IDEA Doesn’t Pause for Orders

Under 34 C.F.R. § 300.323(f), comparable services are owed the moment your child enrolls — not after a new IEP meeting gets scheduled.

DoDEA Has Its Own Playbook

Case Study Committees, not IEP teams, and the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children shape how conflicts get resolved.

Advocacy Travels With You

Virtual support means the same advocate reviews your file before, during, and after the move — no re-explaining your child’s story at every new base.

01  What happens to my child’s IEP when we PCS?

Your child’s IEP does not expire or reset when you move. Under IDEA, when a student with an existing IEP transfers to a new school district — even mid-year, even across state lines — the receiving school must provide services comparable to those in the last IEP until it either adopts that IEP or develops and implements a new one, in consultation with you.

In practice, “comparable” is where most disputes start. Bringing your child’s most recent IEP, evaluations, and progress data to enrollment — and requesting the interim services in writing — protects you if the receiving school’s first offer falls short.

02  Does IDEA protect my child’s rights during a PCS move?

Yes. IDEA’s transfer provisions apply nationwide, including in DoDEA schools, and they don’t pause for a move:

• The right to comparable services immediately upon enrollment
• The right to prior written notice (PWN) before the school changes placement or services
• Your right to participate in any meeting where a new IEP is proposed

03  Can the new school change my child’s IEP without my consent after a PCS?

No — not unilaterally, and not without process:

• Adopt the existing IEP as-is, or convene a meeting to develop a new one with your input
• Issue prior written notice explaining any proposed change and the reasoning behind it
• Give you the opportunity to invoke procedural safeguards — including mediation or due process — before major changes are finalized

04  How far in advance should I start the IEP transfer process?

As soon as orders drop — ideally 60 to 90 days before your report date. Before you out-process, request a complete copy of your child’s education file: the current IEP, most recent evaluations, progress reports, and any prior written notices.

05  Can I get IEP advocacy help virtually during a PCS move?

Yes. Virtual advocacy is how most military families work with me, whether you’re moving stateside or into a DoDEA school overseas — file review before the move, meeting prep, and remote attendance at IEP meetings when needed.

06  What is the EFMP and how does it relate to my child’s IEP?

The Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) is a DoD enrollment program, separate from your child’s IEP, that identifies family members with medical or educational needs so assignment coordinators can consider service availability at a gaining installation.

EFMP enrollment doesn’t replace your rights under IDEA or Section 504 — the two run on parallel tracks, and both matter to a smooth move.

07  Are DoDEA schools required to follow IDEA?

Yes. DoDEA schools serve students under IDEA and Section 504 the same as public school districts do, with their own implementing regulations layered on top. The core rights — FAPE, evaluation, IEP development, procedural safeguards — apply.

08  How is a DoDEA Case Study Committee (CSC) different from a stateside IEP meeting?

The CSC is DoDEA’s version of the IEP team — same core function, different name and, at times, a different rhythm to how eligibility and services get decided. Knowing the DoDEA-specific process going in makes a real difference in how prepared you feel walking into the room.

09  Can I request an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) in a DoDEA school?

Yes — the right to request an IEE at public expense when you disagree with a school’s evaluation applies in DoDEA schools as well, following DoDEA-specific steps and timelines.

10  What does a special education advocate actually do?

An advocate reviews your child’s records and evaluations, helps you understand what the school is proposing and why, prepares you for IEP and 504 meetings, and often attends those meetings with you to make sure your voice is heard and the paperwork reflects what was actually agreed to.

11  Do I need an attorney, or is an advocate enough?

Most IEP and 504 situations don’t require an attorney — an advocate can handle meeting prep, records review, and negotiation with the school. If a dispute escalates toward mediation or due process, that’s usually the point to bring in education counsel alongside your advocate.

12  What’s the difference between an IEP and a 504 Plan?

An IEP, under IDEA, provides specially designed instruction with specific goals, services, and progress monitoring. A 504 Plan, under Section 504, provides accommodations for a student who can access the general curriculum without specialized instruction.

13  What are Hilary’s credentials?

A BSBA in Finance from the University of Denver, a graduate-level paralegal degree and a Special Education Law Certificate from the University of San Diego, Military Relocation Professional (MRP) designation, and 25+ years in the military community as a Coast Guard spouse.

14  Does Hilary work with families outside Georgia and California?

Yes. Real estate services are focused in California; IEP and 504 advocacy is available virtually nationwide, including DoDEA schools worldwide. Location has never limited who I work with on the advocacy side.

15  How do I get started?

Book a free 30-minute consult. We’ll talk through where things stand with your child, what’s coming up — a PCS, an IEP meeting, a first evaluation — and whether ongoing advocacy support makes sense for your situation.

Hilary Reese

Former Coast Guard spouse with four PCS moves in twelve years across three states. Hilary has closed dozens of PCS real estate transactions in California since 2006, and provides IEP and 504 advocacy for military families nationwide and in DoDEA schools worldwide.