|
DoDDS special education programs are governed by the
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, IDEA, and the DoD
implementing regulation, DoDI 1342.12, “Provision of Early
Intervention and Special Education Services to Eligible DoD Dependents
in Overseas Areas.” DoDI 1342.12 establishes policy, provides
guidance and establishes safeguards to ensure that special needs
children, ages 3 to 21 and eligible to enroll in DoDDS, receive a
free, appropriate education. DoDI 1342.12 addresses the following
major procedural areas:
·
Identification/Child Find – A coordinated community effort
to identify children from birth to 21 who might be in need of early
intervention, special education, or medically related services.
·
Evaluation – A multidisciplinary team assesses a student to
identify all areas of the suspected disability. This includes the
identification of student strengths.
·
Eligibility – After completion of the assessment, the
multidisciplinary team determines the child’s eligibility for
services.
·
Individualized Program Plans (IEP/IFSP) – Individualized
Family Support Plans are developed for children from birth through 2
inclusive. Individualized Education Plans are developed for eligible
students ages 3 – 21.
·
Least Restrictive Environment – Children with disabilities
are served with children who are not disabled, to the greatest extent
possible.
·
Procedural Safeguards
– Parents of children with disabilities are afforded procedural
safeguards to ensure that their children receive appropriate services.
·
Personnel Development – A comprehensive system of personnel
development ensures appropriate training for professionals and
paraprofessionals.
·
Compliance – DoD ensures compliance with the regulations
through a coordinated, systematic program of monitoring.
·
Program Administration – Program administration ensures
that services are provided in accordance with the appropriate
regulations.
·
Assignments – The military departments implement procedures
to ensure that service members are assigned to areas that are prepared
to provide appropriate services. |
