Special Education

The DoDDS special education programs are governed by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and DoDEA’s implementing regulation, DoDI 1342.12, “Provision of Early Intervention and Special Education Services to Eligible DoD Dependents in Overseas Areas." DoDI 1342.12 establishes policy, provides guidance and establishes safeguards to ensure that special needs children, age 3 to 21 and eligible to enroll in DoDDS, receive a free, appropriate education.

Services for special needs students are based on individual needs. The Case Study Committee, to include the student’s parent, work together to develop an Individualized Education Program (IEP) that will capitalize on the student’s strengths while addressing his/her unique educational needs.

The DoD Coordinating Committee has identified the Lakenheath community as the location pinpointed to serve more severely impaired children in the Isles District. Other locations in the District have resources to meet the needs of mildly impaired children. It is imperative that military parents of special needs children considering an overseas assignment, contact the appropriate Exceptional Family Member Program representative to ensure that resources are readily available. For more information on assignment coordination, see DoD 1010.13-R, Overseas Assignment of Sponsors Who Have Children with Disabilities.

Other Resources

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