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SDLA Compliance Resource

Administer the Initial ELPAC Within 30 Calendar Days

An enrollment-to-identification control that connects the Home Language Survey, CALPADS registration, trained administration, local scoring, and timely family communication.

  • ELPAC
  • English Learners
Date(s)Within 30 calendar days after the student’s first enrollment in a California public school
Applies toEligible K–12 pupils whose Home Language Survey indicates a language other than English and who do not already have a California ELP status

In Plain Language: Date-stamp the qualifying enrollment, verify that the pupil needs an initial assessment, register through accurate CALPADS data, and complete every required domain within 30 calendar days.

Why this matters

The result establishes initial English language acquisition status and drives program notification, services, and future annual assessment. An incorrect prior-status search or late data handoff can create duplicate testing or delayed support.

Primary ownership

Primary owner: LEA ELPAC coordinator. Handoff partners: enrollment/registrar, CALPADS, site examiner, EL program staff, special education when applicable, and family communication staff.

Operational workflow

  1. 1. Capture enrollment and HLS dates; calculate and monitor day 30.
  2. 2. Search CALPADS, TOMS, cumulative records, and prior LEAs for an existing ELAS/result.
  3. 3. Submit correct enrollment and language data; verify TOMS registration and assessment assignment.
  4. 4. Provide advance notice, administer all required domains with trained staff, complete local scoring/data entry, and verify the official result.
  5. 5. Notify the family and hand the status to CALPADS, SIS, instruction, and services.

Implementation pathway

Enroll and survey
Prior-status search
CALPADS → TOMS
Notice and test
Score/status
Family and program handoff

Evidence to retain

  • Enrollment/HLS and deadline calculation
  • Prior-record search
  • TOMS registration and assignment
  • Examiner training and domain completion
  • Score/status and parent notification

Official guidance and help

Source review completed August 30, 2026. Verify current federal and California requirements, CDE and ELPAC manuals, local policy, pupil records, and live CALPADS/TOMS status before acting.