The SELPA and member local education agencies (LEAs) foster coordination between general and special education for prevention and early intervention of suspected disabilities. The SELPA also ensures appropriate education services for individuals with disabilities by working cooperatively with other public and private agencies to support a full complement of special education services for students. Each SELPA must have an Administrative Unit (also known as the Responsible Local Agency), which serves as the legal entity that receives funds. In some instances, the Administrative Unit is a school district and in other instances, it is the county office. Costs for SELPA operations and the Administrative Unit are provided by funding from the state, which may be augmented by local, federal and state funds. Each region determines the funds available for regionalized services and the responsibilities of the SELPA office. The SELPA policy-making body is designated in the Local Plan to make policy decisions, approve the SELPA budget and Allocation Plan, and direct SELPA operations. Responsibilities of the SELPA include such things as: Ensuring Program Availability for all Children with Disabilities Governance Committees, including Community Advisory Committee (CAC) Assistance with understanding compliance requirements Transition Planning Program Coordination Fiscal Management Staff Development Curriculum Development and Support Management Information System (CASEMIS) Reporting to the State Regionalized Services and Program Specialists Interagency Coordination Program Evaluation Budget Planning and Review Community Awareness
