A Brief Overview Discussion about school-based discipline was pretty quiet during the pandemic. The topic is resurfacing as schools begin to reopen for in-person instruction. Read on for information about student rights in Washington and what families need to know when behavior impedes learning and disability may be a factor. Schools are required to provide Read More
Category: Learning In School
Information on the process of getting the knowledge and or skill through study or experience.
Steps to Read, Understand, and Develop an Initial IEP
A Brief Overview A first-time IEP document is a lot to absorb. This article provides tips to help family members read through a draft IEP and prepare to participate on the IEP team that finalizes the Individualized Education Program before services begin. Remember, the school’s first version is a DRAFT, and family members of the Read More
Mental Health Education and Support at School can be Critical
A Brief Overview Alarming statistics indicate the pandemic has worsened behavioral health outcomes for young people. Governor Jay Inslee on March 14, 2021, issued an emergency proclamation declaring children’s mental health to be in crisis. Students eligible for special education services through the federal category of Emotional Disturbance are more than twice as likely as Read More
Evaluations Part 1: Where to Start When a Student Needs Special Help at School
A Brief Overview Special Education is provided through the Individualized Education Program (IEP) for a student with a qualifying disability. The first step is to determine eligibility through evaluation. This article describes that process. Specially Designed Instruction (SDI) is the “special” in special education. The evaluation determines whether SDI is needed to help a student Read More
Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP)
The Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) is a mandatory* Department of Defense program that helps military dependents with special needs. The Coast Guard, which operates under the authority of the Department of Homeland Security has a similar program called the Special Needs Program, or SNP. * EFMP is mandatory, primarily so a family member’s needs may Read More
Legal Resources for Highly Mobile Military Families
Military families have unique circumstances that can call for out-of-state or specialized assistance. For example, when they move to a new duty station, they may need to find a lawyer in the state to which they are moving to help them establish a new guardianship for an adult child with disabilities. Fortunately there is an Read More
Temporary Caregivers of Military Children: Guide to Essential Information
If you are a grandparent, other relative, or family friend taking care of children while their parent or parents are deployed or on other duty, this guide to essential information is intended to offer you help and resources. It contains useful information about military benefits that provide help with schools, medical care and supports and Read More
School Support Plans for Deployment-Tips for Parents
Why do schools need to know when a parent deploys? Your children spend a large portion of their day in school, so teachers often notice changes or new behaviors. The value of parents and schools partnering to support military-connected children with the stressors of deployment is significant. As you know, having a parent away for Read More
Find Civilian Services for Your Child With a Disability When You Leave the Military
A guide to finding civilian supports and services when your service member separates or retires from the military if you have a child (including an adult dependent child) with disabilities. If you are PCSing to a “forever” home location, it includes resource finders available across the United States and Territories. As you read down the Read More