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.

• 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

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.

Special Education is built on the belief that all students can and will learn. It is the school system's responsibility to provide appropriate learning experiences for all students, to recognize and understand the unique nature of each student, to promote the worth and dignity of each student, and to strive for the educational success of every student.

As much as possible, instruction for students with disabilities will be provided in the same setting as instruction for students without disabilities.

The AACO school system offers special education and related services to students, birth through age 20, who have been identified with a disability and who are in need of special education. Services include screening, assessment, identification, and Individualized Education Program (IEP) development to include non-academic and extracurricular activities when appropriate.

The Division of Special Education supports the Anne Arundel County Public Schools goals of academic achievement, safe and orderly environment and community partnerships by working collaboratively with general educators to ensure maximum educational opportunities for all students with disabilities.

For assistance in locating services or targeting the special education services that best match your need, please contact the Exceptional Family Member Coordinator at the Naval Health Clinic 410-293-2822 and/or the Fleet and Family Service Center's EFMP Case Liaison  410-293-2641.