How to Prepare our Children and Stay Involved in Their Education during Deployment

Posted by Beth DuBose on Apr 25, 2008

By Earle Dean Christian, who has devoted 21 years of her life to furthering education

This article was published by the Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC). The article identifies three phases in the deployment cycle: 1) pre-deployment, 2) deployment, and 3) reunion. Suggestions are provided for the caregiver and the educator on how to work with the children in each of these phases. The article includes artwork and poetry by military children. 

The article can be read in its entity at http://www.militarychild.org/pdfs/DeploymentBooklet.pdf . 

The Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC) website has other great tips regarding the various aspects of the military child’s life. The website has a Moving link, which provides important information such as a Checklist for Transferring Students, K and Grade 1 Requirements, Graduation Exit Matrix (for each state requiring and exit exam) etc. 

There is also information about the Special Education Leaders Institute (SELI), which is sponsored by the MECE. The purpose of the SELI is “to promote awareness and increase the availability of professional educators who understand the challenges associated with transitioning mobile military-connected students with special needs.” Approximately 13% of military students are special needs students. 

More details on these topics can be viewed at: http://www.militarychild.org/

About the Author

Earle Dean Christian has devoted 21 years of her life to furthering education. She spent nine years as a middle school classroom teacher, six years as an Elementary School Media Specialist and three years as Lead Teacher/ Grant Writer in high school.