If you have a child with an individualized education program, don’t be nervous about moving schools. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, or IDEA, ensures that all children with special needs have access to a free, appropriate public education and the tools needed to meet their educational goals — no matter where or how often your family moves.
The IDEA governs how states and public agencies, including the Department of Defense, provide early intervention, special education and related services to eligible children with disabilities from birth through age 21.
When a student with an individualized education program transfers, the new school must:
- Provide free and appropriate public education
- Include services comparable to those in your child’s current individualized education program
Resources vary according to location. In some cases they may be better than those available at your last duty station. Reach out to the school’s counselors and teachers who will develop a new individualized education program for your child after your move.
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