Fort Knox  Exceptional Family Member Program

The IDEA requires that all states and territories provide special education and related services to eligible children between the ages of 3 through 21. Each local school district has a special education director, and each school should have an individualized education program, or IEP, team or school-based committee that supports students with special education needs.

The IDEA requires that if a child transfers to a different district in the same state, the new school must provide a free, appropriate public education, including comparable services, until the previously held IEP is adopted or a new one is developed and implemented. If a child transfers to another state, the receiving district must provide comparable services until the receiving district completes an evaluation and creates a new IEP, if appropriate.

If you are moving and your child receives special education and related services, you should hand-carry all pertinent school and medical documents, including the IEP and current evaluation reports. Hand-carrying these documents ensures that they are not lost and allows the new school district to begin the process as soon as you move.

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, or IDEA, requires all states and territories to provide early intervention services to children from birth through 3 years of age who have, or are at risk for having, developmental delays. 

Local school districts or health departments often provide these early intervention services. The program is called different names in different areas, but it is often referred to as Part C because it is the section of the law that pertains to early intervention. The national Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center provides a list of State Part C coordinators and funded programs on their website. 

When moving, you should hand-carry copies of your child's individual family service plan, or IFSP, and the most current evaluation reports to your new home to ensure they are not lost.

The U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education, offers the Parent Center Hub – also known as the Center for Parent Information and Resources – which has collections of links to serve families and adults with special needs from birth through age 26. They assist families in getting appropriate education and services for their children, work to improve education services for all children, train and inform parents and professionals, resolve problems between families and schools or other agencies and connect those with disabilities to community resources. Find your local parenting center and more by visiting their website.

You can also try these resources from Military OneSource:

• EFMP & Me digital tool
• Special Needs Parent Toolkit download
• Special needs resources 
• Education Directory for Children with Special Needs
• Exceptional Family Member Program videos 

Parents of children enrolled in special education should hand-carry all pertinent school and medical documents to include their children’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) and current testing and evaluation reports to provide to the new school. Copies of reports will be helpful in facilitating a successful transition into the Fort Knox Community Schools.

In the event that your child requires specialized services and/or equipment, it is recommended that you call the Director of Student Services.

SLOs are your best support in the area of education, schools and military transitions. SLOs are knowledgeable in current education news and policies. They act as the conduit between the school community – including local public school districts, private schools and home school Families – and the installation. 533 Spearhead Div ave, Bldg 500, (502)624-6703

The Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) provides comprehensive support to Family members with special needs. EFMP takes an all-inclusive approach to coordinate military and civilian community, educational, medical, housing, and personnel services to help Soldiers and their Families with special needs.

Each installation offers services through two different EFMP offices-the Military Treatment Facility (MTF) EFMP and Army Community Service (ACS) EFMP

1. For EFMP initial screening, enrollment, updates, and overseas screenings, contact the Fort Knox MTF EFMP at 502-624-6211. This office is located in the Margetis facility, building 6289 on Claiborne Street.
2. For resources, advocacy, support groups, and local and state information, contact ACS EFMP at 502-624-4067. ACS EFMP is located on Eisenhower Ave in building 1477.

School Age (3-21 years) - Domestic Dependent Elementary and Secondary Schools (DDESS)

The Fort Knox Community Schools provide special educational services to those who meet the post housing eligibility requirements, and who meet the Department of Defense eligibility criteria for special education services.

Special educational services are provided for students in all disability categories within a variety of educational settings.

Preschool children with disabilities are educated in an inclusive program to the maximum extent possible.

Four Year Old Preschool Program

The Fort Knox Community Schools provide a preschool program for all four year old children who meet the housing requirement for attending the Fort Knox Schools, and who are four years of age by October 1st of the current school year. This half day program is provided at no cost to the parents. Inquiries regarding this program should be directed to the Instructional Systems Specialist at the Superintendents Office at Ft. Knox.