EFMP

When the caregiver needs care, military families discover how fragile support systems can be. Five years after cancer, remission has brought new challenges and new gaps in the Adult Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) respite care. In Caregiving with Cancer and Caregiving with Cancer Follow-Up, I shared how our family navigated diagnosis and active treatment. This is where our story continues. Five Years Ago: Diagnosis, Deployment, and Survival Mode Five years ago, I was

Have you heard the term “family readiness”? Me neither. Anyone in and around the military sphere has undoubtedly heard “mission readiness.” I was in a virtual discussion and the term was used – not in any kind of intentional, direct sort of way but more as a term to understand the plight of military families…and it got me thinking. What is Family Readiness? The familiar concept of “mission readiness” is widely understood to be what military families live by. Family readiness

Back-to-school Individualized Education Program (IEP) preparation is best done before the start of the school year. With just a few weeks left of summer, now is the perfect time to set your child up for success. Use this time to review the IEP, organize important records, build executive functioning routines, and introduce your child to their new teachers. Here's how to get started. Assess Your Child’s IEP for Back-to-School IEP Preparation Take a long look at your child’s IE

A PCS move with special needs children presents unique challenges that extend far beyond packing boxes. When our family moved from the National Capital Region (NCR) to Whidbey Island in the Pacific Northwest, we had to manage complex medical needs, shift to a new Tricare region, and prepare our kids—emotionally and logistically—for a major transition. It wasn't very easy, as all PCS moves truly are. Preparing for a PCS Move with Special Needs Children When I'm getting ready t

As the school year winds down, many of us, parents and teachers alike, are simply counting the days until summer. I recently overheard a teacher say, “Whatever I need to do to get to June 11th,” and I couldn’t help but relate. We’re all ready for the beach, fireworks, and a break from school routines. But before we fully check out, it’s important to tackle the most critical items on your IEP end-of-year checklist. Taking time now to review your students’ needs and prepare for

Honoring Achievements and Promoting Inclusion March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, a time to celebrate the strengths and achievements of individuals with developmental disabilities and encourage us to work together to create a more inclusive world. The National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities highlights how individuals with and without disabilities contribute to building stronger communities. This campaign promotes inclusion in all areas

Military Life and the Emotional Toll of Parenting a Special Needs Child I'm unsure if it's even possible to describe the emotional toll that is put on the shoulders of special needs parents or caregivers in general. There is a physical and mental exhaustion that can only be understood by other special needs parents. As Jerry Maguire said, “It is an up-at-dawn, pride-swallowing siege that I will never fully tell you about, ok?” Military life is often full of unforeseen events

Gifted and talented students represent a unique group within the educational landscape, possessing exceptional abilities or potential in one or more areas, such as intellectual, creative, artistic, or leadership capacities. They may think faster, exhibit advanced problem-solving skills, or tackle problems uniquely. But like all students, they need the right environment and support to thrive. To better understand this exceptional group, I spoke with a colleague who is a licens

We’ve all heard the adage “It takes a village,” which originates from the African proverb “It takes a village to raise a child.” It means a community of people is needed to provide a safe and healthy environment for children to grow up. This saying is even more important in special needs communities where parents are raising children with disabilities. But what happens when that family is a military family and their “community” changes every two to three years? How can you le

Emily's story is a powerful testament to the complex educational challenges faced by military-connected students—a journey marked by resilience, missed opportunities, and the critical importance of proactive parental advocacy, installation services (EFMP case managers), pediatrician referrals, behavioral health assessments, and community support services. The Landscape of Constant Change Emily’s educational journey was shaped by eight school transitions, 12 PCS relocations, a

In Hawaii, we tell stories to teach our keiki (children). We use these teachable moments, these mo`olelo (stories), to connect with our listeners. One of these mo`olelo tells of a Bowl of Light. Imagine each child being born with a bowl of light that shines ever so brightly. The light brings all the gifts and special qualities of the child forward. But then there are troublesome things that diminish that light or rocks that are placed in that bowl that may represent trauma, u

You may wonder why you're seeing an article discussing extended school year (ESY) services when we are only several months into the new school year. The answer is simple: It is never too early to start making your case for ESY services for your child. The earlier, the better. To effectively advocate for ESY services, it's essential to establish a strong foundation and develop a solid plan that will support your request. The first step in building the foundation is to familia

Learn how the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) supports military families with neurodivergent children, as shared by a parent who faced homeschooling challenges during COVID-19. After years without EFMP assistance, she reflects on the support she could have received. Discover Partners in PROMISE’s customizable special education binders, designed to empower military families. EFMP: Four Letters Lost On Me I didn’t know the EFMP existed until we bumped into a military f

“If you don’t know where you are going, you’ll end up someplace else.” ― Yogi Berra, former New York Yankees catcher. With October just around the corner, my excitement for postseason baseball is building, especially since the Cleveland Guardians have recently clinched their playoff spot! As a baseball enthusiast, I saw this as the perfect opportunity to combine my two passions, baseball and special education. The quote from Yankees’ great Yogi Berra perfectly illustrates the

In the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Section 1414 (d)(2), there are requirements for the Local Education Agency to provide students with disabilities who: Transfer within the same State:In the case of a child with a disability who transfers school districts within the same academic year, who enrolls in a new school, and who had an IEP that was in effect in the same State, the local educational agency shall provide such child with a free appropriate public educ

Raising a child with special needs can be a journey filled with both rewarding and challenging moments. As a parent, you may encounter skepticism and doubt from various sources, including medical professionals, educators, and even family members. However, trusting your instincts and advocating for your child is crucial. I want to share my personal experiences and provide guidance on navigating the complexities of seeking help for your special needs child, emphasizing the impo

Georgia IEP Reevaluation: How a Policy Change Improved My Son's Special Education Services A few months into my son’s 3rd grade year at our new duty station in Georgia, his case manager notified me the district would reevaluate him. Because he was approaching his 9th birthday, he couldn’t retain the Developmental Disability (DD) category on his IEP. I feared the district aimed to find him ineligible for special education services. Truthfully, I braced for a battle. Instead of

If you live in Georgia, back-to-school has started. Kids return on August 1st, 5th, or 6th. In South Carolina, year-round students went back on July 29th. Other states, like Texas and Virginia, start on the 14th and 19th, respectively. Summer flew by, so let’s discuss 10 tips for starting the school year off right for a special education student. 1. Review the IEP Familiarize yourself with your child's IEP! This includes their current goals, accommodations, and special educat

Navigating special education from middle to high school can be daunting for parents and their learners. Your role as a parent is crucial in managing these transitions, potential service removals, and adjusting to an environment where students are expected to advocate for themselves. Let's discuss how you can effectively support your child in special education during these critical school years. Middle School and High School Bring Changes Middle and high school bring about sig

One of the biggest missed opportunities in special education is schools and parents not truly understanding what FAPE is, what it stands for, and how to ensure it is provided. So, what is FAPE per IDEA (the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act)? To receive federal funds, states must assure the U.S. Department of Education that they have policies and procedures to ensure that all children with disabilities receive a free, appropriate public education. Furthermore, child