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

Special education is defined by law as specifically designated instruction, provided at no cost to parents or guardians, which meets the unique needs of students with special needs. Special Education includes related services that are determined necessary to allow students to benefit from the instructional program. These services are available for children with disabilities from birth through 21 years of age. For any questions contact the Fleet and Family Support Center at 831-656-3060, the School Liaison 831-656-1008, or the EFMP Case Liaison at 831-656-2785. 

Some programs include: 

• Monterey Peninsula Unified School District Special Education Department: 831-645-1200

• Monterey County Birth to 5-Early Start:  The Monterey Peninsula Unified School District Early Start services to children ages 0-5 years old. To learn more about eligibility, please call 831-901-5029.

• San Andreas Regional Center:  A non-profit organization that serves individuals with developmental disabilities and their families that reside in Monterey, San Benito, Santa Clara, and Santa Cruz counties.  For more information please contact 831-900-3636.