--- title: 9 tips to help military families navigate the system description: Navigating the special education system can be a little more complex for military families. Here are some tips to help. slug: 9-tips-to-help-military-families-navigate-the-system author: Amanda Morin reviewer: Kylah Torre published: '2019-10-16T12:22:18.198Z' thumbnail: https://cdn-images.understood.org/p0qf7j048i0q/5gMsc3X2wnMz9q7qmMQuW/539fa5f9529d957ce87bd6dc9b71ace9/G664667087.png source_url: https://www.understood.org/en/articles/9-tips-to-help-military-families-navigate-the-system lang: en --- # 9 tips to help military families navigate the system If you’re a military family and you have a child with learning and thinking differences, what are your options? The military has its own way of serving you and your child. Here’s what you need to know. ## 1. Sign up for the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP). It’s required if your child needs special education services. EFMP is there to help you and your family find the services and support you need from military and non-military agencies. ## 2. Do some homework. Try to get familiar with special education rights and responsibilities for military families. Many kids attend public schools while their parents are in the military. But some attend schools run by the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA). There are similarities and differences between special education services in DoDEA schools and public schools. ## 3. Don’t hesitate to ask for help. If you’re having trouble navigating the system, put in a request for a DoDEA case manager. DoDEA special education services aren’t the same as in public schools. Working with someone who knows the system can be very helpful. ## 4. Keep track of your child’s records. Military families are likely to switch schools more frequently than other families. It’s important to keep your child’s information and records organized and up to date. The military has a system called the [Special Care Organizational Records](http://www.militaryonesource.mil/12038/EFMP/PTK_SCORs/SCOR_Children.pdf) that may be helpful. ## 5. Develop a relationship with your child’s teachers. Stay in touch with your child’s teachers. Together you can document efforts to help your child. For example, using a communication notebook (a notebook that goes back and forth between the teacher and you) can help both of you keep track of strategies that are working well (or not so well) at home and at school. This can be especially helpful to reference if your child is transferred to a new school. ## 6. Understand your child’s learning and thinking differences. The more you know about your child’s specific issues and needs, the better you can advocate for him. For example, if your child has writing issues and needs assistive technology to help him write, it’s important to know that. You can help make sure all his information and needs are recorded as part of your child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP). That [IEP will transfer to a new school](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/what-happens-to-your-childs-iep-if-you-switch-schools) if you are relocated. ## 7. Be involved in your child’s IEP meetings. Service in the military may mean that you’re not always on base. But try to attend meetings as often as your schedule allows. The military encourages family involvement. So getting time off might be easier than you think. You can ask your DoDEA case manager to come with you if you’re concerned about a smooth transfer of service to another school. If you’re deployed, make sure your child’s guardian attends the meeting and fills you in. ## 8. Encourage your child to speak up. Make sure your child is aware of his services. This way he can keep you informed about what’s going on in the classroom. As he gets older, it’s important that he learn to self-advocate, or speak up for what he needs. ## 9. Subscribe to *The Exceptional Advocate*. This is an [electronic newsletter](https://www.militaryonesource.mil/epublications/) for military families in the EFMP. It gives families the latest news on the military and special needs. --- ## Explore related topics and articles - [Special education services in military DoDEA schools](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/special-education-services-for-military-families) - - The Department of Defense Education Activity \(DoDEA\) runs schools worldwide for kids in military families. - Special education services in DoDEA schools arent that different from those in regular public schools. - There are military programs that can support families of kids with learning and t - [Staying on top of your child’s IEP](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/parent-manage-childs-iep) - Your role in the IEP process doesnt end when your child has a plan for special education services in place. In fact, the actual work of the IEP is only starting. Here are six ways to stay on top of your childs IEP and make sure your child is getting the needed support. 1. Stay involved and aware. M - [Transferring school districts: 8 steps to take if your child has an IEP](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/transferring-school-districts-8-steps-to-take-if-your-child-has-an-iep) - Switching schools can be challenging enough, but a school district transfer can be even trickier especially if your child has an IEP.You want to make sure the new school district has the necessary information to provide the supports your child needs. Under the federal special education law IDEA, all --- ```json [{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.understood.org/en/articles/9-tips-to-help-military-families-navigate-the-system#webpage","url":"https://www.understood.org/en/articles/9-tips-to-help-military-families-navigate-the-system","description":"Navigating the special education system can be a little more complex for military families. 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