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

To ensure that you are moving to a duty location that offers the services your child may need, be sure to enroll in and consult with the Exceptional Family Member program. EFMP enrollment is mandatory and required immediately upon identification of a special need for active duty members. DoD civilians must also complete an overseas clearance with EFMP through their gaining HR or CPAC office. Command points of contact and your military treatment facility (MTF) EFMP coordinators can assist you with the enrollment process. 

When a family with a child on a special education plan receives a clearance to PCS overseas, it is critical that they hand-carry copies of any special education paperwork such as Individualized Education Program (IEP), evaluations, 504 plans, etc. rather than leaving documents in household goods. IEP and 504 plans should be current and not expired. If a child attends DoDEA schools, the child's current up-to-date IEP will be examined at the child's districted school upon arrival. After observation of your child, the school may recommend reevaluation or renewal of the special education plan.

Army Community Service (ACS) EFMP Family Support can provide assistance to families seeking IEP/504 Support, advocacy, new diagnosis suport, resources and referrals, and family activities. 

EFMP Family Support can be contacted at 09641-70-596-3362/3360. 

The Patch Health Clinic EFMP Medical Case Coordinator can provide assistance with EFMP screening for command sponsorship and enrollment/disenrollment. 

Contact the EFMP Medical Case Coordinator at usarmy.bavaria.medcom-bhc.list.stg-efmp@health.mil