Providing the best possible education for your youth and teens so they can reach their dreams is a parental goal. Military OneSource offers information and tools on helping you give your children the best chance for success. You’ll find ways to help your youth and teens foster a love for learning, develop life skills that extend far beyond the classroom, help them transition to new schools, and prepare for college and the workplace. Tap into the support and resources of your military community to help you raise smart, responsible children.

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Choosing a Career Path as a Military Youth

Military parents of teens can help their child explore career paths with these resources and tips.

Young girl wearing face mask in school.
Supporting Your Child’s Education at Home and School

Supporting your child’s education is an important responsibility. Here are some strategies to help you cultivate a love of learning and build a foundation of learning for your child.

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Get Your Child the Right Start With Sure Start

Sure Start is a research-based preschool program offered by Department of Defense Education Activity that serves 4-year-old command-sponsored children stationed at overseas installations.

Student doing homework at home
Ways to Support Your Children in School

As a parent, you want to both protect your children and help them be their best. Find tips and resources to help them learn, grow, adjust to new surroundings and do well in school.

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Help Your MilTeen Prep for Success

Military parents of teens can help their child learn basic professional dress and communication skills for applying for jobs and scholarships or exploring career paths.

Youth playing volleyball outside
Healthy, Active Children and Academic Achievement

We all want our children to enjoy learning, make good grades and achieve success. Nutrition and physical activity are linked to academic achievement, so making sure your children are healthy and active will fuel them to reach their academic goals.

A family speaks with a school liaison
How School Liaisons Help Students Realize Education Goals and More

Learn how school liaisons can help with a wide variety of child and youth education issues.

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Advance Enrollment for Military Children

Advance Enrollment, an initiative that enables parents to pre-enroll their children in a school district before they arrive at their PCS destination, is now the policy in 34 states.

Children running out of school
School Options Available to Military Children

When it’s time to relocate, you need to know what education opportunities are available for your children at the new installation. The Defense Department is committed to making sure all military children have the opportunity for a quality education that prepares them for success.

Military mom working on laptop
Staying Connected With Your Child’s Teachers During Your Deployment

No matter where you are around the country or the world, you can still support your child’s education. With communication technology and strong interest, you can keep up with their grades and stay in touch with their teachers. Let your children know that school and education are important — whether you’re home or deployed.

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College Scholarships for Military Teens and How to Apply

Military families have two scholarships designed just for military kids to help ease rising college costs. The Fisher House Foundation administers the Scholarships for Military Children Program and the Heroes’ Legacy Scholarship.

Newly hired employee gets training
Preparing Young Adults for Their First Job – Strategies for Being a Good Employee

So, your child is getting ready to look for work. Whether he or she is still in school or just starting the search, there are plenty of resources to help military families get a leg up in the job hunt

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Coping with Standardized Testing Systems When You Change Schools

Whether it’s your first move or your fifth, even the most organized military parents need help navigating a new school district’s standardized testing system.

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The Interstate Compact Makes Changing Schools Easier for Military Children

When moving to a new duty station means going to a new state as well as a new school for your kids, rest assured that the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children is designed to make the transition smooth.

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Department of Education Federal Impact Aid Program – How You Can Help Your Child’s School

You can help your child’s school get more funding through the Department of Defense’s Impact Aid for Military Connected School Districts. Just fill out and turn in the Impact Aid form or survey, and the Department of Education provides extra money for schools with a large number of military students.

students wearing masks at school
The Department of Defense Education Activity — Strong Foundations for Military-Connected Children

With frequent moves for military families, finding the right school for your child is a crucial way to ease their transition. Department of Defense Education Activity schools provide education for children of service members and Department of Defense civilians that’s competitive with any school system, from pre-K through high school.

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Education Directory for Children With Special Needs

The Education Directory for Children With Special Needs is a Web-based tool that helps military families with special needs make informed decisions about education and early intervention services available on or near installations within the 50 states and the District of Columbia.

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Department of Defense Directory on Early Intervention, Special Education and Related Services in OCONUS Communities

Whether your family is moving to Ansbach, Germany, or Camp Zama, Japan, you’ll want to know everything you can about overseas schools, especially if you have children with special educational needs.

Young child playing in child care center
10 Questions to Ask Child Care Providers for Your Child With Special Needs

Finding a great child care provider is like finding a new member of your military family. After all, your child will spend a significant amount of time there each week, and what happens at daycare can impact what happens at home.

Student working in classroom
504 Plan Versus IEP Overview

Both individualized education programs and 504 plans document how children with special needs will reach their education goals. Learn about the differences between IEPs and 504 plans.

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Students With Special Needs: Transitioning to Adulthood

Exploring options, building a support network and self-advocating are steps students with special needs should take to prepare for their transition to adulthood.

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How to Teach Kids About Money In Your Busy MilLife

This article provides resources and practical ideas for teaching your kids money management skills.

Teacher and two young students in classroom
Child Care Options For Military Families With Special Needs

Finding the right care for your child with special needs starts with asking the right questions. The military offers quality, affordable child care options, both on the installation and off.

Children running outside
Keeping Your Child Healthy and Engaged Over the Summer

A little leisure is much needed when school lets out; however, children with special needs thrive with a little structure. It’s beneficial to maintain a routine during the summer as a way to keep your child learning and developing healthy habits.

Students surrounding teacher
Special Education Programs and Resources for Military Families

Families with special needs have a wide range of programs and services available for both family members with special needs and their caregivers. Here is a sampling of the various resources and tools available to you through the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs, or OSEP.