SELPA celebrates the 50th anniversary of IDEA!

Pioneer Elementary celebrates IDEA 50th anniversary! 

The SELPA Administrators of California are proud to launch a yearlong series of monthly resources to honor the 50th anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).  Since its passage in 1975, IDEA has transformed the educational landscape by ensuring that children with disabilities receive a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE), grounded in the principles of equity, access, and inclusion.

Each month, we will highlight an important focus and disability, providing carefully curated resources and suggested activities, as well as links to California’s Statewide System of Support.  We hope that these monthly resources will help Special Education Local Plan Areas (SELPAs), Local Educational Agencies (LEAs), and community agencies engage with their communities, reflect on progress, and reaffirm their commitment to inclusive education.

The focus for October 2025 is “Individual Education Programs and Student Voice”.  A link to all resources can be found here. 

Help us celebrate five decades of progress while looking ahead to the future of possibility for all students.

On behalf of the Mission Valley SELPA - WELCOME.  We believe ALL people have the right to learn, grow, connect, and be treated with dignity and respect.  Thank you for being an advocate for your child.  PARENT, GUARDIAN and CARE-GIVER are essential relationship partners; and we value COLLABORATION as it is the key to developing quality special education programs and services for our students.  Explore our website and learn more about us, what we have to offer and how we serve children with disabilities in the Mission Valley SELPA.  

~ Sarah Kappler, Mission Valley SELPA Director

What is a Special Education Local Planning Area (SELPA)?

SELPA is an acronym for Special Education Local Plan Area.

In 1977, all school districts and county school offices were mandated to form consortiums in geographical regions of sufficient size and scope to provide for all special education service needs of children residing within the region boundaries. Each region, Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA), developed a local plan describing how it would provide special education services.

SELPAs are dedicated to the belief that all students can learn and that special needs students must be guaranteed equal opportunity to become contributing members of society. SELPAs facilitate high quality educational programs and services for special needs students and training for parents and educators. The SELPA collaborates with county agencies and school districts to develop and maintain healthy and enriching environments in which special needs students and families can live and succeed.

What is the Mission Valley (MV) SELPA?  

The Mission Valley SELPA consists of three school districts: New Haven Unified, Newark and Fremont Unified School Districts.  The SELPA was formed for the purpose of ensuring that quality special education programs and services are available to students living throughout the area. All three school districts coordinate to provide services to identified students who require special education programs and services. The special education directors within each of the districts meet regularly to share resources and coordinate as related to shared program goals.

What Is The Mission of the MV SELPA?

The Mission Valley SELPA believes that all students can learn. Our mission is to support special education students in achieving a high level of academic/functional performance according to national, state, and local standards. To assure this outcome, the SELPA will provide information, resources and support to students, parents, and school staff.

What are the Shared Programs in the MV SELPA?

Fremont Unified provides services to Infants residing in all three districts. 

Contact: Allison Warner, awarner@fusdk12.net

Fremont Unified provides services to transition students residing in all three districts from school to the adult work Transition Partnership Program (TPP)

Contact:  Lorraine Neira, lneira@fusdk12.net

Special Olympics School Partnership Program

Contact:  Allison Warner, awarner@fusdk12.net

Who are the MV SELPA contacts?  

Cosette El Hajj, Secretary

celhajj@fusdk12.net 

Sarah Kappler, SELPA Director

skappler@nhusd.k12.ca.us

Child Find

Each Local Educational Agencies (LEA) within the Mission Valley Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA) offers programs for youngsters, between the ages of birth and 21 years of age, who have:

• Communication problems 

• Learning difficulties    

• Physical disabilities  

• Severe disabilities

If you think your child needs special help in school, call his/her school or district office of Special Education at the appropriate number listed below.

• Fremont USD Special Education Department (510) 659-2549

• Newark USD Special Education Department (510) 818-4103

• New Haven USD Special Services Department (510) 471-1100

How can I get Involved? 

Check out our Community Advisory Committee page! We would love for you to join us! 

You can also follow MVSELPA on Facebook  

SELPA around the State of California... check out their website for resources