DoDDS special education programs are governed by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and the DoD implementing regulation, DoDI 1342.2, "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 - 21 and eligible to enroll in DoDDS, receive a free, appropriate education. DoDI 1342.12 address 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 multi-disciplinary 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 multi-disciplinary team determines the child's eligibility for services.
- Individualized Program Plans (IEP/IFSP) - Individualized Family Support Plans are developed for children from birth through age 2 inclusively. Individualized Education Plans are developed for eligible students (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 para-professionals.
- 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 area that are prepared to provide appropriate services.
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