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SDLA Compliance Resource

Complete the 2026–27 CARS Application for Funding

The LEA’s initial spring decision and certification identifying the categorical programs in which it intends to participate during 2026–27.

  • CARS
  • Application for Funding
  • Initial Certification
Date(s) Tentative submission window: May 1–June 30, 2026; initial certification deadline: June 30, 2026
Applies to California LEAs applying for applicable 2026–27 categorical program funding through the Consolidated Application and Reporting System

In Plain Language: Use the Application for Funding form in CARS to identify the covered programs in which the LEA will participate during 2026–27, complete the required cross-office review, and have the authorized representative certify the initial submission by June 30. This is the initial funding-participation decision—not the later amendment/review task.

Why this matters

The selections establish which categorical funding streams the LEA is requesting and activate downstream planning, budgeting, consultation, assurances, allocation, and reporting responsibilities. An incorrect “yes” or “no” selection can affect program funding and every office expected to implement the resulting requirements.

Primary ownership

Primary owner: CARS user administrator or federal-programs lead, with certification by the LEA authorized representative. Partners: superintendent’s office, business services, Title I/II/III/IV and other participating program leads, LCAP/federal-addendum owner, private-school and consortium contacts, board/governance staff, and records staff.

Operational workflow

  1. 1. Confirm the current CDE calendar, Application for Funding instructions, tentative dates, CARS access, and the LEA’s authorized representative.
  2. 2. Inventory every program presented on the form and assign a knowledgeable program and fiscal reviewer to each participation decision.
  3. 3. Reconcile selections with eligibility, allocations, local plans, budgets, board authority, private-school consultation, consortium arrangements, and prior-year commitments.
  4. 4. Complete prerequisite assurances and related certifications in the order required by CARS; resolve validation errors and document approvals.
  5. 5. Have the authorized representative certify the initial Application for Funding by June 30 and preserve the exact submitted state and confirmation.

Decision and certification pathway

Confirm access and forms
Assign program decisions
Reconcile eligibility and plans
Authorized certification
Retain and hand off

Before certification, reconcile

  • Each program participation selection and responsible program owner
  • Current eligibility and anticipated allocation information
  • LCAP, federal-addendum, SPSA, budget, and program-plan alignment as applicable
  • Private-school consultation and equitable-services decisions
  • Consortium membership or independent participation decisions
  • Certification of Assurances and other required related forms
  • Authorized-representative access and final approval

Evidence to retain

  • Current CARS instructions and deadline record
  • Program-by-program participation decision matrix
  • Eligibility, allocation, plan, budget, and consultation support
  • Internal program and fiscal approvals
  • Certified Application for Funding report or saved submission
  • Certification timestamp and authorized-representative confirmation
  • Handoff log for downstream budgets, allocations, assurances, and reporting

Official guidance and help

Source review completed August 30, 2026. CDE identifies the 2026–27 Spring Release dates as tentative and subject to change. Verify the live CARS calendar, form instructions, program eligibility, authorized-representative role, and final submitted state before certification.