CAPSES WELCOMES YOU
California Association of Private Special
Education Services
OUR MISSION
CAPSES primary mission is to maximize the potential of individuals with disabilities by advocating for them in public policy, and promoting high-quality instruction, guidance, therapy, and staff development. CAPSES is dedicated to preserving and enhancing the leadership role of the special education sector in offering alternative quality services to individuals with disabilities through nonpublic schools and agencies.
CAPSES members strive to help special education students maximize their potential and lead independent and dignified lives by providing the highest quality instruction, therapy, guidance and advocacy to their clients. We are able to build that potential by working together to ensure appropriate services to all eligible students and their families.
Upcoming Events
2026 Annual Administrative Conference & Legislative DayMon, Mar 09The California Endowment
WAYS WE HELP
The Focus of Our Efforts
Impact Areas
Equity: CAPSES advocates for fair treatment and equal access to educational opportunities for students with disabilities, ensuring they receive the same opportunities as their peers in the public education system.
• Access: CAPSES emphasizes that access is about appropriateness, ensuring that students in NPS and NPAs receive personalized support tailored to their needs, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
• Workforce: CAPSES highlights the critical need for workforce development, addressing staffing shortages, credentialing challenges, and the creation of a sustainable pipeline to attract and retain talent in the special education sector.
Core Strategies
1. Technical Assistance: CAPSES provides tailored guidance and resources to build the capacity of NPS and NPAs to meet evolving regulatory and operational demands. Through regional meetings, one-on-one consultations, and collaborative planning efforts, CAPSES ensures that member schools and agencies are equipped to succeed.
2. Advocacy: A central pillar of CAPSES’ work, advocacy ensures that NPS and NPAs are fully integrated into the broader special education ecosystem. By engaging with legislators, policymakers, and community partners, CAPSES highlights the crucial role of NPS and NPAs in promoting educational equity and inclusion.
3. Coalition Building: CAPSES actively participates in coalitions and partnerships to address systemic issues in the field of special education. The organization takes a
leadership role when sector-wide responses are needed, and provides support for members to tackle challenges locally.
4. Sector Communication: By sharing knowledge and best practices, CAPSES informs the special education community and shapes public understanding of the needs of students with disabilities. Through newsletters, conferences, and digital platforms, CAPSES elevates the voices of its members and promotes awareness of the innovative services they provide.
IDEA and Advocacy
CAPSES actively participates in the legislative process by proposing, sponsoring, supporting, and opposing legislation that impacts students with disabilities. At the state level, we work closely with the California Legislature, the California Department of Education (CDE), and the State Board of Education. At the federal level, we advocate around key laws such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), and Medicaid funding that supports school-based services.
We also maintain a strong presence in statewide and regional Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA) discussions and regularly provide comments on policy proposals, regulatory changes, and budget priorities.
CAPSES’ advocacy is both proactive and responsive: solving real-time challenges while advancing long-term systems change. We champion creative solutions that expand access to services for all students, including lifelong learners and those outside typical age ranges, and remove persistent barriers to educational equity.
Thank you to our Preferred Partners!
CAPSES takes pride in partnering with exceptional organizations which support and help advance the mission of our member schools and agencies. If you are looking to advance secure expertise or create pathways for professional advancement within your organization, we encourage you to reach out to our Preferred Partners.
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Interested in becoming a Member?
CAPSES is comprised of nonpublic schools, agencies, organizations, and individuals who specialize in the delivery of private special education school services. Member benefits include regular regional meetings, keeping you informed of local contract updates, state and federal legislative and budget updates, giving you an immediate network of trusted colleagues to help you advance your organizations impact. Participate in our annual administrative and legislative conference, or any one of our professional development workshops. Join our growing membership of organizations across the state of California today!