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State Support of Military Families with Special Education Needs

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Key Message

Highly mobile children, including those from military families, are more likely to experience recurring educational disruptions and challenges accessing accommodations and special education services provided under federal law. States can assist military families by enacting policies that ensure timely establishment of special education and related services upon relocation.

Analysis

With military families relocating every two to three years, these moves present unique challenges for children with special education needs — making it more difficult to maintain access to the vital, timely and uninterrupted special education services they deserve. States have enacted improvements to their education statutes to build upon existing requirements provided within the federal Individuals With Disabilities Education Act, or IDEA, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

Insights

To further recommendations contained within a September 2024 Defense Department report to Congress, “Military-Connected Children and Special Education Services,” states are encouraged to specify a 30-day time frame for full program implementation for in-bound transfer students with an existing individualized education program or individualized family service plan.

Supporting Resources

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State Policymakers

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