SELPA stands for Special Education Local Plan Area. A local plan is a document which describes the policies, procedures, and programs governing access to special education and services for students with disabilities residing within the geographic areas served by the plan. The plan assures that each district within the SELPA will follow federal and state law while implementing a student's Individual Education Program (IEP). Elements of the local plan include the provision of a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE), child find and referral, procedural safeguards, participation in statewide assessments, staff development programs, local administration, coordination with other public and private agencies, and management of fiscal responsibilities.