How do I know which schools are able to serve my child’s disability?
Communities within DoDEA are identified by the levels of support services by disability category in place at specific locations. Cross reference the child’s level of support needed according to the Individual Education Program with the district, community, and school.

Description of services in Guam, Japan, Korea, and Okinawa [1.04 MB.pdf]

Description of special education level of support services: autism spectrum, communication impaired, emotionally impaired, hearing impaired, specific learning disability, intellectual disability, preschool, and vision impaired


How do I know which community can best serve my child with special needs?
The identification of special education programs by levels of support service is unique to Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA). Identifying schools and medical services with specific levels of support was initiated at the request of the military departments to ensure designated/pinpoint locations where both medical and educational services are in place for the assignments of military sponsors with children having disabilities.  All military communities within a district are identified by the level of support available.  Note that in communities with multiple schools, not all programs are available in all schools.  Students may be transported to a neighboring school for services.


Who determines if my child is eligible for special services?
A Case Study Committee (CSC) follows a process outlined in the Special Education Procedural Guide (2500.13-G) that leads to determination of eligibility for special education services.  An existing Individual Education Program (IEP) provides information for overseas screening to pinpoint assignments based on availability of services in a particular location.  Services are offered to students 3–21 years of age who have been determined eligible in one of five disability categories.


What is EFMP?
The Exceptional Family Member Connections (EFM) is a mandatory enrollment program for active duty personnel, (to include members of the Coast Guard), whose goal is to locate military families in geographic areas where the needs of their special needs family member can be met.  It is the mechanism established in all military services to screen and identify family members who have special health and/or educational needs.  The EFM process identifies family members with special needs, to assist the military personnel systems in making assignments to locations where DoDEA and the military medical departments have pre-established programs and staff in place.

Army EFMP
Marine Corps EFMP
Navy EFMP


What special support services are available for my child?
The assistive technology consultants in each district work with staff and students to determine the assistive technology of students. Services of an autism consultant may be requested to provide services to staff members, students, and parents of students in the autism spectrum including pervasive developmental disorder.

Assistive Technology
Autism Spectrum Disorder