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 Parent Toolkit
• Special Needs Resources
• Exceptional Family Member Program videos

Individual cases should be referred to the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) so that all services in addition to education may be coordinated for inbound personnel.

Special Education

A special education program is in place to meet the needs of students with special needs. DoDEA's Guam District provides services for students ages 3-5 with developmental delays and in grades K-12 for students with physical, emotional, communication and learning disabilities. Speech and language services are available for students in preschool through grade 12. Medically related services are available on a contractual basis, as needed.

Parents are the most are the most valuable members of the special education process. If your child requires special education services, you will be involved in decisions about what services, instruction, and equipment are to be provided, as well as where these services may take place. Schools will ensure that placement is made in the least restrictive environment. You will be asked to share knowledge about your child's development, your expectations, and information about how your child learns.

Once developed, the IEP (Individual Education Program) may be reviewed at any time concerns arise regarding the services being provided. Fostering feelings of trust and respect is an important goal for parents and educators. It is vitally important to keep the lines of communions open. We will work together to see that your and your child's dreams for the future can be realized.

Guam Public Schools' Special Education

Military Families with special-needs children enrolling in Guam public schools should contact the Special Education Child Find Coordinator at the Guam Department of Education at 671-300-1322. Additionally, parents should discuss their child's special needs with the classroom teacher and the consulting resource teacher. Prior to arriving in Guam, address questions to Exceptional Family Member Coordinator at Andersen Air Force Base, DSN 315-366-2853.

Parents should hand-carry copies of the most recent evaluations to include test names and scores as well as the individual education plan.

The Guam Special Education Division programs serve eligible students, ages birth through 21 with a wide range of academic, emotional, behavioral and physical needs, as well as the academically and creatively gifted and talented.

In Guam public schools, students with disabilities are educated with non-disabled students. Special classes are used only when the nature or severity of the disability is such that services cannot be satisfactorily achieved in the regular classroom with supplemental support.