Transitions

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

Today, I talked to Frank on the phone. I was frustrated because my patient portal log-in wasn’t working so I *was forced* to contact customer service for technical support. He answered the phone a little slow which automatically made me roll my eyes in further annoyance at an already annoying situation. He was diligent and persistent in his pursuit to help me, but I had to ask him to repeat a few things. Once I took a breath and really started listening, the sound of his spee

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

Let’s talk Kindergarten prep with IEPs. Kindergarten can be a difficult transition for learners, parents, and teachers. I’ve been there. Now that my learners are older, these are some things I wish I had known, considered, and remembered when the process began. Whether your learner has an IEP already or not, these tips can be beneficial. So, let’s talk about school and parent considerations and reminders to help you, your learner, and their team have a safe and successful sch

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

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

Transitioning from active duty required thorough research and diligence to ensure readiness for the next stage of my family's life. Despite the challenges of military life - with deployments, late nights, and missed moments - it strengthened our bonds. However, feeling a different calling and desiring stability for my family prompted my departure after a decade as an officer. Leaving involved considering my previous education, our sons' schooling, relocation, healthcare, and

Before becoming a parent, I celebrated the Month of the Military Child with kindergarten students near Fort Cavazos (formerly Fort Hood), Texas. During that time, I taught young children enduring long deployments and the aftermath of the 2014 shooting incident at Fort Cavazos. Now, I’m a parent with boys of my own. I proudly share my oldest son's journey as a military child to honor the Month of the Military Child. Meet the Miltary Child Colton: Expert Traveler Colton, my 12-

Winter break is over, and the kids are headed back to school. While this can be a sigh of relief, if your kids eat twice as much as they do on a school day when they're on break, like my children do, it can also be stressful if your child is in Special Education. Four to five months of school left, and it's time to get back on top of their education. Here are some recommendations for preparing for the second half of the school year! Tips for the Second Half of the School Year

As the new school year starts, parents brim with hope for academic and social success. Parents and teachers alike are assessing their student’s educational progress and whether the appropriate services and supports are in place. For parents of children with special needs, this early time period is critical. Is the Individualized Education Program (IEP) being implemented as written? If the military family is new to the school, are comparable services being offered as mandated

Partners in PROMISE (PiP) created its own "Bill of Rights" for military families. It includes reminders of your rights for IEP meetings, consent requirements, dispute and resolution procedures, and Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). In the military community, it’s easy to miss important information due to our highly mobile lifestyle. PiP recognizes those challenges. Our survey data show a relationship between informed parents and positive outcomes in their child’s spec

Explore the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act's Section 1414 (d)(2) requirements for students with disabilities during school transfers. Understand your child's rights under this federal law. Discover recent guidance from the United States Department of Education Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, ensuring high-quality education for highly mobile students, including military children with disabilities. Unravel empowering tips for navigating the

Hear from special education teacher and military spouse, Jessica Monteverde as she shares her insights into how to integrate IEPs into your overall PCS prep. "Although it won’t solve all the challenges of PCSing, knowing your child’s IEP is up-to-date and ready for a transition to a new school will help. Research shows that your input and collaboration are immeasurable to the success of your child now and in the future. The new team will be grateful for your preparation, com

It’s always time to go! I remember one time we had just bought a house in a hot real estate market. We hadn’t even been there for eight months and we were promoted and it was time to PCS. Such is the life of anyone connected to the military. The best-laid plans in military life are always changed. The most efficient way to deal with burned plans is to be prepared to change and adapt. This is even more important when dealing with medical problems, diagnoses, and special educat

Teachers and students can build an Exit Plan together to help cultivate smooth academic and social/emotional transitions.

Not sure what an End of Year IEP is all about? Does your child qualify for ESY services? Watch our interview with a special ed attorney!