Transferring Educational Services from OCONUS to CONUS
by Rachel Carpenter - February 3rd, 2022
We had a positive experience while living OCONUS and receiving educational services for my daughter. She started in Educational and Developmental Intervention Services or EDIS while living in Italy, then moved into DoDEA schools with support services like speech and occupational therapy in her school. She thrived and made positive gains while receiving the same quality education with her classmates.
But I had a great deal of apprehension about moving back to CONUS or to the U.S. With such amazing education services for over five years, would she receive the same support?
The short answer is yes. But it took a great deal of preparation and advocacy on our part to ensure a smooth transition.
Transferring educational services from overseas
Every state has different policies and regulations regarding their state’s education system, but federal laws under FAPE or free appropriate public education mandate that all children receive these educational services. Furthermore, IDEA or the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, is a federal law that concerns special education and provides the minimum standards for states. These ensure that no matter where you move, there are some standards that are consistent:
all children with disabilities must have a free appropriate public education that emphasizes special education and related services designed to meet their unique needs and prepare them for further education, employment, and independent living
the rights of children with disabilities and parents of such children are protected
ensure that educators and parents have the necessary tools to improve educational results for children with disabilities by supporting systems, activities, technology, and support services
to assess, and ensure the effectiveness of, efforts to educate children with disabilities
Before you move, check with your new state, district, and schools about what is available to your child. Did you know that every state must publish their policies and information regarding early intervention and special education services? You can find most of this online, allowing you to research ahead of time. The Center for Parent Information and Resources has very helpful information, including links to early intervention and special education policies by state.
It is worth noting that states and school districts will vary on what is available to provide your child. Get to know the minimum requirements under IDEA and advocate for these if you meet resistance at their new school. Schools also have rights and responsibilities, including the right to request a new evaluation of your child or a new IEP/504 plan. Until that evaluation is completed though, the school is required to uphold and fulfill the current plan to the best of their capabilities. Know before you go what is available, and advocate for your child.
PCSing back to the U.S. with special needs children
Get everything prepared BEFORE the movers come!
I’ve always had a separate folder/binder for educational documents for my children when moving, but my daughter has her own with her records, transcripts, and copies of her IEP/504 plan. These federally-protected documents are vital to ensuring that your child receives their educational services in your next location. Check the validity of your current plans and supporting documents; if they will expire during your move or shortly after arriving at your new duty station, plan to have them renewed long before your depart. DoDEA schools are different from CONUS schools, but your documentation is still valid!
Call your physicians, specialists, therapists, and anyone else that is involved in your child’s health and education. Even if these are military affiliated, you want to communicate to them about your move and how to best prepare for the transition. For example, if your child requires a medication or specific service, discuss how you can ensure that these are maintained. This is especially important when you are moving from overseas. You may not have access to your household goods for months, and it may take just as long to secure new appointments and specialists. Do what you can before you board that plane and move.
Is it always a smooth transition? No. I cannot guarantee that for anyone. But with some preparation, knowledge, and federal protections in place, you can attain educational services from OCONUS to CONUS.
Rachel is the co-owner and editor of The Military Mom Collective. She has been an Air Force spouse for 18 years and is a mother of four children. She holds a BA in English and a MA in Management. When not busy with work or her family, she enjoys reading as many books as possible and drinking all of the coffee. Rachel is also the editor at AMSE, the Association of Military Spouse Entrepreneurs, and a freelance writer. She has been featured on We Are The Mighty, Her View From Home, AMSE, Hand-in-Hand QC, and other publications. She has been writing for over 10 years and loves staying connected with the military community. You can find her on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn.
