Navigating Special Education Needs and Parental Rights for Military-Connected Families

Information and Special Education Services and parental rights, including parental consent, specifically for our military families

Fairfax County Public Schools provides many programs 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 and 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 needs special education services, you may make a written or oral referral to your child’s school. Learn more about FCPS Special Education Procedures required for Implementation of Special Education Regulations in Virginia's Public Schools.

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 Military-connected families and special education services used by 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 education. 
  • 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: