CA SB121

Requires parents, guardians, or educational decision-makers for foster children to provide written statements when choosing alternate educational programs, including declarations that the child has the right to attend regular public school in the least restrictive environment.

Prohibits local educational agencies from placing pupils with exceptional needs in nonpublic, nonsectarian schools unless the individualized education program specifies the placement is appropriate and prohibits licensed children's institutions from requiring such placements as a condition of residency.

Requires meetings to develop individualized education programs before placing pupils with exceptional needs in nonpublic, nonsectarian schools, conducted in accordance with federal regulations.

Prohibits licensed children's institutions from referring or placing pupils in nonpublic, nonsectarian schools and from requiring children to be identified as having exceptional needs as a condition of admission or residency.

Mandates annual evaluations of nonpublic, nonsectarian school placements to ensure they remain in the least restrictive appropriate environment and requires quarterly or trimester progress reports.