Since Sept. 11, 2001, more than 18,000 Ohio National Guard members have been deployed to serve in the global war on terrorism, and altogether more than 60,000 Ohioans are actively serving their nation away from home. Approximately 34,000 students in Ohio are members of military families.
Often the impact of educators is magnified in military children's lives. The following resources can help educators effectively serve students of military families.
Professional Development Opportunity Guard and Reserve Institute: Supporting Children of the National Guard and Reserve March 3-4 in Columbus May 12-13 in Cincinnati Children of Ohio National Guard and Reserve members face unique challenges related to family member deployment and mobilization, as well as transition and family separation. This free, two-day session cosponsored by the Ohio Department of Education and Ohio National Guard is conducted by the Military Child Education Coalition. CEU and graduate credits are available. Learn more about and register for the institute by visiting http://www.militarychild.org/. The links below contain additional details on course content and registration.
See a course brochure.
Get registration, accommodations and course credit Information.
Additional Resources for Educators and Military Families
Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC)
The Military Child Education Coalition’s work is focused on ensuring quality educational opportunities for all military children affected by mobility, family separation, and transition.
http://www.militarychild.org/
Operation: Military Kids (OMK) in Ohio
OMK reaches out to youth who have a deployed family member to create community support networks through a variety of educational, social and recreational programs.
http://www.operationmilitarykids.org/public/statePOCHome.aspx?state=Ohio
Ohio National Guard’s Family Readiness Program
This program provides information and tools for Ohio families, including educational resources, youth camps, and recreational opportunities.
http://www.ong.ohio.gov/family/
Army OneSource
Army OneSource, Army Child, Youth & School (CYS) Services works with parents, students and schools to mitigate the challenges resulting from children switching school systems because of family relocation or deployment of a parent.
http://www.myarmyonesource.com/ChildYouthandSchoolServices/default.aspx
Ohio Inter-service Family Assistance Coalition (ISFAC)
The ISFAC serves as a statewide “safety net” in support of Ohio military families. The ISFAC connects military families with national, state, regional and community resources as well as volunteer support services.
http://www.homefront.ohio.gov/Home.jsp
Touching Base
Touching Base is a quarterly U.S. Department of Education newsletter for the military community.
http://www.ed.gov/news/newsletters/touchingbase/index.html
For general information on serving children of military families, contact Christine Kane, ODE Office for Safety, Health and Nutrition, at (614) 466-9520, toll-free (877) 644-6338, or christine.kane@ode.state.oh.us.