Charter SELPA

The Desert Mountain Charter SELPA (DMCS) is a statewide educational organization governed by representatives from member charter schools (also known as local education agencies). It is one of the three primary programs operated by the CAHELP JPA. Like the Desert Mountain SELPA, the DMCS support services align with state and federal laws, inform best practices, and empower student-focused decision-making. DMCS works in collaboration with member charter schools to provide educational opportunities for students with disabilities, and serves as a resource to the community on issues related to special education, prevention and intervention support, and behavioral health support for all students. The DMCS is a liaison to member charter schools to consult on the effectiveness of special education through review and modification, coordinate services among schools and community resources, and provide professional learning to school administrators, teachers, and paraprofessionals. DMCS members serve children with disabilities in the same manner as traditional public schools.

Member School Districts or LEAs
Charter SELPA Policies & Procedures Handbook

Charter SELPA Policies & Procedures Handbook

Become a Member

Apply to Become a Member

Application Timeline

The application deadline is January 31st.
The following is a timeline for the application process.

July - June (School/Fiscal Year Prior to Application for Membership)
Establish a relationship with your local geographic SELPA. Explore available options for membership in your geographic SELPA. If you are seeking membership in a single district SELPA, research options for a mutually beneficial arrangement for your charter school and the school district.

By June 30th (End of School/Fiscal Year)
In developing a local plan under Section 56195.1, each district shall do the following:
1. Involve special and general education teachers selected by their peers and parents selected by their peers in an active role.
2. Cooperate with the county office and other school districts in the geographic areas in planning its option under Section 56195.1 and each fiscal year, notify the department, impacted special education local plan areas, and participating county offices of its intent to elect an alternative option from those specified in Section 56195.1, at least one year prior to the proposed effective date of the implementation of the alternative plan.

August: Potential New Member Informational Meeting
October: Potential New Member Informational Meeting
November: Determine if your charter has the capacity to become an LEA. Areas to consider:
- Leadership
  - Vision for serving students with disabilities
  - Establish culture
  - Establish relationships between program and fiscal staff
- Program
  - Identification & Evaluation
  - Determination of Eligibility
  - IEP Development
  - Placement and Related Services
  - Implementation of IEP
- Fiscal
  - Special Education Funding
  - Federal and State Requirements
  - Understanding Special Education Programs
  - Cash Flow
  - Contingency Planning

December: Potential New Member Informational Meeting
January 31st: Deadline to submit an application to the Desert Mountain Charter SELPA.

February/March: New applicant(s) interview(s)

April: Confirm SELPA membership for the coming year.

April - May:
- Implement Child Find procedures
- Review Desert Mountain Charter SELPA policies and procedures
- Develop special education budget
- Hire special education staff and contractors
- Hire fiscal staff
- Professional learning for program and fiscal staff
- Refine special education program and services

July 1st: Membership in Desert Mountain Charter SELPA begins as an LEA for special education purposes.

Application Materials

Interested in joining?

Any charter school in California can apply to become a member of the Charter SELPA as a local education agency (LEA). Once accepted, each school takes part in the CAHELP Governance Council just like all other Charter SELPA members.

Submit your potential member profile

Charter SELPA Meetings

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Need Help? Let's Connect!

Pamela Bender, Chief Executive Officer

Call (760) 955-3555
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