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.
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.
To support IDEA Part C to Part B transition requirements, two new fields are added:
| Field | Name | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 23.34 | Part C to B Transition Conference Date | Records the planning meeting for children transitioning from early intervention |
| 23.35 | Transition Plan in IFSP Indicator | Flags if a transition plan was included in the IFSP |
These are required only for children on an IFSP with a Plan Effective Start Date of July 1, 2025 or later.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!