Special Education/EIS

All states and territories must provide early intervention services to children who have, or are at risk for having, developmental delays, from birth to their third birthday.

Most CONUS locations, local school districts or health departments provide these early intervention services. The program is called different names in different areas, but it is often referred to as Part C because that is the section of the law that pertains to early intervention. The Education Directory for Children with Special Needs has a list of resources specific to each state to help you determine who you should contact. Your installation EFMP Family Support provider can also answer your questions.

If you are moving OCONUS or to a CONUS location with a DoWEA school (and you live on installation), your child will receive EIS through the War Department’s Educational and Developmental Intervention Services, or EDIS, program.

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

All states and territories provide special education and related services to eligible children between the ages of 3 through 21.

When 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. When a child transfers to another state, the receiving school must provide comparable services until an IEP review can determine if a new evaluation or IEP is appropriate.

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

• Education Directory for Children with Special Needs
• EFMP & Me digital tool
• Individualized Education Program & Moving
• Special Needs Resources
• Exceptional Family Member Program videos

Navy Specific

Navigating Special Education and EFMP Support: A Guide for Military Families

If your child has specialized learning or medical needs, dedicated support is available to assist with their transition and placement at your housing areas assigned "home school." As soon as you have secured housing, reach out directly to the assigned school’s front office to schedule an intake appointment. For added guidance and advocacy throughout the transition, be sure to connect with your installation School Liaison Officer, or SLO, who can help facilitate seamless communication between your family and the school.

For children who have an existing diagnosis, a recognized disability, or an active Individualized Education Program (commonly known as an IEP) or 504 Plan, remember to bring all relevant evaluations and paperwork to your initial meeting. A vital tip for every PCS move: always hand-carry these educational and medical records rather than packing them in your household goods, or HHG. Having immediate access to your child's complete file enables educators to review accommodations without delay and significantly accelerates the placement process.

If your child has not been formally evaluated but you suspect they require additional academic or behavioral support, you have the right as a parent to request a formal evaluation through the school principal. Should you arrive during the summer break when administrative and teaching staff may be away, request Form 0-42 from the school clerk. Once completed and submitted, the clerk will route the form to the district office to ensure the assessment process gets underway promptly.

Making informed decisions about your child’s educational accommodations is essential. Prior to enrollment, take the opportunity to learn about the campus's special education department, available resources and instructional staff. Under federal law (including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act), public schools must adhere to strict timelines regarding evaluations, eligibility meetings and IEP implementation. These structured processes ensure that you remain an active, empowered partner in every decision shaping your child’s academic journey and growth.

Key Contacts for Guidance and Community Resources

For K-12 educational support and transition assistance, contact the School Liaison Officer at 808-306-9247 or email jbphhslo@us.navy.mil.

For clinical coordination and local medical services, reach out to the Exceptional Family Member Program, or EFMP, Medical Treatment Facility Coordinator at Naval Health Clinic Hawaii at 808-473-1880, option 9, extension 4525.

For comprehensive family support, relocation aid and community navigation, contact the EFMP Case Liaison at the Military and Family Support Center at 808-474-1999 or via email at mfschawaii@us.navy.mil or efmp-cnrh@us.navy.mil.

Respite Care: A "Gift of Time" for Caregivers

Respite care provides vital relief and temporary support for families caring for a medically fragile dependent. Both Navy and Air Force EFMP families may qualify for respite care benefits based on specific eligibility criteria.

Navy families can learn more by contacting the EFMP Case Liaison at 808-474-1999 or by email at mfschawaii@us.navy.mil or efmp-cnrh@us.navy.mil.

Air Force families stationed at Hickam can contact the EFMP Family Support Coordinator at 808-449-0309 or the Special Needs Coordinator at 808-448-6782 for eligibility inquiries and enrollment details.

Air Force Specific

Air Force personnel assigned to Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam with an exceptional family member are mandated to contact the Special Needs Identification Section of the 15th Medical Group at 808-448-6782. The 15MDG EFMP handles all special needs family members (e.g., enrollment, disenrollment, travel, screening).

Special Needs Identification and Assignment Coordination Process

The spirit and intent of the SNIAC ("FMTS" or Family Members Travel Screening) process is to ensure military sponsors are assigned to locations where family members' special medical, mental health or educational needs can be met, helping the Air Force service member maintain a worldwide assignment status.

Respite Care Service

Give Parents a Break - Funded by the Air and Space Forces Aid Society for Air Force families who are experiencing undue stress due to a spouse TDY, remote tour, having a child with special needs and challenging circumstances of health and well-being. The Child Development Center provides care for children from five through 12 years of age, and referral applications are issued for one month.