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Oxford Area School District

PA Department of Education Military Connected Resources 

There are numerous organizations throughout the nation founded on the mission of supporting military families. Below is a sample of some of the organizations offering resources to military families. Please note, these resources are shared for informational purposes only, and do not imply Pennsylvania Department of Education endorsement. All resources, unless specified otherwise, are free of charge.

Military Family Resources

  • School Liaisons, funded through the branches of the Department of Defense, serve as the primary point of contact for military families, commands, schools, and the community regarding military-connected pre-k through 12th grade school-related matters. When a military family receives word of pending orders, that is when they should be reaching out to the school liaison at their next installation or within the state to utilize the Joint Service network of support. The primary goal of the school liaison is to ensure the academic success of military-connected children by addressing the unique challenges these students face due to frequent moves, parental deployments, and other military-related stressors. School liaisons accomplish this goal by:
    • Providing transitioning families with information about state-specific military-connected student legislation, local schools and the community, homeschooling options, and transition support resources. As a key part of the transition support, they also serve as the initial contact for the Youth Sponsorship Program.
    • Developing and coordinating partnerships in education between schools, the installation, and the community.
    • Assisting military families of children with special needs in navigating the special education system and connecting them with resources like the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP).
    • Providing families with pre-k through post-secondary support resource and referral services.
    • Advising installation commands regarding concerns, trends, and initiatives at the local, state, and national level.
    • Equipping educators with information about military culture and challenges and arming them with the training and resources to assist military-connected students and families in their schools or community.
    • Relocating outside of Pennsylvania? Reach out to your future school liaison.
  • Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) - EFMP is a DOD program that provides comprehensive support and services to military families with special medical or educational needs. EFMP’s free and confidential services are provided through each branch of service in accordance with DOD Instruction utilizing either on-site or remote installation support.
    • EFMP Forms – The Defense Department (DD) forms listed below are utilized for enrollment in EFMP which will assist military assignment personnel in ensuring support services will be available at a projected duty station.
      • DD Form 2792, “Family Member Medical Summary”, documents a family member’s special medical needs.
      • DD Form 2792-1, “Early Intervention/Special Education Summary”, documents the special education needs of a child with a disability, birth through age 21.
    • EFMP Respite Care
    • TRICARE Extended Care Health Option (ECHO) - For TRICARE eligible beneficiaries whose dependents are eligible for long-term care.
  • Specialized Training of Military Parents (STOMP) – STOMP’s mission is to empower military families by building stronger connections and expanding knowledge. Topics include Parents’ Rights and Responsibilities in Education, Advocacy, TRICARE/Extended Care Health Option/Applied Behavioral Analysis, Relocation, and Transition Planning for Post-Secondary Education, Employment, and Independent Living. All STOMP instructors are military affiliated with EFMP family members.
  • Partners in Promise – Partners in Promise, created by military families for military families, is a nonprofit organization that serves as a representative voice for military special education students and their families. Specially trained mentors in special education law and the process are available to meet with active-duty military families enrolled in EFMP to provide guidance and support.
  • Center for Parent Information and Resources: Military – To support military families with a child with special needs as they relocate to new locations, this site provides connections to Parent Centers in their state, and offers articles, fact sheets, training materials, webinars, and videos addressing key disability and education topics.
  • 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.
  • Military OneSource – Military OneSource is a free service provided by the Department of Defense (DOD) to active-duty, Guard, and reserve service members and their families with comprehensive information on every aspect of military life including deployment, reunion, relationships, grief, spouse employment and education, parenting and childcare, and much more. Support is offered through a 24/7 call center and website.
  • Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3) – The Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children eases interstate education transition challenges encountered by the children of service members such as enrollment, eligibility, placement, and graduation. On average, military-connected students will attend six to nine different school systems from kindergarten to 12th grade. The compact only applies to public schools. Free compact training is available.
    • Pennsylvania MIC3 – The site offers Pennsylvania specific points of contact, legislation, resources, and commission meeting information.
  • Tutor.com for Military – Tutor.com for U.S. Military Families, funded by the DOD and Coast Guard Mutual Assistance, provides free, on-demand, online tutoring and homework help in over 150+ K – 12 subjects, study skills, and parent coaching.
  • DOD MWR Libraries – The DOD MWR Libraries website offers free resources to service members, veterans, DOD civilians, and their families to include e-books, audiobooks, movies, academic support, test prep, professional development, career transition, and a vast array of learning resources and online content for all ages and interests. For children and teens, there are reading guides and homework helpers.
  • DOD STEM - DOD STEM has opportunities for students of all ages, educators, and professionals. Check out the STEM programs, internships, scholarships, and more.
  • Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP) - AEOP provides both students and teachers a collaborative, cohesive, portfolio of Army-sponsored STEM programs that effectively engage, inspire, and attract the next generation of STEM talent through K through college programs and expose them to DoD STEM careers.
  • Naval STEM – Naval STEM includes outreach to inspire future scientists and engineers through initiatives like SeaPerch, STEM fairs, apprenticeships, internships, scholarships, and partnerships with local schools and universities.
  • Air & Space STEM Outreach - Air & Space STEM Outreach is a Department of the Air Force program with a mission to inspire, cultivate, and develop exceptional STEM talent by exposing K-12 students and teachers to U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force opportunities and resources.
  • United Through Reading – United Through Reading (UTR), either through the app or a story station, provides active-duty or veterans with the opportunity to record, share, and save storytime no matter the distance. Each recording comes with a free copy of the book for the child to read along with the storytime recording. UTR also provides reading resources with tips and tricks to start a daily reading routine at home.
  • Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) - DoDEA operates 160 schools serving military-connected K-12 students. DoDEA’s eight districts are located in 11 foreign countries, seven states, Guam and Puerto Rico. DoDEA also offers a Virtual High School option for students.
  • National Military Family Association –National Military Family Association offers summer camps and virtual challenges for military kids, as well as a website offering resources and support for military teens. The Association also advocates at the national level to effect change on key military life issues. They provide support on topics including adoption, childcare, deployment, EFMP and special needs, and military children’s education.
    • Empowering the Military Teen | Bloom – Bloom, created by military teens for military teens, is an online space where military teens can connect and share experiences through blog posts, art, videos, and poetry.
    • Education Revolution – Educators, not sure how to help military-connected students? Explore the Education Revolution comprehensive booklet. Parents, not sure how to help your child in the classroom? Explore the Parent’s Guide to Becoming an Advocate.
  • Blue Star Families – Blue Star Families' research and policy work aims to increase awareness and understanding of military family life trends. This is achieved through individual research projects, policy analysis, and their Comprehensive Report, a key output of the annual Military Family Lifestyle Survey. Blue Star Families also offers several programs such as Blue Star Museums, Blue Star Outdoors, and Blue Star Neighborhood which support military families by connecting them with their local communities.
  • Authorized Housing Flexibility – Service members who meet requirements are eligible for authorized housing flexibility options before and during a permanent change of station move. Eligibility may include having dependents enrolled in EFMP, having one or more children attending elementary or secondary school, or other qualifiers.
  • High School Stabilization - The High School Stabilization Program allows active-duty families to remain at their current duty station while their teen finishes junior or senior year. If approved, the service member’s assignment is deferred or extended so their child does not have to change schools during a crucial academic and social time. Each service branch runs the program differently and not every request is approved. Timing is key.
  • Partners in Purpose – Partners in Purpose is a Joint Services scholarship database which provides over 1,000 military-connected scholarships in a searchable format.
  • Gratitude Initiative: College Success Academy – For eligible students in grades 8 through 12, the College Success Academy offers free comprehensive college and career counseling, test prep, financial aid counseling, and a scholarship.
  • March 2 Success – For students in grades 8 through 12, March 2 Success provides valuable resources on admissions, exams, financial aid, scholarships, and comprehensive planning guides.
  • Veteran’s Affairs Chapter 35 Benefits – For eligible family members, benefits include college degree programs, non-college degree programs, apprenticeships/on-the-job training, correspondence training, special restorative training, licensing and certification test fees and prep courses, and national test fees.
  • Post-9/11 GI Bill – If the service member requests a Transfer of Education Benefits (TEB) while on active duty or in the Selected Reserve, and it is approved by the DOD, and the dependent is enrolled in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS), and the dependent will use the transferred benefits during the required timeframe, education benefits can be used for college, non-degree programs, on-the-job training/apprenticeships, and more.
  • Yellow Ribbon Program - The Yellow Ribbon Program can help pay for higher out-of-state, private school, foreign school, or graduate school tuition and fees that the post-9/11 GI Bill does not cover. Schools participating in the program are listed on the website.
  • Pennsylvania In-State Tuition - Effective December 23, 2023, PA Act 14 (2023) and HB804 amends the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 (Choice Act) and extends the benefit of in-state tuition rates to the following populations:
    • All U.S. veterans who have a Pennsylvania address,
    • Active-duty military who is stationed and lives in Pennsylvania,
    • Any civilian who works on a Department of Defense facility who is stationed and lives in Pennsylvania, and
    • Spouses and dependents of the aforementioned groups.
  • Pennsylvania National Guard Military Family Education Program - House Bill 1324, known as the Pennsylvania GI Bill, authorized the Military Family Education Program (MFEP) which allows spouses and children of Pennsylvania National Guard members to attend college at no/reduced cost.
  • Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC) – MCEC's mission is to ensure quality educational experiences for all military children. MCEC offers parent and educator training and resources.  MCEC delivers programs, services, and professional development to meet the needs of military-connected students, parents, and professionals.
  • Military State Policy Source – This site seeks to engage and educate state policymakers, not-for-profit associations, concerned business interests, and other state leaders about the needs of service members and their families.
  • Talkspace – Through Humana Military (TRICARE East) for eligible individuals, Talkspace offers specialized teen therapy (ages 13-17) and relationship-centered family therapy. These clinically-proven, evidence-based therapies are delivered virtually through live sessions, messaging, or a combination of the two.
  • Telemynd Webinars – Telemynd, through Humana Military (TRICARE East), offers a library of past and upcoming webinars that explore essential topics related to military mental health for the entire family. Guard and reserve can access the webinars regardless of TRICARE status.
  • Military and Family Life Counselor (MFLC) – MFLCs can help adults and children navigate everyday challenges, including issues related to deployment, stress, moving, relationships, work, the grieving process and more. Adult and child and youth behavioral MFLCs are available in military communities throughout the world.
  • FOCUS (Families Over Coming Under Stress) – Adapted for military families, FOCUS is based on decades of research on family resilience and prevention programs. Explore the Resources section for a wealth of tools to improve family closeness and reduce conflict.
  • Thrive Initiative –The Thrive Initiative is a portfolio of developmentally sensitive, evidence-informed parent-education programs designed to support parents and caregivers as they raise their children from birth until 18 years of age. Supplemental modules build on information and strategies discussed in the four Thrive parenting programs – Take Root, Sprout, Grow, and Branch Out. The site also offers a section for professionals, adolescents, and teens.
  • Anchored4Life E-Learning Series - Anchored4Life has developed a video series that provides families and caregivers with fun and engaging activities to introduce, practice, and strengthen resiliency skill development with youth.
  • Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program - The Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program (YRRP) is a Department of Defense-wide effort to promote the well-being of National Guard and reserve members, their families, and communities by connecting them with resources throughout the deployment cycle.
  • American Red Cross Deployment Services – The Red Cross Deployment Services website provides comprehensive support for the entire family, not just emergency communications. It offers workshops covering all stages of deployment and the return to civilian life, including mind and body wellness programs. For convenient access to these resources, download the Hero Care app.
  • Sesame Street for Military Families - For children ages 2-6, the website celebrates the unique role of military children by offering them and their parents a wide range of resources, engaging videos, fun apps and helpful tip sheets and articles to help them through transitions, relocations, deployments and more.
  • Zero to Three - The Military Family Projects Team at Zero to Three works to develop resources and tools that support the health and development of infants, toddlers, and their families. Their work ranges from supporting young children in military-connected families through the creation of parent tools to developing professional development content for those who engage in military family support.
  • MilitaryChildcare.com – Explore the programs offered by the DOD such as on-installation child development and school age centers, family childcare, and the Military Child Care in Your Neighborhood (MCCYN) fee assistance program which makes community-based care more affordable for families.
  • Boys & Girls Clubs of America Mission: Youth Outreach - Through a partnership between the Joint Military Services and Boys & Girls Clubs of America, this program provides children of active-duty, National Guard, and reserve service members—who do not live near or have access to a military youth center—with free or reduced annual memberships to their local Boys & Girls Clubs.
  • DOD YMCA Military Outreach Initiative - The Military Outreach Initiative offers free fitness facility memberships and respite childcare services for eligible service members and their families nationwide.
  • Our Military Kids® (OMK) - OMK is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit offering extracurricular activity grants to children and teens of deployed National Guard, deployed reserve, or post-9/11 combat wounded, ill, or injured Veterans in treatment. OMK activity grants build the children's self-confidence, enhance family wellness, and strengthen a shared sense of community.
  • Boy Scouts of America - The Scouting experience is divided into five programs (Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing, Exploring, and Sea Scouts) according to age and activities. The website provides information on each of the programs and local scouting units.
  • Girl Scouts of the USA - The Girl Scouts offer a variety of activities both in person and virtually. The website provides information on how to become involved and information on local troops.
  • 4-H – Through the 4‑H programs, kids and teens complete hands-on projects in areas like health, science, agriculture, and civic engagement and are encouraged to take on proactive leadership roles.  4‑H is available in every county in the country through in-school and after-school programs, school and community clubs, and 4‑H camps.
  • Camp Corral - Camp Corral serves military-connected children of wounded, ill, or fallen service members. The camp helps build life skills to empower strong and resilient individuals as they navigate their unique circumstances. Camp Corral offers summer camps for children (ages 8-15) and family camps throughout the United States.
  • Military Installations - Military Installations offers details about duty stations worldwide (see below for National Guard/Reserve support), providing installation overviews, check-in procedures, and information about the local community. This collective effort by the military service branches connects service members and their families to local programs, services, and resources. Search by installation, state, or specific programs.
  • National Guard Family Assistance Centers - Family Assistance Centers (FACs) provide a variety of referral-based services to geographically dispersed families and retirees from all military components. The Locator tool provides contact information for FACs across the United States.
  • Army Reserve Family Assistance Centers
  • Air Force Reserve Family Readiness

·       Military Student Identifier FAQs – The Military Student Identifier (MSI) was mandated in the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA 2015), which requires states and districts to report on the performance of students with a parent in the military. With the adoption of ESSA, military-connected students became a distinct subgroup. This subgroup is comprised of students with a parent serving in the armed forces as defined in section 101(a)(4) of title 10, United States Code.

·       Pennsylvania Military Child Advance Enrollment – Act No. 24 of 2023 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, to enroll in the school district prior to establishing residency by 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. The parent or legal guardian 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.

·       Pennsylvania Purple Star Schools Program - The Purple Star School designation recognizes public, private, and charter schools that demonstrate a strong commitment to supporting the unique needs of military-connected students and families. This designation helps military families identify schools that are well-equipped to assist with the challenges of frequent moves and other difficulties associated with military service.

 

 

Educator/Counselor Resources

·       School Liaison – School liaisons provide valuable insight and direct support to military families navigating relocations, transitions, deployments, and other challenges. Contact a school liaison to learn more about the following topics to support military families in your school:

o   Understanding military culture (active-duty, Guard, Reserve, and independent duty stations)

o   Resources for military families

o   Military-connected special needs support

o   Implementing school-based peer-to-peer orientation programs

o   Incorporating impactful military family events

o   Military-connected scholarships

·       OneOp - OneOp is a free virtual professional development platform for professionals working with military families in a vast array of disciplines. It offers high-quality, research-based, multidisciplinary learning opportunities, resources and network activities created in collaboration with the Defense Department and land-grant university subject matter experts. The site offers live webinars, self-paced courses, a library of learning resources on-demand, and free continuing education credits the various credentialing agencies.

·       Military OneSource MilLife Learning – Create a free account as a Service Provider on the Military OneSource site to take advantage of various trainings for service providers such as “Supporting Military and Family Transitions” or to learn more about the support programs available to military families.

·       Military Interstate Compact Commission (MIC3) – MIC3 offers various free training programs and resource materials to assist schools/districts in supporting military families.

·       Military Impacted Schools Association: Promising Practices - To strengthen community, school, and installation partnerships, two-way communication must be in place at the local level. This site offers “best practices” to strengthen such partnerships. A good starting point is the school liaison.

·       National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) – The Military and Veterans section of the NCTSN provides information regarding U.S. military and veteran culture in addition to special issues involved with providing counseling support to military families.

·       Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness Learning Modules - The Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness at Penn State developed online learning modules for school personnel to increase understanding and awareness related to the unique challenges faced by military-connected students and families, and to provide school personnel with strategies and resources to support military-connected students.

o   Evaluation of State Implementation of Supportive Policies to Improve Educational Experiences and Achievement for K-12 Military Children – Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness, published May 2024

·       Month of the Military Child – April is designated as the Month of the Military Child. Purple is designated to be worn on April 15th, typically, to show support for children of all branches of the military. Month of the Military Child – April is designated as the Month of the Military Child. Purple is designated to be worn typically on April 15th to show support for children of all branches of the military. Schools are encouraged to take time throughout the year, however, to hold opportunities of connection and recognition for service members, their families, and their children.

·       Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC) – Of note, not all events or trainings are free of charge. MCEC delivers programs, services, and professional development to meet the needs of military-connected students, parents, and professionals.