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

EIS

For early intervention assistance, school districts request individuals contact them for specific information. You may obtain additional information by contacting:

National Information Center for Children & Youth with Handicaps at P.O. Box 1492 Washington, D.C. 20010, Telephone 1-800-695-0285

Other services and assistance can be provided at the Child Development Center, New Parent Support Group, and Navy Marine Corps Relief Society Visiting Nurse.

Each school district provides Exceptional Student Services for students between the ages of three and fourteen who have special needs. All students with disabilities categorically eligible under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act regardless of severity may receive services. These include students with impairments in speech and language, hearing, health, and vision; orthopedic impairments; emotional and learning disabilities; mental retardation; autism; and multiple disabilities.

Educational services are available across the continuum from full inclusion in the general education classroom to off-campus alternative setting to homebound or residential placement. A team of individuals familiar with the student's needs determines the least restrictive environment for each student with special education. Recognizing the goal to provide an integrated, inclusive learning community, the District offers supports in neighborhood schools and students are placed in their home schools if possible. If placement in the home school does not meet the needs of the student, transportation is provided to the service school.

Approximately 50 special education teachers and their aides provide exceptional student services. School psychologist and psychologist's assistance offer a variety of services to the students. Speech therapists, occupational therapists, a physical therapist, an adaptive physical education teacher, and a teacher of orthopedic impairments are also available for related services. Extended school year services are provided for students for whom it is appropriate.

Special Programs

Preschool classes are offered for eligible students from their third birthday to age five (prior to kindergarten). Preschool students may be found eligible for services if they have significant speech or language delays, moderate developmental delays, or severe developmental delays.

Technology is important for student with special needs, computers are used for many skills. Additionally, some students for communication and literacy acquisition use highly specialized equipment. Cooking and laundry facilities are include in some classrooms for student who need to learn basic independent living skills.

Program Information Contacts

Information regarding specific programs may be obtained by contacting the school in your residence area or by contacting the Exceptional Student Services office at 928-502-7800. For more information about the Preschool programs, please call 928-502-8140.