EFMP News • March 2015 2140 Liggett Ave., Room 400 253-967-9704/9705 1

EFMP NewsYour free guide to EFMP services, entertainment and educational opportunities on Joint Base Lewis-McChord

FREE

Exceptional Family Member Program March 2015

Upcoming Events Pages 2-3

Summer Camp ScoopPage 4

Tools for Education (for PCS/ETS/Retire)Page 5

Education Laws & ProcessPages 6-7

EFMP News • March 2015 2140 Liggett Ave., Room 400 253-967-9704/9705 2

In this issue:

Armed Forces Community Service (AFCS)Director: Alecia R. Grady

Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP)

Bldg. 2140, Waller Hall, Rm. 400JBLM-Lewis Main

usarmy.jblm.imcom.list.dfmwr-acs-exceptional-family-member@mail.mil

EFMP Program Manager: Mary Herrera253-967-9704

EFMP Staff Members:

Upcoming Events, pg. 2-3Summer Camp Scoop, pg. 4Preparing to PCS/ETS/Retire: Tools for Education, pg. 5Comparison of Education Laws & Education Process in WA, pg. 6-7Operation KUDO, pg. 8Local Support Groups, pg. 9Birth-to-Three Services, pg. 9EFMP Enrollment Process, pg. 9Resources at your fingertips, pg. 10

Nancy Dozier: 253-967-9705Carol Watrous: 253-967-3451Cheryl Hoyson: 253-967-5795Megan O’Day: 253-967-9097Lynn Shick: 253-967-3464Anthony Buggage: 253-982-2695

The EFMP office has an open-door policy regarding assistance to our Families. Please feel free to contact us if you have any ques-tions about available services, concerns, or if you need resources or advocacy at Joint Base Lewis-McChord or in the civilian community.

MarchSKIES Registration Mar. 2-27, Parent Central Services, Lewis Main & Mc-Chord Field to register for April SKIES classes. Registra-tion for classes is the first Mon. through the fourth Fri. of the previous month. For a descrip-tion of classes or to register your child, go to JBLMmwr.com & click on the yellow WebTrac button.

JBLM Special Olympics Ages 8 – 18, $55 per sport.Aquatics/Swimming – Regis-tration: Feb. 3 – Mar. 5. Parent meeting: Mar. 6. Practices: Mar. 9 – Apr. 19 (Mondays – Wednesdays) Track and Field – Registra-tion: Feb. 3 – Mar. 12. Parent meeting: Mar. 13. Practice Mar. 17 – Apr. 25 (Tuesdays – Thursdays). For questions, contact Genia Stewart, Head Coach, at 253-967-2405 or mary.e.stewart48.naf@mail.mil.

International Spouse Orientation Mar. 4, 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., Family Resource Center, 4272 Idaho Ave., Lewis Main. For foreign-born spouses. Let us help you better understand American customs and culture. Get information about obtain-ing a driver’s license, English as a second language, employ-ment opportunities and more.

RSVP required. Register at jblmafcs.checkappointments.com or call 253-967-3628.

PURPAS– Monthly Meeting Mar. 11, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. Henry Foss High School, 2112 South Tyler Street, Tacoma, Rooms 213A and 215A. Please bring your own beverage; snacks will be provided. For more infor-mation, contact Susan Jackson at 253-565-2266, ext 107, or Sybille White at ext 118.

Special Families of Pierce County Mar. 12, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., Summer Activity Ideas, Rep-resentatives from various summer programs and camps. Children’s Museum of Tacoma, 1501 Pacific Avenue, Tacoma. Childcare is limited and pre-registration is required each month.

Spouses Out on the Town Mar. 17, 9-3 p.m. New to JBLM? Enjoy a day out on the town visiting sites outside JBLM. Pick-up times & lo-cations: 9 a.m., Waller Hall AFCS (Lewis Main) & 9:30 a.m. S&FRC (McChord Field). Limited Seats Available: Reg-ister at JBLMAFCS.checkap-pointments.com. Please bring lunch (or money for lunch). Dates, pick-up times & loca-tions subject to change; call

EFMP News • March 2015 2140 Liggett Ave., Room 400 253-967-9704/9705 3

253-967-3628 for details.

JBLM EFMP Family Friendly Movie Mar. 21, 12-2:00 p.m., “The Penguins of Madagascar” at the McChord Theater. FREE. Sensory controlled environ-ment. Perfect for special needs and young viewers. All chil-dren must be accompanied by an adult. Bring your own snacks. For more information contact 253-982-2695.

AFCS-EFMP Resource Fair Mar. 25, 9:30 -11:30 a.m., Waller Hall. Representatives from various service agencies both on and around JBLM will be present to talk with families. Agencies include Washing-ton PAVE, Special Olympics, ACES, Pediatric Behavioral Health, FOCUS, Special Fami-lies of Pierce County, KIDFIT, Magnolia Behavioral Health, SKIES, AFCS-EFMP, Tricare Dental Program, and MAMC-EFMP. Stop by & check it out.

Spring Flea Market Saturday, Mar. 21, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., MWR Fest Tent. 253-967-6772 for information.

The BOSS Easter Dash, Sunday, Apr. 5, at Cowan Stadium Football Field. Spe-cial Needs with Parents 12:00 – 12:30 p.m.; 3 years and younger 1:00 – 1:30 p.m.; 4 – 7

EFMP News is an authorized unofficial community information source published for members of the Joint Base Lewis-Mc-Chord EFMP community. There is no U.S. government endorsement of any commer-cial sponsor. Editorial content is provided by Exceptional Family Member Program, Armed Forces Community Service, and Family & Morale Welfare and Recreation offices. Submissions are welcome but will be edited for accuracy, brevity, clarity and journalistic style. Submissions are due on the first day of the month, one month prior to publication date. EFMP News is published monthly. Circulation: 1000. Send submissions to: Mary.K.Herrera.civ@mail.mil

Policy:We encourage letters to the editor, but they must be signed. We will consider withhold-ing the name of the author upon request. Letters regarding an issue should contrib-ute to informational interest.

We reserve the right to edit all material for style, to fit available space, to resolve libel, force protection and grammar.

Although the information in the issue is current at time of publication, activities and events are subject to change. Please contact the activity for confirmation.

Join us on FACEBOOK! Connect with other EFMP News readers on Facebook and get regular updates on our program.

www.facebook.com/efmpjblm

Events...years of age 2:00 – 2:30 p.m. and 8 years and older 3:00 – 3:30 p.m. Please bring your own basket. There will be no pictures with the Easter Bunny, no guarding of the eggs, no foul play, and no restrooms on scene.

Sounders Lanes Family Fun Center on McChord Field is now open and fea-tures 12 lanes for bowling, laser maze, family fun area, snack bar, birthday party pack-ages and more. Go to www.jblmmwr.com/bowling_m.html for more information or call 253-982-5954.

COMMUnITY EvEnTSParenting with Candyce Bollinger presents “How to Motivate” Mar. 3, 6:00-8:00 p.m. in partnership with South Puget Sound Community College and Hands on Children’s Mu-seum. Call 360-956-0818 x 103 to pre-register. Cost is $25 per family (up to 2 adults and 4 children).

Power Parenting presents “Teens and Tweens and Almosts” Mar. 10, 6:00-8:00 p.m. by the Family Support Center of South Sound and Hands on Children’s Museum. Call 360-956-0818 x 103 to pre-register.

EFMP News • March 2015 2140 Liggett Ave., Room 400 253-967-9704/9705 4

Summer CampSCoop!Key TermsRegistration: Occurs annually and prior to enrollment.

Enrollment: Generally available throughout the summer or until full. Register early. Consider child custody plans, vacations, etc.

Projected Waitlist: An organization/agency determines how it will maintain a list of those interested in summer camps. Priority is typically for returning campers and then for first come first served.

Recommendation: Seize Your Window of opportunity*It is typical for camps to be full by mid-May

Step 1: Contact the organization/agency; inquire when enrollment will open; request to be placed on the projected waitlist if they have one. Identify target date(s) on your calendar.

Step 2: Gather all documents needed to register. Often, this requires medical documentation; you may need to schedule “administration time with your physician.”

Step 3: Enroll and enjoy!

Some Summer Camp opportunitiesJBLM Child Youth & School Services

http://jblmmwr.com/cyss_parent_central.html

Weekly summer camps are available for those who have graduated kindergarten on up. Fees are subsidized based on household income with further discounts for multiple children.

Please call 253-966-2977 and request to be placed on the wait list.

Then, go to https://webtrac.mwr.army.mil/webtrac103/wbwsc/lewiscyms.wsc/wbsplash.

html?wbp=1# and click tab right “forms.” A Special Needs Accommodation Process may be required and generally takes 7-10 days. Registration must be complete prior to enrollment.

Summer Camps and Programs for Children with Special Health Care needs Washington State Edition

The 2015 Summer Camp Directory is due to be released the first week in March. You can access a PDF file or online at www.cshcn.org/resources-contacts/summer-camp-directory. This is a searchable website and may include additional camps that were submitted after the deadline for this printed directory.

EFMP News • March 2015 2140 Liggett Ave., Room 400 253-967-9704/9705 5

Education Directory for Child With Special needs, States at a Glance

http://apps.militaryonesource.mil/MOS/f?p=EFMP_DIRECTORY:HOME:0::::EKMT:37.20.15.0.0.0.0.0.0

Military Community & Family Policy-Office of Special Needs provides a directory of age specific resources and States at a Glance for special education and parent resources.

Center for Parent Information & Resources

www.parentcenterhub.org

Provides parent education,

acronyms, tools, webinars, and a directory of local Parent and Information Training Centers to appropriately advocate for children, proactively supporting personal accountability. Funded by OSEP.

Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunities for Military Children

http://www.mic3.net/

The “Military Compact” addresses key

educational transition issues encountered by military families including enrollment (i.e. Shot records waived 30 days at the time of registration if they were packed), placement (i.e. similar classes accounted for, Math 1 to Algebra 1), attendance (i.e. Deployment not PCS related), eligibility (i.e. standardized tests waived for high school courses; unlike civilian students who transfer, they will not have to retake the tests in the new state) and graduation (i.e. Students who transfer only their senior year may go by state graduation requirements of the school they attended junior year or may choose to go by the state graduation requirements of the

new school. Parents are encouraged to compare the differences in state graduation requirements at the time of registration with the new school in the new state.). This legislation is adopted into each State code of law. Department of Defense Educational Activity (DoDEA) is a de facto member.

Memorandum (19 JUL 2013), US Department of Education, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSEP)

http://www2.ed.gov/policy/speced/guid/idea/memosdcltrs/120392dclhighlymobile.pdf

Guidance for States to expedite processes for highly mobile children, specifically military dependents: a) evaluations in 30 days instead of 60 days, b) remove delays due to school district schedules for families moving during incomplete screenings, c) continue Extended School Year (ESY) for students moving in the summer who were receiving ESY at the previous school.

Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP)

http://jblmmwr.com/acs/acs_efmp.html

EFMP, during outprocessing, will transfer you in the system to your next duty station and/or connect you with resources to make the move smoother at your next location.

Military OneSource

https://www.militaryonesource.mil

Tools to plan your move; transition assistance.

PreParing to PCS/etS/retire: tools for education & Special Services K-12

EFMP News • March 2015 2140 Liggett Ave., Room 400 253-967-9704/9705 6

TYPE AnD PURPOSE ADA IDEA 504 Civil Rights law prohibiting discrimination based on disability in employment, public services, & accommodations. Tax credits available to bring facilities to code.

Educational Act providing federal funds for Parts B and C to State and school districts to guarantee special education/services to eligible children with disabilities.

Civil Rights law prohibiting discrimi-nation based on disability in public & private programs receiving federal funds. States and school districts provide funds for services.

WHO IS PROTECTED? ADA IDEA 504 Any person who: (1) has a physi-cal or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more life activities; or (2) has a record of such impairment; or (3) is re-garded as having such an impair-ment. Further, the person must be qualified for the program, service, or job.

Children (3-21) determined by a multidisciplinary team to be eligible within one or more of 13 specific disability categories: autism, deaf-ness, deaf-blindness, hearing impair-ments, mental retardation, multiple disabilities, orthopedic impairments, other health impairments, serious emotional disturbance, specific learn-ing disabilities, speech or language impairments, traumatic brain injury, and visual impairments.

Any person who (1) has a physical or mental impairment that substan-tially limits one or more major life activities, (2) has a record of such an impairment or (3) is regarded as having such an impairment. Major life activities include walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learn-ing, working, caring for oneself, and performing manual tasks.

PROCEDURAL SAFEGUARDS (EvALUATIOn, PLACEMEnT, DUE PROCESS)ADA IDEA 504 Does not specify evaluation and placement procedures-- only reasonable accommodations to accessibility, altering existing facilities, and building new facili-ties. Protection applies only to non-religious and/or any part of the special education program that may be community-based and involve job training/placement. Due process is under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended in 1991. Those discrimi-nated against may file a complaint with the relevant federal agency.

Parental consent is required before evaluation of a child by a multidisci-plinary team. Team must know the student, evaluation data, and place-ment options; least restrictive envi-ronment to be detailed in an Indi-vidualized Education Program (IEP). Reevaluate at least every 3 years. An IEP meeting is required before any change in placement. More than one information source must be used; documented; specific requirements of due process are defined.

Requires only notice to parent, not consent, for evaluation. Decisions made by a group of persons knowl-edgeable about the student, evalu-ation data, and placement options; least restrictive environment. Does not require a meeting for any change in placement. Information obtained from a variety of sources of the area of concern; documented; the (IEP) of IDEA may be used for a 504 written plan. Specific requirements of due process are defined.

A COMPARISOn OF SPECIAL EDUCATIOn LAWS

Special education (SPED) is specially designed instruction and related services that address the unique learning needs of a child. Free appropriate public education (FAPE) and least restrictive environments (LRE) are core principles of special education and are embedded in federal law.There are three federal legislations to improve the learning environments of those with disabilities: The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.States may differ somewhat in the implementation and execution of public education. Home instruction receives services through the local school district. Private schools receiving federal funding either in programming or facilities are mandated to comply.

Adapted from Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund

EFMP News • March 2015 2140 Liggett Ave., Room 400 253-967-9704/9705 7

Step 1: Referral may be made in writing by the parent and/or by school personnel.

Step 2: Consent to Evaluate. The school district, with parent input, has 25 school days to decide whether or not to evaluate.

Step 3: Initial Evaluation. After receipt of consent, the evaluation process must be completed within 35 days and must address all areas of a suspected disability.

Step 4: Initial Evaluation Report. The parent and a group of qualified professionals review the Initial Evaluation Report and determine student’s eligibility based on special education needs as a result of the disability.

Step 5: Eligibility. If it is determined the student is eligible, special education and related services will not begin until after the parent provides consent to begin.

Step 6: Creating an Individualized Education Program or 504 Plan. After deemed eligible, a team including the parent will meet within 30 days to plan for the student.

Step 7: Special Education Begins. All school personnel have a responsibility to carry out the accommodations, modifications, and/or supports identified in the plan.

Step 8: Progress Monitoring & Annual IEP Review. Progress is

measured throughout the year and the team meets annually to review the plan.

Step 9: Reevaluation occurs at least every three years to determine if the student continues to have a disability. It may occur sooner if there is a significant change.

Step 10: Transition. By the time your student turns 16, a transition plan will address both graduation and post-graduation.

Washington Special Education Procedural Safeguards for Students & their Families

https://www.k12.wa.us/SpecialEd/pubdocs/PS.pdf

10 Steps in Special Education Process in Washington

EFMP News • March 2015 2140 Liggett Ave., Room 400 253-967-9704/9705 8

Register by Mar. 31 at kudojblm.eventbrite.com

Announcements

If your child’s IEP or 504 plan needs to be renewed before the end of the school year, this is the time to request your meeting. Our Systems Navigators are able to attend meetings with you or assist you with prepar-ing for your meeting. Call AFCS-EFMP at 253-967-9704.

We invite you to preview Direct Step’s special education online course(s).We are very interested in your feedback and ask that you send your commentsto: usarmy.jblm.imcom.list.dfmwr-acs-exceptional-family-member@mail.mil.Registration Steps for these e-learn-ing courses: 1) Go to this link to create an ac-count: http://armyefmp.ds.lrp.com/login/index.php2) You will receive a confirmation email and will be able to begin your desired course.

Special Educatione-Learning!

EFMP News • March 2015 2140 Liggett Ave., Room 400 253-967-9704/9705 9

EFMP Enrollment Process

Birth To Three Early Intervention Programs

Contact the Lead Agency for your county for a referral for services. Family Resource Coordination/Pierce County: 253-798-3790South Sound Parent To Parent/Thurston County: 360-352-1126Holly Ridge Center/Kitsap and Mason counties: 360-373-2536Community Health Access Program (CHAP)/King County: 206-284-0331

Support Groups for You & Yours

If your Family member has a health condi-tion that necessitates a specialist or spe-cialty clinic, he or she MUST be enrolled in EFMP under medical, DD Form 2792. If your child has an IEP (Individualized Education Program) or 504 plan, he or she must be enrolled in EFMP under educa-tion, DD Form 2792-1. Enrollment forms for EFMP are renewed every three years or sooner, if there are significant changes.

Disenrollment is not automatic upon expi-ration; it is required for a change in marital status or a significant improvement that no longer warrants enrollment.

Army — Submit your completed enroll-ment forms to the EFMP office located in the Madigan Nursing Tower, on the first floor, left side, just past the chapel, room 1-28-17. For questions regarding enroll-ment or overseas screenings, please call 253-968-0254/1370/4355. This office is closed on Thursdays.

Air Force — Submit your completed enrollment forms to the SNC office 62nd Medical Clinic, first floor of Airman’s Clinic Bioenvironmental hallway, second/third office on left. For a PCS screening or for questions call TSGT Michelle Sutton at 253-982-3350. Lois Fisher is the Special Needs Coordinator at 253-982-5568. Open Monday, Tuesday, Friday 0800-1530; Wednesday 0800-1100. Closed 2nd Tues-day 1200 – 1530; Closed on Thursday. For Air Force Respite Care, contact the Ser-vicemember & Family Readiness Center at 253-982-2695.

EFMP Family Support Services Bldg. 2140, Waller Hall, Room 400, JBLM-Lewis Main; Bldg. 552, Servicemember & Family Readiness Center, JBLM-McChord Field. Installation and local resources and ser-vices, housing and school issues, IEP/504 plans, respite care, systems navigation, advocacy, support groups, monthly newsletter, disability services and Special Needs Accommodation Process are avail-able for all Army and Air Force EFMP Families.

SPECIAL FAMILIES OF PIERCE COUnTY

groups for peer support, employ-ment, recovery and wellness, hous-ing, independent living, and veter-ans’ services.

PURPASA family support group open toall (parents, children, and helpingprofessionals) for individuals withAutism. Participants meet on the2nd Wednesday of the month atHenry Foss High School, 2112 SouthTyler Street, Tacoma, Room 213A and 215A, from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. Bring your own beverage; snacks will be provided. For more informa-tion please contact PAVE at 253-565-2266. Susan Jackson: sjackson@wapave.org or Sybille White:swhite@wapave.org.

TACIDTacoma Area Coalition of Individu-als with Disabilities promotes the independence of individuals with disabilities. It is located at 6315 South 19th Street, Tacoma. Call 253-565-9000 for further information. The website is www.tacid.org and has a program link to an extensive schedule of workshops and support

the corner of 15th and Pacific Av-enue. Street parking is free after 6 p.m. Childcare is limited and pre-registration is required each month. To RSVP go to: www.exceptional-families.org/events.html. Contact Angela Fish at specialfamiliespc@gmail.com for further information.

Special Families of Pierce County (SFPC) is a support group for families with special needs children in the South Sound region.Meetings are held on the second Thursday of the month, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Children’s Museum of Tacoma, 1501 Pacific Avenue, on

EFMP News • March 2015 2140 Liggett Ave., Room 400 253-967-9704/9705 10

Resources

Individuals With DisabilitiesAcommonvoice.org (Counseling)

Addresources.org (ADD/ADHD)

Autismsocietyofwa.org (Autism)

Autismspeaks.org (Autism)

Biorxhemophilia.com (Bleeding disorders)

Exceptional-families.org (SN Support Group)

Featwa.org (Autism)

Gluten.net (Gluten Intolerance Group)

Hsdc.org (Hearing Speech and Deafness Center)

Pc2online.org (PC2 for Developmental Dis-abilities)

Piercecountywa.org/companionship (Pierce County Parks & Recreation)

Stompproject.org (Specialized Training for Military Parents)

Tbiwashington.org (Traumatic Brain Injury of Washington)

Thecpnetwork.org (Cerebral Palsy)

Family AssistanceCdc.gov/ncbddd/index.html (National Center on Birth Defects and Developmen-tal Disabilities (NCBDDD))

Efoodnet.org (Pierce County Food Banks)

Metroparkstacoma.org/specialized

MilitaryOneSource.mil

MyTricare.com (Tricare)

Ssa.gov (Social Security)

Uhcmilitarywest.com (Tricare Western Region)

Usacares.org (Military Family Assistance Center)

Children’s ServicesNaccrra.org/military-families (ChildCare Aware of America)

Nmfa.org (National Military FamilyFamily Association)

Psesd.org (Puget Sound Educational Service District)

Ssp2p.org (South Sound Parent2Parent)

FacebookFacebook.com/efmpjblm

Facebook.com/JBLMFamilyMWR

Facebook.com/JBLMcyss

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