School Liaison

Advance Enrollment

Pennsylvania Military Child Advance Enrollment Act, 24 P.S. 1302.1, allows a child whose parent or legal guardian is an active duty member of the armed forces of the United States, including a reserve component, and has received official military orders to transfer into or within Pennsylvania to enroll in the school district prior to establishing residency upon providing a copy of the official military orders to the school district and proof of the parent or legal guardian's intention to move into the school district which can include a signed contract to purchase a home, a signed lease agreement or a statement from the parent or legal guardian stating their intention to move into the school district. The parent or legal guardian of a child enrolled in a school district must provide to the school district proof of residence in the school district no later than forty-five (45) days after the arrival date specified in the military orders.

New Jersey Military Child Advance Enrollment, Bill A5694 Aca (1R), provides that a member of the armed forces of the United States, the National Guard, or any other reserve component of the armed forces who has received relocation orders and whose anticipated residence is to be within New Jersey will be permitted to enroll a dependent child in a school district and register for courses in advance of the member’s relocation. The school district must waive any proof of residency requirements until such time that the member’s family has been relocated within the school district.  

Advanced enrollment can provide:

• Earlier coordination of IEP and 504 Plan comparable support
• Access to the receiving school’s guidance counselor to aid in course selection and grade and credit transfer 
• The ability to communicate with coaches or facilitators of extracurricular activities prior to arrival
• Reduced stress on the parents/guardians and the student
• Schools can better anticipate student needs and plan for staffing and resources

Contact the School Liaison for templates to inform schools of the Act and your intent to move into the district and make requests for advance support on behalf of your student(s).

Public School Information

District Schools

District Schools are “neighborhood schools” because they are within the town/city where the student resides.  They provide free, public education for all students who reside in the boundaries of the school district.  District schools get their financing from local, state, and federal government funds.  An elected board of education or school committee traditionally oversees the budget and policies of the district schools.  Of note, some districts offer virtual learning options.  

Moving to Pennsylvania?  Use the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue’s website to determine the school district of a potential home based on the address.

It is the policy of the state of Pennsylvania that where you reside (your physical address) determines the school your children will attend. Pennsylvania allows districts to set their own open enrollment policies.  Contact the district where you reside, or plan to reside, to inquire if this is an option.  

Moving to New Jersey?  Use the New Jersey School District map.

New Jersey offers Interdistrict Public School Choice Program which enables approved choice districts to enroll K–12th grade students who do not reside within their districts without cost to their parents.  The application period typically ends in November of the preceding school year. Some choice districts accept late applications, so parents need to contact the district directly to find out if they accept late applications.  

Pennsylvania Department of Education Enrollment of Students
Although school districts and charter schools may ask for the following documents, they may not require it as a condition of enrolling or admitting a child and they may not delay a child’s enrollment or attendance or mark a child absent until these documents are provided.  Such documents include: 

• picture identification;
• health or mental health history;
• physical or dental examination records;
• academic records;
• attendance records;
• Individualized Education Program and other special education records;
• documentation of physical examination; and
• documentation from other sources (Registration form, Student Education Records, Disciplinary Records).

NSA Philadelphia Area School Districts

NSA Philadelphia does not have base housing.  

School District of Philadelphia or call 215-400-4000
Bucks County or call 215-348-2940
Montgomery County or call 610-755-9400
Delaware County or call 610-938-9000
Chester County or call 484-999-0232
Burlington Township (NJ) or call 609-387-3955
Camden County (NJ) or call 609-376-3500
Mercer County (NJ) or call 609-588-5877
Gloucester County (NJ) or call 856-686-8370   

Charter Schools

Charter Schools are public schools that run independently of the local school district.  These schools are free to students/their families.  Charter schools must adhere to the basic curricular and teacher certification requirements set forth by the state but are free from many of the regulations that apply to conventional schools and the day-to-day scrutiny of school boards and government authorities.  Charter schools are open to all students; however, the “Charter Document” may limit students to a specific geographic area.  

Pennsylvania Department of Education Charter and Cyber Charter Schools 
PA Charter School Regulations
PA Cyber Charter School Regulations

New Jersey Department of Education Charter Schools

Non-Public / Private School Information

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Department of Education Non-Public/Private Schools 
NOTE: Private schools in Pennsylvania are not required to be Accredited. Accreditation can enhance a school's credibility, make it easier for students to transfer credits, and potentially qualify students for federal financial aid. To see a list of accredited schools, you may click on the accrediting associations websites below.  These are the three associations approved by the State Board of Education and recognized by the Pennsylvania Department of Education to accredit nonpublic and private schools.

• Middle States Association Commission on Elementary and Secondary Schools
• Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools (PAIS)
• Cognia (former​ly AdvanceED)

Pennsylvania Department of Education Transportation FAQ’s (includes transporting non-public school students)

New Jersey

New Jersey Department of Education Non-Public Schools

• Transportation  

Home School Information

NSA Philadelphia Homeschool Support 

• STEM opportunities through STEM Outreach Coordinator. Contact the School Liaison for details. 

Home School Legal Defense Association

Pennsylvania 

At a Glance: 

• Option 1: Homeschooling under the homeschool statute.
• Option 2: Homeschooling with a private tutor.
• Option 3: Enrolling your child in a satellite of a religious day school.
• Option 4: Enrolling your child in a satellite of an accredited day or boarding school.

School Required for Ages: 6–18

Notification Required: Yes, a notarized affidavit or unsworn declaration must be filed with the local superintendent before you start your homeschool program for the first time, and by August 1 of each year after that.

Teacher Qualifications: No, except option 2

State Mandated Subjects: Yes

Assessment Requirements: No, except option 1

Immunization Requirements:  Yes

Pennsylvania Department of Education Home Education and Private Tutoring
In Pennsylvania, a notarized affidavit or sworn declaration is required to be filed with the school district office where you reside. See the website above for templates.

• Home Education and Private Tutoring Guide
• Homeschool Support Groups
• Forms

Homeschool Pennsylvania

• Getting Started: New to Homeschooling in Pennsylvania, Withdrawing from Public or Private School to Homeschool, Find a Group/Evaluator, Mentor
• PA Homeschool Law: Affidavits and Unsworn Declarations, Objectives, Evaluations, Standardized Testing, Immunizations, Medical, and Dental, Portfolios and Logs, Private Tutoring
• How To:  Homeschool Under Age 6, Special Needs and IEP’s, Choose Curriculum, Homeschool Multiple Ages
• Elementary: Elementary Subject Requirements, Kindergarten, Kids Above or Below Grade Level, Testing in 3rd, 5th, and 8th
• Middle and High School: Secondary Subject Requirements, Dual Enrollment, Transcripts and Testing, Graduation and Diplomas, Career and Technical Programs
• Forms and Helpful Info: Relocating, FAQ’s, Forms, Important Dates 

Pennsylvania Homeschoolers Support Group Directory

New Jersey

At a Glance: 

Options for Homeschooling: One

School Required for Ages: six to 16

Notification Required: No 

Teacher Qualification: No 

State Mandated Subjects: No, but under New Jersey law, children must be provided an education that is academically "equivalent" to what he or she would receive at school. 

Assessment Requirements: No 

Immunization Requirements: No

New Jersey Department of Education Homeschool FAQ’s

Advance Enrollment

Pennsylvania Military Child Advance Enrollment Act, 24 P.S. 1302.1, allows a child whose parent or legal guardian is an active duty member of the armed forces of the United States, including a reserve component, and has received official military orders to transfer into or within Pennsylvania to enroll in the school district prior to establishing residency upon providing a copy of the official military orders to the school district and proof of the parent or legal guardian's intention to move into the school district which can include a signed contract to purchase a home, a signed lease agreement or a statement from the parent or legal guardian stating their intention to move into the school district. The parent or legal guardian of a child enrolled in a school district must provide to the school district proof of residence in the school district no later than forty-five (45) days after the arrival date specified in the military orders.

Advanced enrollment can provide:

• Earlier coordination of IEP and 504 Plan comparable support
• Access to the receiving school’s guidance counselor to aid in course selection and grade and credit transfer 
• The ability to communicate with coaches or facilitators of extracurricular activities prior to arrival
• Reduced stress on the parents/guardians and the student
• Schools can better anticipate student needs and plan for staffing and resources

Contact the School Liaison for templates to inform schools of the Act and your intent to move into the district and make requests for advance support on behalf of your student(s).

Public School Information

District Schools

District Schools are “neighborhood schools” because they are within the town/city where the student resides.  They provide free, public education for all students who reside in the boundaries of the school district.  District schools get their financing from local, state, and federal government funds.  An elected board of education or school committee traditionally oversees the budget and policies of the district schools.  Of note, some districts offer virtual learning options.  

Moving to Pennsylvania?  Use the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue’s website to determine the school district of a potential home based on the address.

It is the policy of the state of Pennsylvania that where you reside (your physical address) determines the school your children will attend. Pennsylvania allows districts to set their own open enrollment policies.  Contact the district where you reside, or plan to reside, to inquire if this is an option.  

Pennsylvania Department of Education Enrollment of Students
Although school districts and charter schools may ask for the following documents, they may not require it as a condition of enrolling or admitting a child and they may not delay a child’s enrollment or attendance or mark a child absent until these documents are provided.  Such documents include: 

• picture identification;
• health or mental health history;
• physical or dental examination records;
• academic records;
• attendance records;
• Individualized Education Program and other special education records;
• documentation of physical examination; and
• documentation from other sources (Registration form, Student Education Records, Disciplinary Records).

NSA Mechanicsburg Area School Districts

Military families living in base housing will attend school in the Cumberland Valley School District (CVSD). As a designated Purple Star School (District), they have a page designated for Military Connected Families. 

• Grades K-5: Sporting Hill Elementary School which is supported by the Child and Youth Behavioral Military and Family Life Counselor (CYB MFLC): 223-212-9647
• Grades 6-8: Mountain View Middle School
• Grade 9: Ninth Grade Academy
• Grades 10-12: Cumberland Valley High School
• Cumberland Valley Virtual Academy: Grades 6-12 

Information for this district, as well as links to the individual schools, can be found in the general link above. 

Mechanicsburg Area School District or call 717-691-4500
Carlisle Area School District or call 717-240-6800
Camp Hill School District or call 717-901-2400
West Shore School District or call 717-938-9577
Harrisburg School District or call 717-703-4000

Charter Schools

Charter Schools are public schools that run independently of the local school district.  These schools are free to students/their families.  Charter schools must adhere to the basic curricular and teacher certification requirements set forth by the state but are free from many of the regulations that apply to conventional schools and the day-to-day scrutiny of school boards and government authorities.  Charter schools are open to all students; however, the “Charter Document” may limit students to a specific geographic area.  

Pennsylvania Department of Education Charter and Cyber Charter Schools 
PA Charter School Regulations
PA Cyber Charter School Regulations

Non-Public / Private School Information

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Department of Education Non-Public/Private Schools 
NOTE: Private schools in Pennsylvania are not required to be Accredited. Accreditation can enhance a school's credibility, make it easier for students to transfer credits, and potentially qualify students for federal financial aid. To see a list of accredited schools, you may click on the accrediting associations websites below.  These are the three associations approved by the State Board of Education and recognized by the Pennsylvania Department of Education to accredit nonpublic and private schools.

• Middle States Association Commission on Elementary and Secondary Schools
• Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools (PAIS)
• Cognia (former​ly AdvanceED)

Pennsylvania Department of Education Transportation FAQ’s (includes transporting non-public school students)

Home School Information

NSA Mechanicsburg Homeschool Support

• Weekly Physical Education program for K-8 homeschool students through MWR Fitness
• Instruction in the dangers and prevention of fires through NSA Mechanicsburg Fire Department
• Homeschool support group
• Classroom space for facilitation of meetings and training opportunities

Home School Legal Defense Association

Pennsylvania 

At a Glance: 

• Option 1: Homeschooling under the homeschool statute.
• Option 2: Homeschooling with a private tutor.
• Option 3: Enrolling your child in a satellite of a religious day school.
• Option 4: Enrolling your child in a satellite of an accredited day or boarding school.

School Required for Ages: 6–18

Notification Required: Yes, a notarized affidavit or unsworn declaration must be filed with the local superintendent before you start your homeschool program for the first time, and by August 1 of each year after that.

Teacher Qualifications: No, except option 2

State Mandated Subjects: Yes

Assessment Requirements: No, except option 1

Immunization Requirements:  Yes

Pennsylvania Department of Education Home Education and Private Tutoring
In Pennsylvania, a notarized affidavit or sworn declaration is required to be filed with the school district office where you reside. See the website above for templates.

• Home Education and Private Tutoring Guide
• Homeschool Support Groups
• Forms

Homeschool Pennsylvania

• Getting Started: New to Homeschooling in Pennsylvania, Withdrawing from Public or Private School to Homeschool, Find a Group/Evaluator, Mentor
• PA Homeschool Law: Affidavits and Unsworn Declarations, Objectives, Evaluations, Standardized Testing, Immunizations, Medical, and Dental, Portfolios and Logs, Private Tutoring
• How To:  Homeschool Under Age 6, Special Needs and IEP’s, Choose Curriculum, Homeschool Multiple Ages
• Elementary: Elementary Subject Requirements, Kindergarten, Kids Above or Below Grade Level, Testing in 3rd, 5th, and 8th
• Middle and High School: Secondary Subject Requirements, Dual Enrollment, Transcripts and Testing, Graduation and Diplomas, Career and Technical Programs
• Forms and Helpful Info: Relocating, FAQ’s, Forms, Important Dates 

Pennsylvania Homeschoolers Support Group Directory

K-12 Special Needs

Advance Enrollment

If you are relocating to Pennsylvania or New Jersey and have a child with an IEP or 504 Plan, contact the School Liaison for a template to utilize Advance Enrollment and begin early coordination of comparable support. See the Schools tab on this site for state specific information.  Many states offer Advance Enrollment for military families which can aid in a smoother transition, particularly for students with special needs.  

Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP)

Enrollment in the Exceptional Family Member Program provides military families with special needs considerations during the assignment process and access to support services to help navigate the medical and educational system.  Enrollment in the EFMP is mandatory for active-duty service members who have a family member with a qualifying medical and/or educational condition.  The EFMP has three components:

• Identification and enrollment.
• Assignment coordination.
• Family support.

EFMP Enrollment 
EFMP Family Support  

Navy EFMP Special Education Case Liaison referral will come either through the School Liaison or the EFMP Family Support Case Liaison if elevated support is needed.  The EFMP Special Education Case Liaison:

• Can review IEP’s and 504’s
• Can attend IEP meetings virtually to assist in facilitation
• Empowers and educates parents to advocate
• Offers trainings for families and schools/districts

General Special Education Resources

EFMP & Me
The EFMP & Me tool is a guide to both every-day and major life events for parents/guardians and family members with special needs and the EFMP. Customize interactive checklists of resources and suggested tasks to complete based on personalized topics. Organize information for anything from enrollment or education, PCS or deployment or any topic in between.

Specialized Care Organizational Record (SCOR)
The Special Care Organizational Record, or SCOR, is intended to help track and organize information in one central location. Using the SCOR will make it easier for someone else to step into the role of caregiver, if that is ever needed.

Military OneSource Exceptional Advocate Newsletter
Published quarterly, The Exceptional Advocate focuses on updates and information from the Exceptional Family Member Program.

EFMP Mil-Life Learning
MilLife Learning offers several courses regarding EFMP and families with special needs. Take courses at your own pace, as they are available anytime, from anywhere.

Special Ed Connection
A free web-based resource available to Navy families that provides resources and tools to enable families to better understand special education requirements and available services. You will need to contact your local School Liaison for login access. 

Partners in PROMISE:  Protecting the Rights of Military Children in Special Education
Resources and support for parents, educators and leaders.  Support includes training, webinars, and a Special Education/504 binder.

Thrive Online Parenting Modules:  Exceptional Families
This is an online parenting program is designed to offer support to parents and caregivers of children with special needs.

Housing Flexibility During a PCS Move 
Eligibility for authorized housing flexibility options: Service members who meet requirements are eligible for authorized housing flexibility options before and during a PCS move.  Service members who qualify include those with: One or more dependents enrolled in the EFMP.

Expressable 
Expressable offers 1-on-1 virtual speech therapy for eligible families through Humana Military (TRICARE East). Services include weekly practice activities and support for speech delays/disorders, autism spectrum disorder, augmentative and alternative communication, and more.

Pennsylvania

PA Department of Education: Special Education

Regulations and Policies: Inbound?  See the “Out of State Transfers for Students with Disabilities” section.
Non-Public Schools

 

Pennsylvania Intermediate Units

As public, regional educational service agencies, the 29 Pennsylvania intermediate units (IUs) provide educational, administrative and technology services to the Commonwealth’s 500 school districts, 170 charter schools, and 3,000 non-public schools. With respect to Special Education, IUs deliver direct instruction and specialized services to thousands of children with special needs, including speech therapy, occupational therapy, psychology, behavior intervention, deaf and hard of hearing, and autism spectrum disorder. 

Parents/guardians of special needs students should connect with their local public school’s Special Education Department. If assistance is needed in making connections, please reach out to the School Liaison.

Pennsylvania Resources

Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network (PaTTAN)

• What Families Need to Know About Special Education in Pennsylvania
• Informative Videos which can be filtered by topic or audience
• Pennsylvania Special Education and Gifted Forms This site includes forms designed by the Pennsylvania Department of Education to ensure that students with disabilities receive a free, appropriate, public education. Forms are available for the Infant-Toddler/Early Intervention, Preschool/Early Intervention, and School-age programs, and include both annotated (helps explain the forms) and non-annotated versions. 

ASERT 
ASERT (Autism Services, Education, Resources and Training) is a partnership of Pennsylvania medical centers, centers of autism research and services, universities, and other providers involved in the treatment and care of individuals of all ages with autism and their families. Families can contact the ASERT Resource Center for guidance on autism supports and services available in Pennsylvania and assistance in navigating the complexities of the service system.

 

Early Intervention Services
Children from birth to age five who have special needs due to developmental delays and disabilities are eligible to receive Early Intervention services at no cost to the family.  Parents who have questions about their child's development may call the CONNECT Helpline: 1-800-692-7288, or email help@connectpa.net, or submit a form online.

PEAC
Pennsylvania Education for All Coalition (PEAC) provides:

• One-on-one support for families who need help securing an appropriate education for their children.
• Workshops that educate both families and teachers on special education law, best inclusive practices, and family-educator collaboration.

PEAL 
PEAL (Parent Education & Advocacy Leadership Center) works with families, youth and young adults with disabilities and special health care needs to help them understand their rights and advocate for themselves. 

TechOWL
Special needs lending library, free special phones, used equipment (donate or get free devices), 3D printer to print custom devices, training, get a demonstration of different devices, and more.
Mechanicsburg Area POC: 717-737-0158, ATUCP@ucpcentralpa.org
Philadelphia Area POC:  215-204-5967,   techowl@temple.edu 

New Jersey

New Jersey Dept of Education Special Education

Office of Special Education: Parent and Family Rights and Engagement

• Facilitated IEP 
• IEP Development and Resources
• Dispute Resolution
• Understanding the Special Education Process
• School and Community Based Rersources

Office of the Special Education Ombudsman
The role of the Special Education Ombudsman is to serve as a resource to provide information and support to parents, students and educators regarding special education rights and services. Appointed by the Commissioner of Education, the ombudsman performs duties that include serving as a source of information for parents, students, educators and interested members of the public that helps them better understand state and federal laws and regulations governing special education. The ombudsman also provides information and support to parents of students with disabilities to help them understand and navigate the process for obtaining special education evaluations and services.
To contact the Special Education Ombudsman:
Phone: 609-376-9060
Email: OSEinfo@doe.nj.gov

NJ SPAN: Family Support 360 Center
Through this program, NJ SPAN assists active duty and retired military, National Guard, and Reserve personnel throughout NJ with infants, toddlers, children and youth with disabilities. They assist families with:

• Developing a Family Plan to address concerns
• Assisting with access to Family Resources
• Offering training sessions on advocacy for accessing quality services, health care, and education
• Offering family-to-family emotional support and information
• Linking personnel to leadership opportunities to ensure the family voice in decisions about military assistance programs and services

 

 

 

K-12 Special Needs

Advance Enrollment

If you are relocating to Pennsylvania or New Jersey and have a child with an IEP or 504 Plan, contact the School Liaison for a template to utilize Advance Enrollment and begin early coordination of comparable support. See the Schools tab on this site for state specific information.  Many states offer Advance Enrollment for military families which can aid in a smoother transition, particularly for students with special needs.  

Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP)

Enrollment in the Exceptional Family Member Program provides military families with special needs considerations during the assignment process and access to support services to help navigate the medical and educational system.  Enrollment in the EFMP is mandatory for active-duty service members who have a family member with a qualifying medical and/or educational condition.  The EFMP has three components:

• Identification and enrollment.
• Assignment coordination.
• Family support.

EFMP Enrollment 
EFMP Family Support  

Navy EFMP Special Education Case Liaison referral will come either through the School Liaison or the EFMP Family Support Case Liaison if elevated support is needed.  The EFMP Special Education Case Liaison:

• Can review IEP’s and 504’s
• Can attend IEP meetings virtually to assist in facilitation
• Empowers and educates parents to advocate
• Offers trainings for families and schools/districts

General Special Education Resources

EFMP & Me
The EFMP & Me tool is a guide to both every-day and major life events for parents/guardians and family members with special needs and the EFMP. Customize interactive checklists of resources and suggested tasks to complete based on personalized topics. Organize information for anything from enrollment or education, PCS or deployment or any topic in between.

Specialized Care Organizational Record (SCOR)
The Special Care Organizational Record, or SCOR, is intended to help track and organize information in one central location. Using the SCOR will make it easier for someone else to step into the role of caregiver, if that is ever needed.

Military OneSource Exceptional Advocate Newsletter
Published quarterly, The Exceptional Advocate focuses on updates and information from the Exceptional Family Member Program.

EFMP Mil-Life Learning
MilLife Learning offers several courses regarding EFMP and families with special needs. Take courses at your own pace, as they are available anytime, from anywhere.

Special Ed Connection
A free web-based resource available to Navy families that provides resources and tools to enable families to better understand special education requirements and available services. You will need to contact your local School Liaison for login access. 

Partners in PROMISE:  Protecting the Rights of Military Children in Special Education
Resources and support for parents, educators and leaders.  Support includes training, webinars, and a Special Education/504 binder.

Thrive Online Parenting Modules:  Exceptional Families
This is an online parenting program is designed to offer support to parents and caregivers of children with special needs.

Housing Flexibility During a PCS Move 
Eligibility for authorized housing flexibility options: Service members who meet requirements are eligible for authorized housing flexibility options before and during a PCS move.  Service members who qualify include those with: One or more dependents enrolled in the EFMP.

Expressable 
Expressable offers 1-on-1 virtual speech therapy for eligible families through Humana Military (TRICARE East). Services include weekly practice activities and support for speech delays/disorders, autism spectrum disorder, augmentative and alternative communication, and more.

Pennsylvania

PA Department of Education: Special Education

Regulations and Policies: Inbound?  See the “Out of State Transfers for Students with Disabilities” section.
Non-Public Schools

Pennsylvania Intermediate Units

As public, regional educational service agencies, the 29 Pennsylvania intermediate units (IUs) provide educational, administrative and technology services to the Commonwealth’s 500 school districts, 170 charter schools, and 3,000 non-public schools. With respect to Special Education, IUs deliver direct instruction and specialized services to thousands of children with special needs, including speech therapy, occupational therapy, psychology, behavior intervention, deaf and hard of hearing, and autism spectrum disorder. 

Parents/guardians of special needs students should connect with their local public school’s Special Education Department. If assistance is needed in making connections, please reach out to the School Liaison.

Pennsylvania Resources

Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network (PaTTAN)

• What Families Need to Know About Special Education in Pennsylvania
• Informative Videos which can be filtered by topic or audience
• Pennsylvania Special Education and Gifted Forms This site includes forms designed by the Pennsylvania Department of Education to ensure that students with disabilities receive a free, appropriate, public education. Forms are available for the Infant-Toddler/Early Intervention, Preschool/Early Intervention, and School-age programs, and include both annotated (helps explain the forms) and non-annotated versions. 

ASERT 
ASERT (Autism Services, Education, Resources and Training) is a partnership of Pennsylvania medical centers, centers of autism research and services, universities, and other providers involved in the treatment and care of individuals of all ages with autism and their families. Families can contact the ASERT Resource Center for guidance on autism supports and services available in Pennsylvania and assistance in navigating the complexities of the service system.

 

Early Intervention Services
Children from birth to age five who have special needs due to developmental delays and disabilities are eligible to receive Early Intervention services at no cost to the family.  Parents who have questions about their child's development may call the CONNECT Helpline: 1-800-692-7288, or email help@connectpa.net, or submit a form online.

PEAC
Pennsylvania Education for All Coalition (PEAC) provides:

• One-on-one support for families who need help securing an appropriate education for their children.
• Workshops that educate both families and teachers on special education law, best inclusive practices, and family-educator collaboration.

PEAL 
PEAL (Parent Education & Advocacy Leadership Center) works with families, youth and young adults with disabilities and special health care needs to help them understand their rights and advocate for themselves. 

TechOWL
Special needs lending library, free special phones, used equipment (donate or get free devices), 3D printer to print custom devices, training, get a demonstration of different devices, and more.
Mechanicsburg Area POC: 717-737-0158, ATUCP@ucpcentralpa.org
Philadelphia Area POC:  215-204-5967,   techowl@temple.edu