Frustration and a PCS often go hand in hand, and the irritation can feel personal when it relates to your children’s schooling transition, regardless of a public, private or homeschool education. It’s overwhelming to research school options from afar and feel confident you’ve made the right choice. Education is a high-stakes journey for most military families, so preparing for a transition can feel like a part-time job.
Gratefully, there are multiple avenues for helping parents find the best fit; it just takes some time and possibly some one-on-one help to find exactly what you’re looking for. If a PCS is in your future, you’ll want to prepare for your next back-to-school journey as soon as possible. These resources will put you on the right path.
Student Liaison Officers
As a parent, one of the most worrisome parts of a PCS is deciding what type of education or school location best fits your family. You may have heard of a Student Liaison Officer. They work for the U.S. Department of Defense Education Activity. Their job is to help military families transition into new school settings, whether the kids attend on or off base or homeschool.
One of the best programs your SLO can refer you to is a youth sponsorship opportunity in your area. Often, when kids are paired with other kids attending the same school or living in the same neighborhood, friendships blossom quickly. It’s always comforting to walk into a new school already knowing at least one or two kids.
You can find a SLO at most installations, and they’ll also assist with:
- School selection
- Transfer credits
- Connection to local schools, public and private
- Alternative schooling and referral support
- Deployment strategies
- Parent workshops
Military OneSource has similar help available. Its education consultants are available through the website and by phone. They will discuss education options like school profile reviews, tutoring and financial assistance.
Educational Support Programs
Many parents consider translating education records between schools and finding educational support services in a new town the most challenging part of a PCS transition, so it’s helpful for military parents to become familiar with two integral education support programs. Your SLO is a good resource for learning more about each.
Military Interstate Children’s Compact
Because military families were struggling with the cohesiveness of education requirements between schools after PCS relocations, the DoDEA and the National Center for Interstate Compacts and the Council of State Governments created the Military Interstate Children’s Compact. This agreement encourages all 50 states’ education systems to provide seamless transfers between schools by accepting similar classes and testing.
Although the program has helped, each state dictates the details of its agreement, so it is up to parents to learn the program’s ins and outs and work with MIC representatives to connect the dots.
Military Child Education Coalition
The Military Child Education Coalition is widely known as one of the leaders in military kids’ educational support. Its website is packed with resources to master school transitions. MCEC employs Military Student Consultants at many of the biggest installations to help families settle into new homes and schools. Specifically, MCEC can assist with:
- Enrollment
- Credit transfer
- Extracurricular activities
- MIC3 implementation
- Graduation requirements
- Individualized Education Programs
- Special education services
MCEC is also the national advocate for the Purple Star School designation, which you may have heard about. These schools have completed training and receive support to welcome military kids nationwide. You can expect these schools to have military-related clubs and activities to quickly help your students become part of the community.
You don’t have to take on a PCS school transition alone. There are many resources available to help you feel confident about the move. Don’t forget, Military OneSource always offers access to confidential counseling if you think your family would benefit after a relocation.
Blog Brigade unites military spouses by creating a community built on shared experiences and mutual support. Navigating the complexities of military life can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. Military OneSource offers valuable resources focused on well-being, readiness, and connection. Explore a range of parenting resources and tools tailored to your needs.
