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

Guam Department of Education (GDOE)

501 Mariner Avenue, Barrigada, Guam 96913

Phone: 671-300-1536

Special Education: 671-300-1322 or email, sped@gdoe.net

https://www.gdoe.net/

Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) Field Office

401 Stitt St, Hagatna, 96919 Guam

671-344-9578

Infants and Toddlers (birth to 3 years old)

Infants and toddlers are served through the Educational and Developmental Intervention Services (EDIS 706-545-3835) which is a military, medical program that provides early intervention services to infants and toddlers from birth through three years of age. Children needing specialized services are transitioned at three years to the school age special education program in the Department of Defense Elementary and Secondary Schools (DDESS). Call the Guam EDIS at 671-344-9027.

School Age (3-21 years)

The Department of Defense Education Activity provides special education to dependents 3 to 21 years of age who have a disability. In overseas communities (DODDS), the availability of services varies according to the size of the community, its location and the military mission. On Guam please call the Director of Student Services at 671-344-9160 / 9579. 

Additional Information

Educational & Developmental Intervention Services (EDIS) is a department of the U.S. Naval Hospital; EDIS offers help to children with special needs, through federally mandated Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) programs and non-IDEA services. The mission of EDIS is to maximize the potential of children who are identified or at risk for delays and intervene in their development. EDIS promotes family-based care, closely involving families in the development of treatment plans. The staff of EDIS comes from a variety of fields to include: audiology, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, psychology, social work, community health nursing, and early childhood special education. There are two programs within EDIS: Early Intervention, for children from birth to age 3, and related services, for children from ages 3 to 21. Care is provided in the least-restrictive environment; in the home for Early Intervention and in the school for related services. Delivery of services occurs in the child’s natural environment, which can be the home, child development center, babysitters or any other place the child may spend their day. Services are provided, to the highest degree possible, at the family’s convenience and consider the needs and daily routine of the family and child.

For more information call EDIS at 671-344-9027 or fax 671-344-9322.

The DoDEA-Pacific Guam District Special Education programs provide students with special needs an opportunity to succeed in the least restricted environment. Programs offered are based on the student’s Individual Education Program (IEP). A special education program is in place to meet the needs of students with special needs. DoDEA-Pacific Guam District schools provide services for students ages 3 through graduation from high school, with developmental delays and physical, emotional, communication and learning disabilities. Speech and language services, physical therapy and occupational therapy services are available for students in preschool through grade 12. Prior to accepting orders, contact the Navy or Air Force Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) through your medical treatment facility to ensure continuity of services. For additional information, contact DoDEA-Pacific Guam District Special Education Coordinator at 671-344-9580. 

The Guam public school system provides students with special needs an opportunity to succeed in the least restricted environment. Programs offered are based on the student’s Individual Education Program (IEP). A special education program is in place to meet the needs of students with special needs provides services for students ages 3 through graduation from high school, with developmental delays and physical, emotional, communication and learning disabilities. Contact the Guam Department of Education, Division of Special Education at 671-300-1322/2293.

It is highly recommended that you contact the DoDEA-Pacific Guam District Special Education Coordinator or the Guam Department of Education, Division of Special Education before leaving to Guam to ensure that you have the necessary documentation and evaluations to make a smooth transition into your child’s new school.