CAPSES — California Association of Private Special Education Services

California's Voice for Special Education

Advocating for every student who learns differently.

CAPSES is the statewide association uniting California's private special education schools and agencies — fighting for fair policy, sustainable funding, and the resources every student deserves.

Become a Member Our Story

170+ Member Organizations

170+

Member schools, agencies, and partners across California

8,200+

Students served by CAPSES member organizations

80%

Of all SELPA-placed children in NPS / NPA programs

50+

Years advocating for special education excellence

Established 1973 · Sacramento, CA

Our Mission

Building futures, one student at a time.

CAPSES exists to maximize the potential of individuals with disabilities — through public policy advocacy, high-quality instruction, therapy, and staff development.

For more than five decades, we've preserved and enhanced the leadership role of California's private special education sector. Our members work together to ensure that every eligible student and family receives the appropriate services they deserve.

From the legislative halls in Sacramento to classrooms across the state, we are the trusted voice for the nonpublic schools and agencies that serve California's most vulnerable learners.

Public Policy Advocacy Professional Development Workforce

How We Help

The work that shapes special education in California.

From federal advocacy on IDEA to local SELPA negotiations, CAPSES drives the policy conversations that determine how special education is funded, delivered, and improved across the state.

Federal & State Advocacy

IDEA, ESSA & Medicaid — at every level.

We work closely with the California Legislature, Department of Education, and State Board of Education. At the federal level, we advocate around IDEA, ESSA, and Medicaid funding that supports school-based services.

See our advocacy work

Policy & Systems Change

Solving today's challenges, reshaping tomorrow.

We maintain strong statewide and regional SELPA presence, providing comments on policy proposals, regulatory changes, and budget priorities. Proactive and responsive — always for students.

Explore resources

Our Impact

Three pillars. One mission.

Equity, access, and a sustainable workforce — the foundations of a special education system that serves every Californian.

Equity

We advocate for fair treatment and equal access to educational opportunities — ensuring students with disabilities receive the same opportunities as their peers in the public system.

Access

Access is about appropriateness. We ensure that students in NPS and NPA programs receive personalized support tailored to their needs — never one-size-fits-all.

Workforce

We're addressing staffing shortages, credentialing challenges, and building a sustainable pipeline to attract and retain talent in the special education sector.

Values & Beliefs

The principles that guide every decision.

The System Must Evolve

Students, families, and educators deserve equitable access and sustainable funding. The current structures are outdated and imbalanced — we're changing that.

Innovation Forward

Rigid frameworks have limited special education for too long. We value bold approaches that challenge the status quo and create more effective solutions.

Vision & Strategy

We're developing a shared blueprint for the next decade — balancing urgency with long-term planning to drive sustainable, measurable impact.

Trusted Partnerships

Beyond compliance-driven models, we champion forward-thinking solutions co-created with families, educators, and stakeholders.

This Is Our Moment

Now is the time to align, unify, and lead — building trust and advancing a shared vision that centers students and their futures.

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Join the Movement

Be part of the network that's reshaping special education in California. Membership opens doors to advocacy, training, and a trusted community.

Get Involved

What's Next

Upcoming events & workshops.

Connect, learn, and grow with CAPSES. Our virtual workshops and conferences bring together the leading voices in California's special education community.

May

2026

Virtual Workshop 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM

Restorative Practices

Learn how restorative practices apply to your school community with experts Sarah Robertson, M.A., and Hillary Whiteside, M.S., BCBA. CEUs available for BCBAs.

Apr — May

2026

Bundle

Bundle Discount Both Spring workshops

Spring Workshop Bundle

Get both Spring virtual workshops — Strong Teams Start with Well-Being (April 23) and Restorative Practices (May 14) — for $135 members / $180 non-members.

Buy bundle

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CAPSES Membership

Stronger together. Become part of California's special education community.

CAPSES brings together nonpublic schools, agencies, and individuals who specialize in private special education services. Membership opens the door to regional networks, policy briefings, and California's most respected administrative & legislative conference.

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