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April is the Month of the Military Child. To most people, it’s just another month celebrating something they are vaguely aware of, chalking it up to the same importance or unimportance as every other month. Who really remembers Blood Donor Awareness Month (January), Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month (November), or any causes brought to light each month? April and the Month of the Military Child are no different unless you’re like me and are acutely aware of the military chi

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

Recently, I listened to a parenting podcast that referenced a book written by Dr. W. Thomas Boyce. The book discusses how children usually fall into two categories: dandelions or orchids. Hearing their definitions struck me to the core. Dandelions can thrive anywhere you put them, even in a sidewalk crack. Orchids, however, need the perfect humidity, sunlight, and watering schedule to thrive. I have two orchids with special needs, Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), a

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

This report from Partners in PROMISE investigates the unique challenges of military-connected children with disabilities. The report "The State of Military-Connected Children with Disabilities" talks about the special problems military families face when their kids need extra help in school because of disabilities in 2025. It looks closely at important topics like how the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) can be made better. It also discusses how difficult it can be to

Related services have been crucial for my military family throughout the challenges of frequent moves. Under §300.34 of IDEA, services like speech therapy, school counseling, and occupational therapy from school personnel to community therapists have supported my son's continuity of care. How Related Services Have Helped My Family Related services have been part of my family’s life for over a decade through three permanent change of stations (PCSs). Each time we PCS, it cause

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

It’s February; before we know it, summer will be here. For military families, that may mean a PCS. Sound familiar? Even though that might be months away, it’s time to get prepared and talk about Special Education Procedural Safeguards and Subpart E of The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA) of 2004, a reauthorization of the IDEA. For military families, especially families who move frequently, it is important to understand that each state presents it

This article focuses on the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) and ensures your learner is in the most appropriate setting to access support and special education services. Disability, diagnosis, or eligibility category do not determine LRE; your child’s individual needs determine it. This distinction is crucial, as districts may try to place your child based on their category rather than their unique requirements. Least Restrictive Environment Key Definitions Before explori

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

The Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) recently released a Dear Colleague letter and updated guidance on Using Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBA) to Create Supportive Learning Environments. This article is designed to help parents understand FBAs and behavior intervention plans (BIPs). It explains the tools, how they function, and what you can expect to support your child better—whether you are stateside, overseas, in a county school, or a Do

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

What is ADHD? ADHD is short for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. It is a neurodevelopmental disorder that often begins in childhood and can continue into adulthood. There are three primary types of ADHD: predominantly inattentive presentation, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive presentation, and combined presentation. Signs and Symptoms of ADHD The signs and symptoms of ADHD can vary, but they generally fall into two categories: inattention and hyperactivity-impulsi

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

As previously discussed, special education is governed by IDEA: the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Furthermore, Under IDEA, parents have procedural safeguards, legal rights and protections during the special education process. In fact, every parent is provided with procedural safeguards throughout the special education evaluation. This includes consenting to special education services and at each subsequent IEP meeting (unless they decline). Moreover, a k

“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