[CA] CALPADS Update Flash #314 - Special Ed Data Updates for 2025–26

The California Department of Education (CDE) has released CALPADS Update Flash #314, detailing important updates for special education data reporting in the 2025–26 school year. This includes changes to fields, codes, and validation rules, along with updated policy guidance and best practices for timely and accurate reporting.

Fall 1 Certification Deadline: December 12, 2025

Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) must certify Fall 1 data by this deadline. Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA) approval is encouraged but not required until the amendment window closes in January.

Why this matters:

• Disproportionality risk ratios will be based on data certified by LEAs as of December 12.

• These data will feed into Annual Determination Letters, issued in February 2026, giving LEAs more time to complete Compliance Improvement Monitoring (CIM).

Data included:

• Disability, program setting, and race/ethnicity for students with disabilities

• Late annual plan reviews and reevaluations as of Census Day (October 1, 2025)

LEAs should use Monitoring Report 16.21 to track overdue meetings. A new filter will help isolate students enrolled on Census Day who may be flagged for non-compliance.

New Fields in the PLAN File

To support IDEA Part C to Part B transition requirements, two new fields are added:

These are required only for children on an IFSP with a Plan Effective Start Date of July 1, 2025 or later.

Code Set Updates

Several codes were added, retired, or renamed. Notable changes include:

• New Code: 205 – Home/community-based instruction (infants/preschoolers)

• Retired Codes:

  • 310 – Head Start Program

  • 320 – Child Care Facility

  • 570 – Charter Schools (use 510 – Regular Classroom instead)

  • 350 – Small and Group Instruction

• Updated Code: 640 – Renamed to County Community School

Referring Party Codes were expanded to align with Part C programs, including entries for Regional Centers, Social Workers, and Early Intervention Providers.

Validation Changes for Fall 2025

Several new and updated validations were implemented, especially for:

• Missing or invalid Part C to B transition fields

• Incorrect District of Special Education Accountability (DSEA)

• Invalid Special Education Status for underage students

These validations will support early error detection and are fully listed in Tables 3 and 4 of the flash.

Required Field: Degree of Support

As of 2025–26, Field 23.16 – Degree of Support is required on PLAN records. If missing, LEAs must update the record with a Plan Effective Start Date on or before October 1, 2025.

This data supports CalSAAS assignment monitoring and ensures teachers have the appropriate credentials for the student’s support needs.

Fall Roadshows and Training

CDE will host in-person and virtual CALPADS Special Education Data Roadshows to train LEA and SELPA data coordinators. Topics include:

• Fall 1 reporting changes

• SPP/APR indicators

• Annual Determination Letters (ADL)

• Monitoring reports and timely meetings

Register here or contact Isabell Robertson at irobertson@cde.ca.gov.

Best Practice: Year-Round Incident Reporting

CDE recommends submitting incident data—including restraint/seclusion—monthly, rather than waiting for EOY. A new RealTime incident report will launch this winter to support this practice.

By implementing these changes and practices, LEAs can ensure timely, accurate, and compliant special education data submission for 2025–26.

Learn more about how the MeasureED Team provides CALPADS Support by connecting with a CALPADS Consultant today!