Special education programs are available to all eligible students with disabilities, ages birth to 21 in Santa Barbara County. SBC-SELPA is a joint powers agency that provides oversight, guidance, training and support to member local education agencies (LEAs), parents, guardians, and the community related to identifying and providing compliant, best practice Individualized Education Plan(IEP) Services to students with disabilities.
If you are concerned about your child’s development or have reason to believe your child needs special education due to a physical, mental, emotional, learning or speech problem, you may contact either the SELPA office or your local school district Special Education Department if you have questions about referring a child for special education services.
5385 Hollister Ave., Bldg. 5, Santa Barbara, CA 93111
SBCSELPA is a mandated agency by the California Department of Education that is responsible for implementation and oversight of the SBCSELPA Local Plan.
The SBCSELPA Local Plan ensures that individuals with disabilities receive a free and appropriate public education as per the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act PL 94-142 amended by PL 108-446 (Regulations 34CFR parts 300 and 301) and California Laws and Regulations (CA Special Education Programs: A Composite of Laws Database).
SBCSELPA is governed by a Joint Powers Agency (JPA) board comprised of superintendents from Local Education Agencies (LEAs)/districts in Santa Barbara County SELPA and the Santa Barbara County Superintendent of Instruction. SBCSELPA encompasses the 20 school districts, Santa Barbara County Education Office, and four charter schools.