Navigating Special Education Needs and Parental Rights for Military Families

Special Education Instruction and Services

Fairfax County Public Schools provides many supports and services to students with special needs and their families. 

If your child has a current Individualized Education Program (IEP) or has an existing IEP that needs reevaluation to determine eligibility for special education in Virginia, FCPS will provide comparable services until an FCPS IEP is developed within 30 days.

If you believe your child may have a disability and is in need of special education services, you may make a written or oral referral to your child’s school. Learn more about Child Find.

For questions or more information regarding special education services, guidelines, and procedures, the Procedural Support Liaison (PSL) for your school pyramid can be of assistance.

The Military Interstate Compact, MIC3, addresses key educational transition issues encountered by children of military families, and addresses special education services for military-connected students. 

• The receiving state shall initially provide comparable services to a student with disabilities based on their current IEP; and 
• The receiving state shall make reasonable accommodations and modifications to address the needs of incoming students with disabilities, subject to an existing 504 or Title II Plans, to provide the student with equitable access to educational and 
• The receiving school may perform subsequent evaluations to ensure appropriate placement and appropriate services. 

The following documents provide general guidance and information related to military-connected students:

• FCPS Special Education Parent Handbook 
• FCPS Procedural Safeguards 
• VDOE Transfer of Children with Disabilities and Special Education Protections Briefing
• VDOE Guidance for Military Families with Students in Special Education