Understand the differences between the various military branches and protocols
Understand the unique needs of a military child
Family locations, demographics, and needs
Social/emotional attributes of military children
Academic needs of military children
Understand how the Department of Defense supports schools
DoD Impact Aid Programs
DoDEA Educational Partnership
Military Family Life Consultants
Military Assistance Programs
Joint Family Support Assistance Program
Operation Military Kids
Understand how the U.S. Department of Education Impact Aid works
Understand how best to support military students’ needs
Easing academic risks
Building resilience/supporting Psychological Health
Ways to increase parent involvement
Collaboration best practices
Basic Military Terms and Acronyms
An average military child moves six to nine times during their school years. Yet, children of military families are often more independent, adaptable, and able to relate better to those of diverse backgrounds. Nonetheless, their mobile lifestyle and the impacts of parental deployment means that they may struggle to develop deep and lasting relationships. They may also suffer from depression or have more difficulties concentrating than their classmates. All the while these children are attempting to learn to read, manage their friendships, and maintain their grades so that they can graduate from school.
Schools can be impacted by large-scale military moves or the occasional relocation of a family. The following information is intended to help school leaders understand the needs of military families, the resources they require, and the Federal and local resources available to help ease the transition. Consider the benefits to smooth student transitions:
Better preparation for additional staffing and fewer overcrowded classrooms
Ability to guide new parents and students through school policies and procedures, which supports the school community at large, as well
Quicker assessment of new students’ academic support needs, aiding general school goals to meet AYP
Better ability to establish appropriate supports for students with special needs or for English Language Learners
Stronger partnerships with local installation leaders, who can help provide policy and community support
For School Leaders
Objectives
An average military child moves six to nine times during their school years. Yet, children of military families are often more independent, adaptable, and able to relate better to those of diverse backgrounds. Nonetheless, their mobile lifestyle and the impacts of parental deployment means that they may struggle to develop deep and lasting relationships. They may also suffer from depression or have more difficulties concentrating than their classmates. All the while these children are attempting to learn to read, manage their friendships, and maintain their grades so that they can graduate from school.
Schools can be impacted by large-scale military moves or the occasional relocation of a family. The following information is intended to help school leaders understand the needs of military families, the resources they require, and the Federal and local resources available to help ease the transition. Consider the benefits to smooth student transitions: