Special Education and Child Care – The Essentials

It takes a lot of involvement to make sure a family member with special needs gets the right education and care. It also requires good communication with child care providers and school administrators and teachers. How can you make sure special education or child care is working for you and your child? Here are some essentials:

Learn about child care options.

You want to find the right care for your child with special needs. The military offers quality, affordable child care with options both on installation and off. We can help you find the best fit for your child and your family. Find out more with EFMP & Me or with these resources:

Relevant Articles:

• Child Care Options for Military Families With Special Needs
• Special Needs Consultations

Relevant Resources:

• MilitaryChildCare.com. This site streamlines your child care search. It lets you access options and make informed decisions about your child’s care.
• Military Respite Care. This offers fee assistance to eligible military families through the individual service programs. It also offers a child care search as well as information on resources for military spouses who provide child care.
• Education Directory for Children With Special Needs. This gives you information to help with assignment decisions and less stressful transitions.
• EFMP & Me. This tool provides information and resources tailored to your needs, including a child care checklist. It’s online and available 24/7. A must-use tool for every military family with special needs members.

Find information and tips to support you — download the Special Needs Parent Tool Kit

This toolkit from the Department of Defense provides information for you and your child with special needs. Learn about early intervention services and find help during relocation. Understand educational rights granted by the Americans with Disabilities Act and much more.

Relevant Articles:

• An Overview of the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act. This provides information on what is covered under the act. This law ensures that all children with special needs have access to a free, appropriate public education.
• Education Directory for Children With Special Needs

Relevant Resources:

• The Special Needs Parent Tool Kit. This toolkit shares a wealth of information, tools and resources. These help you make informed decisions and better advocate for your child from birth to 18.
• Parent Center Hub from the U.S. Department of Education
• Department of Defense Education Activity. This offers information and resources for parents of children who attend DODEA schools.

Create your education roadmap. Get an Individual Education Program.

The first step in any special education plan is developing an Individual Education Program, or IEP. After an evaluation, an IEP becomes a roadmap you can take with you. It lays out the instruction and services to help your child succeed. The sooner you get started, the better.

Make sure your child’s IEP stays current. When you move, give a copy of the IEP to your child’s new school. Work hand-in-hand with the school to support your child’s transition and to implement the IEP. The new school’s services may not look exactly like their previous school. However, they are required to provide comparable services.

Relevant Articles:

• Special Needs Consultations

Relevant Resources:

• Education Directory for Children With Special Needs
• Parent Training and Information Center
• EFMP & Me
• Moving With an IEP Webinar. This addresses some concerns of military families as they move their child with an IEP.
• Resolving Concerns With a Child’s Special Education Services Fact Sheet. This provides information for parents who disagree with their school on any special education issue.
• Preparing to Succeed at Positive Advocacy. This outlines approaches special needs advocates can take to be more effective.
• Early Intervention Services Fact Sheet. This describes the types of services available and the criteria to receive them for children up to age 3.

Call Military OneSource at 800-342-9647 or live chat to schedule an appointment with a special needs consultant. Appointments are available seven days a week.