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 needs deserve special care. The Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) is designed to identify family members with long-term health care, psychological, or special education needs.

Eligibility-- Eligible family members are military dependents, affected by physical, emotional, or educational conditions, who reside with the sponsor and are enrolled in DEERS.

Enrollment -- Applications are available through the local branch medical clinics, Command EFMP Point of Contact (POC), or any Fleet and Family Support Center.

The benefits to Families enrolled in the Exceptional Family Member Program appreciate knowing that necessary services will be available at their next duty station. Although there are no direct financial benefits from the EFMP, there are many resources available to assist families.

Virginians with Disabilities

Mission Statement -- To enrich the lives of Virginians with disabilities by providing a VOICE for their concerns.

• Vision of communities that welcome people with disabilities
• Outreach to individuals, families and advocates
• Innovation through grant projects and sponsored programs
• Collaboration with providers of disability services
• Education of policymakers on disability issues

To learn more about what Virginians with Disabilities can offer you, visit their website.

The State of Virginia and Peninsula Public Schools have comprehensive services and programs in Special Education. Personnel arriving with children who have special education needs should contact the Special Education Department of the applicable school district for information on enrollment procedures and available support services.

Special Education Services are provided to all approved handicapped students, ages 2 through 22. Peninsula Public School's Special Education Departments provide these services. Services are provided through a continuum of delivery models including consultative, inclusion, self-contained and separate day schools. Related services are provided in the areas of speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, orientation and mobility. Preschool transportation is available when needed to support the special education program.

Virginians with Disabilities

Mission Statement: To enrich the lives of Virginians with disabilities by providing a voice for their concerns. Vision of communities that welcome people with disabilities. Outreach to individuals, families and advocates. Innovation through grant projects and sponsored programs. Collaboration with providers of disability services. Education of policymakers on disability issues.

For more information about EFMP benefits and questions concerning enrollment, speak with your Command EFM POC or the Fleet and Family Support Center EFMP liaison at 757-887-4606.

The Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) is designed to identify family members with long-term health care, psychological, or special education needs. An EFMP regional representative is located at the Charette Health Center, Portsmouth. For more information about EFMP benefits and questions concerning enrollment, speak with your Command EFM POC at 757-953-7805 or the Fleet and Family Support Center EFMP liaison at 757-887-4606.