Education Resources

Building the Legacy: A Training Curriculum on Part B of IDEA 2004 This is a legacy resource the National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities produced at the request of the Office of Special Education Programs at the U.S. Department of Education. The curriculum is intended to help all those involved with children with disabilities understand and implement the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, the nation’s special education law.

Center for Parent Information and Resources The U.S. Department of Education funded this center, which serves as a central resource of information and products to the community of Parent Training and Information Centers and Community Parent Resource Centers. This allows them to focus their efforts on serving families of children with disabilities.

Department of Defense Education Activity This instructional program provides a comprehensive curriculum for prekindergarten through 12th grade that is dedicated to attaining the highest student achievement for all students. The Department of Defense Education Activity is globally positioned, with schools in 11 foreign countries, seven states, Guam and Puerto Rico (to include the virtual school).

Department of Defense Education Activity Special Education This website provides an overview of course descriptions, programs and services available to students with special needs and includes information on eligibility categories.

Department of Education, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services This office supports programs that help educate children and youth with disabilities, provides for the rehabilitation of youth and adults with disabilities and supports research to improve lives of individuals with disabilities. The website provides information on programs and initiatives, contact information, reports and resources, and news.

Department of Defense Directory of Early Intervention, Special Education and Related Services in OCONUS Communities This directory is intended to assist medical and educational assignment coordinators with identifying military communities outside the continental United States with preestablished programs or services for children with special needs. Note: The OCONUS directory does not identify preestablished programs or services for special medical needs.

Department of State, Office of Overseas Schools The Office of Overseas Schools promotes quality educational opportunities at the elementary and secondary level for dependents of American citizens carrying out the programs and interests of the U.S. government abroad. The website provides information on overseas schools’ advisory councils, educational assistance programs, regional education associations and resources for special needs.

Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center This center, which receives funding from the Office of Special Education Programs, works to improve state early intervention and early childhood special education service systems, increase the implementation of effective practices and enhance the outcomes of these programs for young children and their families.

Education Directory for Children With Special Needs This directory provides useful information for military families about national and local resources for early intervention (infant and toddlers) and special education (school-age children) services. The directory provides the following information:

• Brief summaries of national and state policies and evidence-based practices related to autism spectrum disorders, behavioral and emotional disorders, and intellectual disabilities
• Profiles and contact information for districts that serve military installations in the selected states
• A representative list of effective resources
• Suggestions and resources to assist families during the educational transition of their child with a disability

Educational and Developmental Intervention Services The military medical departments provide early intervention services to infants and toddlers from birth up to 3 years of age who are eligible to attend a Department of Defense school. The military medical departments also provide related services to eligible children in OCONUS locations where the Department of Defense Education Activity is responsible for educational services. The Army, Marine Corps and Navy each have their own programs.

Military Interstate Children’ Compact Commission, or MIC3 MIC3 informs parents about legal protections for their children in the school system as they PCS to new installations and schools. Watch this video to learn how MIC3 and its leaders work to ensure military moves don’t impact students’ access to quality and equal opportunities in learning.

MilitaryINSTALLATIONS This online information directory provides contact information for programs and services, maps and directions, links to comprehensive location overviews and community points of interest for military installations worldwide.

• Many installations now have a school liaison to serve as a bridge and facilitator between schools and military families. Watch this video to learn how school liaisons can assist with education concerns for students pre-K-12.
• School liaisons work with schools to minimize negative consequences of transitions and inform school personnel and installation command about issues related to the education of military youth, including special education.
• Parents who are having difficulties working in partnership with school personnel should receive referral to the installation school liaison. Find contact information for local installation services under “Program or service” and “School Liaison Office/Community Schools.”

Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services Transition Activities The Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services provides support for transition programs and services for youth and disabled adults. OSERS’ transition steering committee, the “Transition Tigers,” zeros in on the services, needs and outcomes of youth with disabilities as they transition into post-education and employment.

National Association of State Directors of Special Education This association strives to improve educational services and outcomes for students with disabilities throughout the United States, federal territories and the Republic of Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of the Marshall Islands. The website provides information on current projects, publications, events and links to additional resources. The website has contact information and links to websites for each state’s director of special education.

The Technical Assistance ALLIANCE for Parent Centers National Office This office provides Parent Centers, Parent Training and Information Centers and Community Parent Resource Centers in each state with innovative technical assistance, up-to-date information and high-quality resources and materials. This assistance helps parents participate more effectively with professionals in meeting the educational needs of children and youth with disabilities.