 16, 2024 (updated 11-Oct-2024)
    Advisory Commission on Special Education (ACSE) meeting agenda.
  • WAI Executive Meeting October 15, 2024 (added 03-Oct-2024)
    WorkAbility I (WAI) State Advisory Executive Committee Meeting Agenda.
  • Cyclical Monitoring for Small LEAs (updated 24-Sep-2024)
    This is the home page for local educational agencies (LEAs) that have been selected for Special Education Cyclical Monitoring.
  • ACSE Membership and Liaisons (updated 17-Sep-2024)
    Directory of the Advisory Commission on Special Education (ACSE), including Commissioner, liaison and staff contact information.