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 DODEA school (and you live on installation), your child will receive EIS through the Defense 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

If your child has special needs, you can receive help with their placement at the "home school" or assigned school for your housing area. Once you have secured housing, contact the office of the assigned school to set up an appointment. You can include the School Liaison Office for added support.

If your child is legally recognized as having a disability or has been diagnosed with a learning or behavior disorder, bring all documentation, including IEP's, to your meeting. Avoid sending this paperwork with your household goods as you will need it for the school staff. This helps speed up the placement process.

If your child has not been officially diagnosed but you believe an evaluation is needed, request that the principal start a formal assessment. As a parent, you are entitled to this service. If you arrive during the summer when school staff may be on vacation, ask for a Form 0-42. Complete and submit it to the clerk, who will forward it to the district office to begin the process.

It's important to make informed decisions about your child's accommodations in the public school system. Before enrolling your child, take the time to learn about the school's Special Education program and staff. Federal law requires schools to meet certain time frames for evaluation, placement and IEP implementation. These procedures allow you to be involved in decisions about your child's education and their progress.

For K-12 special education guidance, contact the School Liaison Officer at 808-306-9247 or jbphhslo@us.navy.mil. For assistance with your child's needs or local services, reach out to the EFMP Medical Treatment Facility Coordinator at Naval Health Clinic Hawaii at 808-473-2444, x9-4525. For family support and community resources, contact the EFMP Case Liaison at the Military and Family Support Center at 808-474-1999 or by email at mfschawaii@us.navy.mil or efmp-cnrh@us.navy.mil.

Respite Care

A "gift of time" for families who provide care for a medically fragile family member. Both Navy and Air Force EFMP families may be eligible for respite care. Navy families can contact the EFMP Case Liaison at 808-474-1999 or by email at mfschawaii@us.navy.mil or efmp-cnrh@us.navy.mil for additional information. Air Force families can contact Hickam's EFMP Family Support Coordinator at 808-449-0309 or Special Needs Coordinator at 808-448-6782 for additional information and to inquire about eligibility.

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's Mental Health Clinic at 808-448-6782. The Mental Health Clinic handles all special needs family members.

Special Needs Identification and Assignment Coordination Process

The spirit and intent of the SNIAC 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.

Installation Agencies and Programs

• Give Parents a Break - Funded by the Air Force 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.