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

Head Start/Early Head Start of Wayne County -- Provides free education for eligible pre-school age children, during the school year. There is often a wait list for this program.

Within the Wayne County Public Schools, special education programs are provided in the areas of gifted, learning disabled, mentally handicapped, emotionally handicapped, speech, visually and/or hearing impaired, physically handicapped, hospital/homebound, and preschool handicapped.

Related services including physical and occupational therapy, transportation and adaptive physical education are provided for student meeting established criteria. All due process procedures are strictly followed as mandated by
state and federal laws.

School Liaison Officer -- Seymour Johnson AFB has a School Liaison Officer, assigned to the Base Education Center 3660 and is available to assist newcomers with information on public, private and home schools and can be reached at 919-722-5810 or DSN 312-722-5810.

The EFMP-M is designed to provide assistance to the children and adult dependents of eligible military personnel who are emotionally, physically and mentally challenged. These are individual cases and should be referred to EFMP so that all services and education may be coordinated for the in-bound personnel.

This assistance may be in the line of counseling, special medical or educational assistance, and financial assistance.  Active-duty Air Force members with a special needs family member may be eligible to receive funds for respite care from the Air Force Aid Society. See the EFMP-FS office for details.

The EFMP-M Office located in the main Medical Group Building is the point of contact for EFMP and is your first stop to enroll in the program. An interview will be conducted to identify the type of care necessary to maintain, improve, or establish a treatment care plan. Appropriate documentation such as medical summaries, Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) or Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs) must be submitted that clearly identify the need for enrollment. The sponsor is responsible for gathering and submitting these documents. Enrollment in the program is mandatory once a special need is identified.

Enrollment in the EFMP does not prevent Air Force personnel from getting an assignment. Enrollment can provide for an initial deferment or reassignment to set up a program of medical treatment or special education. Once such a program is established, the member reverts to worldwide assignable status. Special assignment consideration will continue as long as the condition exists.

As a parent or spouse of a special needs person, it is your responsibility to contact the EFMP office and let personnel know you and your family have arrived.

Special Needs Children arriving at Seymour Johnson must bring the following information:

• Medical records
• School records
• Documentation of how child was tested (results are valid for 3 years from date of test)

Childcare Needs

On-base childcare or before/after school care, must provide a note from base doctor indicating any necessary modifications to environment, staffing, or activities. There is not an additional charge for special needs children.

For additional information about this program contact the EFMP Office at 919-722-8534 or DSN 919-722-8534.  The Life Skill Support Center at 919-722-1883 or DSN: 919-722-1883 can also be of assistance.