Educational Options and Deployment Supports
Explore educational options available in your community. Find resources to help your Family through the deployment cycle.
Army Youth Sponsorship Program
The Army Youth Sponsorship program matches your child with a peer to help them transition to a new duty station.
Contact Us
Find contact information and hours for specific SLO programs.
School Liaison Officers (SLOs) provide essential support to military families with children in special education, ensuring continuity of services and advocating for the unique needs of military-connected students. Their expertise and resources help families navigate the complexities of special education during transitions, such as Permanent Change of Station (PCS) moves.
How SLOs Support Families with Kids in Special Education:
- Understanding Special Education Laws and Rights:
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SLOs educate families about federal laws such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, which protect the rights of students with disabilities.
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They help parents understand their child’s rights and the school’s responsibilities in providing appropriate accommodations and services.
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Navigating the Interstate Compact:
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SLOs ensure families are aware of the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children, which facilitates the transfer of special education services and records during PCS moves.
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They assist in resolving challenges related to placement, eligibility, and continuity of services.
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Facilitating Communication:
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SLOs act as a liaison between families and schools, helping parents communicate their child’s needs effectively to school staff.
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They assist in coordinating meetings with teachers, counselors, and special education teams to ensure a smooth transition.
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Supporting IEP and 504 Plan Transitions:
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SLOs help families transfer Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or 504 Plans to the new school, ensuring continuity of services and accommodations.
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They provide guidance on how to advocate for their child’s needs during the transition process.
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Providing Resources and Referrals:
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SLOs connect families with local resources, such as special education advocacy groups, therapists, and community organizations that support children with disabilities.
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They provide information about tutoring programs, after-school activities, and other services tailored to children with special needs.
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Workshops and Training:
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SLOs offer workshops for parents on topics such as navigating special education systems,advocating for their child, and understanding the IEP process.
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They also provide professional development for school staff on military culture and the unique challenges faced by military-connected students with disabilities.
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Resolving Disputes:
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If conflicts arise between families and schools regarding special education services, SLOs help resolve issues constructively by providing information regarding the local laws and policies as well as looping in other professionals such as EFMP Systems Navigators, MIC3 Commissioners, etc.
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They ensure families are aware of their rights and options for addressing concerns.
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Emotional and Social Support:
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SLOs provide resources to help families address the emotional and social challenges their children may face, such as anxiety or difficulty adjusting to new environments.
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They connect families with peer support groups and other networks to build a sense of community
Why It Matters:
Military families with children who have special needs often face additional challenges during relocations and transitions. SLOs play a critical role in ensuring these families have the support, resources, and advocacy needed to navigate the special education system and provide their children with the services they need to succeed academically and socially.
Additional Resources
More links, documents, and tools to support your family.
DirectSTEP provides no-cost, Army sponsored online training for educators and parents on a host of special education topics such as understanding federal require-ments, best practices for behavior management, IDEA eligibility, IEPs and more. Through the eCourses parents and educators learn how to apply education laws in order to obtain positive outcomes associated with critical education issues. Access the course listing and registration page through the links below.
Special Education in DOWEA
Special Education Procedural Guide
Procedural Safeguards -new
Parent Rights for Special Education
DoWEA Special Education Directory – List of services by site. Be sure to complete EFMP screening to determine if services needed by your child are available.
DOWEA Dispute Management Form
DoWEA Dispute Management Form
Procedure for Independent Educational Evaluation
DoWEA 504 Accomodation Plans
DoWEA Directory of Special Education Services in OCONUS Communities
Special Needs Booklet from Military Child Education Coalition
Education Directory for Children With Special Needs
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. DoW 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. For more information see the links below.
Exceptional Family Member Program
EFMP Military One Source
EFMP/Special Needs
US Army Medical Department EFMP
EFMP Civilian Process Flow Chart
EFMP Active Duty Process Flow Chart
DD form 2792 Medical summary
DD form 2792-1 Educational Summary ( school age children 3+)
DD form 2807 Medical History
Need a break? Contact the Respite Care program for assistance.
Educational and Developmental Intervention Services (EDIS)
Parents of special needs children under the age of 3 may be referred to the EDIS program for special education services. This federally-mandated program provides comprehensive services to eligible infants and toddlers (birth to age 3) with established developmental delays or with a condition which has a high probability of resulting in developmental delay. Referrals can be made by schools, physicians or parents. EDIS provides early intervention services for children with delays in development such as language, motor, self-help, social skills and problem solving. The EDIS team offers development support tailored to each child’s and family’s needs. EDIS also works closely with DOWEA teachers to assist children over 3 years of age. Children with behavioral, motor, and physical factors that affect the learning process are serviced. EDIS professionals serve as members of each school’s Case Study Committee. (CSC) EDIS professionals may include: a physical therapist, clinical child psychologist, clinical social worker, occupational therapist, speech and language pathologist, and an early childhood special educator. The services provided—at no cost to the parent—include screenings and evaluations for diagnostic and treatment purposes, service coordination, family training and home visits, special education instruction, speech pathology and audiology, physical therapy, occupational therapy, psychological services, transportation, nutrition services, medical services for diagnostic purposes, vision services, and assistive technology devices and services.
To contact the EDIS program in Stuttgart
DSN: (314)590-1613
Local: 06371-590-1613
US:+49 (0)6371-590-1613
Pre-School Services for Children with Disabilities
Preschoolers ages 3 through 5 with developmental delays or disabilities may be eligible to receive Preschool Services for Children with Disabilities (PSCD). Children who qualify for preschool services are eligible for PSCD on their third birthday. Children will be referred to a Case Study Committee (CSC) which is composed of DoDEA school personnel involved in the special education. When feasible, the CSC should determine eligibility prior to the child’s third birthday, so the child can begin receiving services at age three. DoDEA schools have the option to provide services to a child prior to his or her third birthday in certain circumstances. Please contact the school or EDIS for more information.
Free Army sponsored online training for educators and parents on a host of special education topics
DirectSTEP Information & registration
DirectSTEP course listing & key codes
Helpful Links on Special Needs Topics
504 PLANS
504 Plans and Schools
IEP and 504 Comparison
Difference between 504 and IEP
Comparison of ADA, IDEA, and Section 504 ( pdf)
ADD /ADHD
ADD / ADHD Support
LD /ADD
AD/HD
Asthma
Asthma
Allergies
Allergies
Schools and Allergies
Autism
Online Asperger Syndrome Information & Support
Autism Help
First Signs
What is Autism?
Developmental Disabilities
CDC Developmental Disabilities
Developmental Disabilities and Birth Defects
DODEA Special Education Brochures
Pre-Referral Interventions: Steps Before a Special Education Referral/Assessment
Moving: Things to Remember When Relocating
Communicating Effectively: Building a Strong Partnership
Individualized Education Program (IEP): Your Role in the Process
Related Services: Understanding the Purpose of these Services
Early Intervention Services: Transitioning to Preschool Services for
Children with Disabilities
Parent Rights and Responsibilities: Insights into Your Rights and
Responsibilities
Resolving Disputes: Your Role in Reaching Resolutions
Assistive Technology: Assessment, Devices & Available Services
Dysgraphia
Dysgraphia Information page NIH
Hearing Impaired
What is Hearing Impairment?
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders
IEPs
IEP FAQs
IEP and 504 Comparison
Difference between 504 and IEP
What is an IEP?
Getting ready for an IEP meeting
IFSPs
What is an IFSP?
Individualized Family Service Plan Template
Transition from IFSP to IEP
Learning Disabilities
Learning Disabilities in Children
Learning Disabilities
LD Online
Legislation & Rights
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services
DoDEA-Dispute-Management-Form
DODEA Special Education Parent Guidebook
DODEA Parent Rights for Special Education – Procedural Safeguards
Military
STOMP: Special Training of Military Parents
Special Needs Toolkit for Parents
PDD
PDD-NOS
Speech
Speech therapy
Speech Therapy Ideas and Activities
Tricare
ECHO: Extended Care Health Option
TRICARE Website
Vision Impaired
American Foundation for the Blind
Technology to Improve Learning for the Visually Impaired Child
Miscellaneous
Yellow Pages for Kids with Disabilities
National Association for Child Development
National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities
Special Care Organizational Record [SCOR] toolkit for parents
