Back-to-school tips for military families in special education can make the difference between a stressful start and a smooth transition. August often feels like a whirlwind—last-minute summer adventures, the start of sports and clubs, the final days with friends, and back-to-school shopping. For military-connected families, especially those who have just completed a PCS, it often means something more: a new school, a new routine, and a new team of educators to partner with.
As both a teacher and a mom who has navigated multiple PCS moves, I know firsthand how overwhelming it can feel to start over, especially when your child receives special education services. Here are some lessons I’ve learned along the way: key questions to ask, tips to make transitions smoother, and ways educators can help military-connected students feel at home from day one.
For Families: Tips for Establishing Routines and Relationships with New Schools
Whether it’s your first PCS or you’re a “seasoned pro”, each move is different—new systems, new faces, new expectations. Here are the steps to start strong:
1. Visit the School (Virtually or In Person)
If possible, tour the school before the first day. Many schools hold “orientation days” for registration, supply drop-off, and teacher meet-and-greets. If you can, help your child meet at least one peer from their new class—it can make the first day far less intimidating.
2. Gather & Share Important Documents Early
Use Partners in PROMISE’s (PiP) Special Education & EFMP Binder to help keep you organized. Include IEPs, evaluation reports, and any helpful summaries, and share them with your child’s new school team before the first day. If possible, connect your previous case manager with the new one—this direct communication can smooth the handoff and help the new team start strong. The more prepared they are, the smoother your child’s transition will be.
3. Build Relationships Proactively
Before your child starts, reach out to their new case manager if you know who it is. PiP’s All About Me (which is also found in the Special Education & EFMP Binder) document is a great way for the new team to get to know your child. You can share their strengths, interests, needs, and successful strategies in a simple one-page format (include transportation staff if relevant). If you’re not sure who to contact, your School Liaison Officer can help. When you connect with the team, also discuss the best way to communicate—whether that’s email, phone calls, or a communication notebook—and set a plan for how often you’ll check in. Having clear expectations up front will help the team build a strong foundation and keep everyone on the same page throughout the year.
4. Ask the Right Questions During Enrollment
A few key ones include:
- Who will be my main point of contact for special education concerns?
- Who is my child’s case manager?
- How will we communicate (email, app, phone, portal)?
- Are there military liaisons, counselors, or transition supports available?
- What is this school’s IEP process?
- When can we schedule our first IEP review?
For Educators: Welcoming Military-Connected Students in Special Education
As a teacher, I’ve seen firsthand how a warm welcome can make all the difference. Military-connected students may be used to frequent PCS moves, but that doesn’t mean the transitions get any easier, especially for those receiving special education services. Each move brings a new set of routines, expectations, and relationships to navigate. For educators, a little extra awareness and intentionality can go a long way. Here’s what to keep in mind when supporting military students with IEPs:
1. Understand the Military Lifestyle & Lead with Empathy
Military culture comes with its own language, traditions, and unique challenges. Military families move on average every 2–3 years. That often means new states, new friends, and new special education regulations. If you’re unfamiliar with military life, connect with the School Liaison Officer at your local installation—they’re an invaluable resource. Keep an eye out for community events at the base or air station, as some may welcome civilian participation. In the classroom, create opportunities for military-connected students to share their experiences, such as a “Where has your family lived?” map activity. This not only celebrates their uniqueness but also helps them find connections with peers.
A little flexibility and understanding go a long way. Be patient with missing records—sometimes paperwork travels slower than families do. Ask parents if they have copies you can review before the official records arrive, and consider reaching out to the child’s previous case manager. Simple things like offering a quick classroom tour for the student and parent, and pairing the family with a buddy family to help ease the transition.
Finally, remember that not every military family or student reacts to change in the same way. Ask, listen, and personalize your support. When a parent mentions a deployment, TDY, or PCS, simply asking, “Thanks for sharing that—how can we support your child during this time?” can mean the world.
2. Review the IEP
When reviewing a new military student’s IEP, it’s important to start by thoroughly familiarizing yourself with the document, paying close attention to service minutes, related services such as OT, PT, or speech, and any accommodations or modifications outlined. Look for details on behavioral supports, assistive technology, and transition plans. However, the IEP is only the starting point—go beyond the paperwork by communicating with the student’s parents or guardians, as well as their previous school team, if possible, to gain insight into the child’s learning style, communication preferences, preferred reinforcers, favorite activities, strengths, and areas of need. Keep in mind that due to frequent moves and varying state or district requirements, military-connected students may have experienced gaps in services, which can lead to regression in social/emotional, academic, or behavioral goals.
3. Create a Supportive Environment
Creating a supportive classroom for new military students means balancing structure with flexibility and fostering a sense of belonging from day one, especially since they may have just navigated a big move. Pair the new student with a classroom buddy and give them advance notice about any upcoming changes in schedule or staff to help them feel more at ease. Learn and correctly pronounce their name, incorporate something familiar from their previous school into lessons or routines, and invite them to share (if they’re comfortable) about where they’ve lived or things they enjoy. Coordinate with other staff members—special education staff, related service providers, general educators, cafeteria staff, and more—so everyone working with the student is informed and aligned. Conducting regular check-ins, small encouragements, and celebrating even small milestones can help the student feel noticed, valued, and truly at home in their new school.
4. Collaborate with Families Early and Often
To collaborate effectively with a new military family, introduce yourself before or on the first day to create an immediate connection. If you have your own military connection, sharing your experience—or simply asking about theirs—can be a meaningful way to build rapport and show understanding of the unique challenges and strengths that military life brings. Ask how they prefer to communicate—whether by email, phone, or another method—and invite them for a quick classroom tour so they can see where their child will be learning. Even a brief, friendly check-in during the first week can go a long way toward building trust, demonstrating that you value their input, and laying the foundation for a strong home–school partnership.
Final Thoughts
Starting strong in a new school comes down to connection and communication.
Families can set the stage by asking the right questions and advocating for their child’s needs early. Educators can create a welcoming space by listening, personalizing support, and showing understanding of the unique challenges military-connected students face.
When families and educators work hand in hand, they build a strong foundation that helps every military-connected student feel seen, supported, and ready to do their best. Here’s to a great school year for all our children—one filled with new opportunities, meaningful connections, and continued growth both inside and outside the classroom!
About the Author – Carla Wyrsch
Carla Wyrsch is the spouse of a retired United States Marine and mother of two. She has devoted her career to educating and advocating for children with disABILITIES. Her experience spans a variety of settings, including residential treatment facilities, military bases, public schools, virtual learning, and the Lerner School for Autism at the Cleveland Clinic. She is currently a special education teacher for her local school district. In addition to being an educator, Carla enjoys volunteering with Best Buddies of Greater Memphis, the Organization for Autism Research, and Partners in PROMISE as a content creator and advisory board member.
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