What is a Uniform Complaint Procedures (UCP) complaint?

A UCP complaint is a written and signed statement alleging a violation of select federal or state laws, which may include an allegation of unlawful discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying. A signature may be handwritten, typed (including in an email) or electronically-generated. Complaints may be filed anonymously. A complaint filed on behalf of an individual student may only be filed by that student or that student's duly authorized representative. If the complainant is unable to put the complaint in writing, due to conditions such as a disability or illiteracy, the local agency shall assist the complainant in the filing of the complaint.

How do I file a complaint?

File a written complaint by following the steps described in your local educational agency's (LEA's) complaint procedures. To find out how and where to file complaints on different subjects please see the California Department of Education FAQ web page.

What areas are covered by the UCP?

Select federal and state laws governing educational programs are covered by the UCP. Please see the Uniform Complaint Procedures Pamphlet(DOCX; Posted 17-Jul-2023) for additional information. This version of the UCP pamphlet has up-to-date UCP information for the 2023-24 school year.

How do I file a complaint that does not fall under the UCP?

Consult your LEA's local complaint procedures, as LEAs have discretion for determining how non-UCP complaints are processed.

Where can I find my LEA's complaint procedures?

LEAs are required to annually provide notice to their students, employees, parents or guardians of their students, the district advisory committee, school advisory committees, appropriate private school officials, and other interested parties of their UCP. Many LEAs also include their complaint procedures on their websites or in a handbook they provide to students and their parents and guardians at the start of each new school year. You may also contact your school, district, or county office of education for more information. LEAs are required to make their complaint procedures available to you at no cost.

How much time does the LEA have to respond to my complaint?

The LEA must conduct and complete an investigation of the complaint and prepare a written decision to a UCP complaint within 60 calendar days of the date of receipt. This time period may be extended by written agreement of the complainant.

Am I required to give the LEA more time to respond to my complaint?

No. However, we encourage the local resolution of complaints and, at times, an extension is necessary in order for the LEA to do a thorough and complete investigation.

What fees are LEAs allowed to charge?

A pupil enrolled in a public school is not required to pay any fee, deposit, or other charge not specifically authorized by law. For supplemental guidance regarding summer school, third parties, and tuition fees, please see the Fiscal Management Advisory web page.

My school does not have enough textbooks, what do I do?

Complaints regarding instructional materials, teacher vacancy, or missasignment and school facilities are handled locally. You may file a Williams complaint about instructional materials with the principal at the school.

My school has unsafe facilities, what do I do?

Complaints regarding instructional materials, teacher vacancy, or missasignment and school facilities are handled locally. You may file a Williams complaint about facilities with the principal at the school.

My school has a teacher vacancy issue, what do I do?

Complaints regarding instructional materials, teacher vacancy, or missasignment and school facilities are handled locally. You may file a Williams complaint about teacher vacancy or misassignment with the principal at the school.

What do I do if I disagree with an LEA's decision regarding a complaint?

If you believe the LEA decision is incorrect as a matter of fact or law, or they failed to address all of your concerns, you may file an appeal within 30 calendar days to the CDE. In the appeal, you must specify the reason for the appeal and whether the LEA's facts are incorrect and/or the law is misapplied. The appeal packet must contain a copy of the original complaint to the LEA and a copy of the LEA's Investigation Report. The complainant must specify and explain the basis for the appeal, including at least one of the following:

1. The LEA failed to follow its complaint procedures, and/or
2. Relative to the allegations of the complaint, the LEA Investigation Report lacks material findings of fact necessary to reach a conclusion of law, and/or
3. The material findings of fact in the LEA Investigation Report are not supported by substantial evidence, and/or
4. The legal conclusion in the LEA Investigation Report is inconsistent with the law, and/or
5. In a case in which the LEA found noncompliance, the corrective actions fail to provide a proper remedy.

Please see the Appeals section for more information.

What is the CDE's responsibility if it finds an LEA violated the law?

The CDE's responsibility is to ensure LEA compliance with select federal and state laws. If an LEA is found out of compliance, the CDE may require corrective action.