The Santa Barbara County Special Education Local Plan Area (SBCSELPA) is responsible for the implementation of the SELPA Local Plan and provides governance and support related to special education services to all 21 public school districts/ Local Education Agencies (LEAs) located in Santa Barbara County. It is the responsibility of the SBCSELPA to ensure that students with disabilities are sought out and identified for special education services when appropriate and provided a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) as per the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), PL 94-142 amended by PL 108-446 (See Regulations 34 CFR: 300-301) and California Laws and Regulations (see California Composite of Laws).

SBCSELPA is organized as a Joint Powers Agency (JPA) that operates as an independent governmental agency. The governance of the JPA can be found in the Joint Exercise of Powers Agreement contained in the Local Plan.

SBCSELPA is 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. SBCSELPA believes in facilitating high quality educational programs and services for special needs students and training for parents and educators. The SBCSELPA collaborates with other agencies and school districts to develop and maintain healthy and enriching environments in which special needs students and families can live and succeed.

The SBCSELPA office is located on the campus of Goleta Union School District Office. The SBCSELPA is staffed by a Director, Coordinator, Office Manager, Secretary, part-time Accountant, three BCBA Behavior Specialists, two Mental Health Specialists, and a part-time Mental Health Clerk. The SBCSELPA is a regional administrative office which ensures the equal provision of special education services to children with disabilities.