Virginia Publishes Special Education Guide for Military Families with Children

The Virginia Department of Education has published a new guide for military families with children in special education. The 16-page resource “Guidance for Military Families with Students in Special Education” provides information and answers to questions about special education programs in Virginia public schools. Topics include enrollment, special education services, parental consent in Virginia, Section 504, dispute resolution and procedural safeguards.

“Most students in military families will attend six to nine different schools — usually in several different states — between kindergarten and the 12th grade,” said Steven Staples, Virginia Superintendent of Public Instruction. Students transitioning between schools due to frequent military relocations is always hard, but it can be especially difficult for families with students in special education. This resource guide is intended to assist families new to Virginia.

Guidance for Military Families with Students in Special Education is also available in this online version.

Printed copies are available from school division special education directors and Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine school liaison officers and military family coordinators.