Medicaid waivers, respite care-and IEPS! Learn how the military healthcare system interacts with civilian healthcare and what military parents need to know about TRICARE services and Special Education.
Continue reading “4 Reasons for Parent Center Staff to Know 5 Facts About TRICARE”Tag: special education
2 Quick Resources for Military Families Moving Overseas
Military parents whose children have disabilities may have concerns about moving their child from a stateside school (public or Department of Defense) to a school in another country where their school options are limited and laws protecting individuals with disabilities are not the same. Here are two quick resources for these parents to give them a jump-start on their research and decision-making:
Military Children Transitioning into the DoDEA School System (podcast from the Military Child Education Coalition, with Dr. Dell W. McMullen, Europe Director for Student Excellence, Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA)
Department of Defense Directory on Early Intervention, Special Education and Related Services in OCONUS Communities (“OCONUS” – Outside the Continental United States)
And here is some more in-depth information about Department of Defense Education Activity schools and Special Education:
Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) School System
Great New Addition to the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP)
Military OneSource “EFMP Resources, Options and Consultations” (EFMP ROC) is a new program that provides military families who have members with special health or educational needs with enhanced services Special needs consultants are available by appointment, via phone or video at no cost, and there is no limit to the number of appointments families can make.
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Resolve School Issues with the Interstate Compact-2 Parent Handouts
The Interstate Compact is an excellent tool for your work with military families. There are resources for parents that describe what the Interstate Compact is, and what it can be used for. These two handouts are for military parents who want to know what specific steps to take to start resolving issues by using the Compact, and what their next steps are if their first efforts don’t succeed. You’ll find them helpful too!
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Military OneSource: Info for Your Work and the Families You Serve
Read and download information without a login!
Military OneSource’s website is a treasure-trove of information and resources for military families, with updated and accurate information about military family support programs and resources for family members with disabilities. The latest website update makes it easy for anyone to read articles and download individual resources. If you want to order some of their military-friendly products, we show you how to log in!
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Military Children, Accommodations and College Entrance Exams
The transition from high school to college can be a daunting experience for any teenager, however, it can be even more challenging when that teenager is part of a military family. Part of the transition process is preparing for and taking the entrance exams to college. If the student is receiving accommodations in school, he/she may qualify to receive special accommodations when taking a college entrance exam. Being aware of the process and requirements to receive accommodations can help ease the anxiety and pressure of taking the test. Continue reading “Military Children, Accommodations and College Entrance Exams”
What Does a Parent Center Do?
Federally funded Parent Training and Information Centers (PTIs) are found in every State, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Large States have more than one PTI. In addition, thirty federally funded Community Parent Resource Centers (CPRCs) focus on unserved or underserved populations throughout the United States and territories. Together, the PTIs and CPRCs (collectively referred to as Parent Centers) can play a vital role in supporting your work with Exceptional Family Members in your communities. The following information is a quick fact sheet on what a federally funded Parent Center is required to do through their grants and some suggestions on how you can utilize them effectively.
Role of the School Liaison Officer (SLO)
School Liaison Officers (sometimes just titled “School Liaisons” or “School Support Staff” (SLOs) are the point of contact on an installation for all things school-related and assist families whose children’s education may be affected by military life. They can be a great resource for Parent Centers!
Regulations, Manual published for EIS and Special Education in Dept. of Defense Schools
Prior to June 2015, Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) schools operated under IDEA 1997 in providing Early Intervention and Special Education services. In June 2015 Department of Defense issued a new instruction (regulation) and a manual (external links) based on the provisions of IDEA 2004. While this change may eliminate many of the differences between public schools and DoDEA schools with regard to Special Education, the new regulations are not yet interpreted, and some DoDEA schools may not have fully implemented the changes. When an interpretation of the new regulations is issued, allowing comparison between DoDEA and public school provision of Special Education, we will announce it and make it available.
For a PDF version of the instruction, please contact us at thebranch@wapave.org or by calling 253.565.2266, ext. 112