While it’s true that children in military families face certain challenges that other children don’t have to deal with, those military kids don’t often have special programs to help them handle those challenges. But, in some areas of the country, they have access to a military child care assistance program to assist them with such unique issues as frequent moves from home to home, making new friends when attending a different school, and separation from a parent or guardian deployed to another location.
Isolation, Anxiety
More than a million military-connected children attend schools in the U.S. and they sometimes deal with serious personal problems such as feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression. With the right kind of support, they can work through these issues and overcome what would otherwise be life-threatening situations. School administrators, teachers, and others often don’t realize that these children are struggling, which is why organizations such as the military child care assistance program in Orange County, CA are essential.
One of the most important tasks is raising awareness of these unique situations and encouraging change in the education system. Learn more about this work by visiting Domain Error or by calling Military Children’s Collaborative Group at (714) 536-6184.
Military Connection Identifier
This work includes the initial help of having schools include a military connection identifier on enrollment forms. If an adult notices issues with attention and performance in the classroom, this will help school administrators and teachers understand possible causes. An enrollment and emergency card would include specific information on how the student is connected to the military, such as listing a parent or guardian as Active Duty, Reserves, Veteran, and so on.
Of course, this is only the beginning of the services military kids may need that could be encouraged and/or provided by groups such as a military child care assistance program. School districts and individual schools may also be able to establish a military liaison within a school or district to provide necessary assistance to military-connected kids. Connect with them on Facebook for more information!
