If you work with students with disabilities in California, you’ve probably heard about AB 1172—a landmark piece of legislation that changed the way Nonpublic Schools (NPS) and Nonpublic Agencies (NPA) approach training, safety, and accountability.
But what does AB 1172 really require? Why was it passed? And how can you make sure your school or agency is in full compliance?
In this post, we’ll answer all of those questions—and show you how an online AB 1172 training course can save you time, reduce risk, and improve the quality of services your team provides.
What Is AB 1172?
Assembly Bill 1172 (AB 1172), passed in 2019, is a California law that requires all nonpublic schools and agencies serving students with disabilities to meet strict standards for staff training, safety practices, and reporting procedures.
AB 1172 was enacted following tragic incidents that raised serious concerns about student safety, including the death of a 13-year-old boy with autism after the improper use of a restraint technique. The law is a response to these concerns—and a call to action to ensure students are educated in environments that protect their physical and emotional well-being.
Key Requirements of AB 1172
Here’s what AB 1172 mandates:
1. Annual Staff Training
All staff who interact with students must receive training within 30 days of hire and annually thereafter. The training must cover:
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Evidence-based behavioral practices
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Emergency interventions and crisis management
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Prohibited practices (including restraints and seclusion)
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Trauma-informed care and behavior de-escalation
Staff who are not properly trained may not work directly with students.
2. Law Enforcement Reporting
NPS and NPAs must report all incidents involving the use of law enforcement to both the California Department of Education (CDE) and the contracting Local Educational Agency (LEA) within one business day.
3. Administrator Qualifications
Administrators must meet specific requirements for credentials and experience working with students with disabilities.
4. Annual LEA Monitoring Visits
LEAs that contract with NPS or NPA providers must conduct annual site visits to verify that services are delivered in accordance with each student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP).
5. Risk of Certification Suspension
The CDE has authority to suspend or revoke the certification of any NPS or NPA if student health or safety is endangered or if the site is found to be noncompliant.
Why AB 1172 Training Is Crucial
Let’s face it—educators and support staff in NPS and NPA settings work with some of the most vulnerable student populations. Many students have complex needs, behavioral challenges, or trauma histories. That’s why AB 1172’s training requirements are so important.
Here’s why this training matters:
1. Improves Student Outcomes
Staff who are trained in positive behavior supports, de-escalation strategies, and proactive interventions are more likely to create successful learning environments that support growth and learning.
2. Protects Staff and the School
Training helps staff respond appropriately in high-stress situations—reducing the risk of injury, lawsuits, or professional discipline.
3. Keeps Your School in Compliance
Schools that don’t meet AB 1172 requirements can lose their certification and their ability to contract with public school districts. Training your staff is a legal necessity.
4. Demonstrates Professionalism
When parents and districts see that your school takes compliance seriously, it builds trust. Certification also shows a commitment to best practices in special education.
What to Look for in an AB 1172 Training Course
Not all training programs are created equal. The ideal course should be:
✅ CDE-Compliant
The content must match California Department of Education standards and be accepted as valid proof of completion.
✅ Accessible
Look for a 100% online course that allows staff to complete the training on their own time, from any device.
✅ Interactive
Passive video watching doesn’t lead to learning. Choose a course with quizzes, scenarios, and practical examples that keep staff engaged.
✅ Affordable
For schools training dozens of staff, cost matters. Courses that offer group discounts can save your organization time and money.
Why Hundreds of Schools Choose Our AB 1172 Course
We designed our AB 1172 Compliance Course specifically for NPS/NPA teams—and it shows.
Here’s what sets us apart:
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Short, engaging videos broken into easy-to-follow lessons
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Trauma-informed content written by licensed psychologists and BCBAs
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Fully mobile responsive—complete the course on your phone, tablet, or laptop
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Immediate certificate download for your HR records
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Group enrollment support and discount pricing available
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Interactive activities that reinforce critical safety skills
Whether you’re an individual educator or an entire agency, we make it easy to meet your AB 1172 obligations—and improve your confidence in working with students who need you most.
Ready to Get Started?
Don’t wait until it’s too late to get your team trained. Avoid compliance issues, support your staff, and create a safer learning environment with our CDE-compliant AB 1172 course.