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SBA supports military spouse entrepreneurs with training, counseling, and other resources.

Supporting a military career can be a job all on its own. Military spouses looking to start or grow a small business need help. For this reason, SBA offers the same flexible resources for spouses as we do for veteran business owners. Check out the Pathway to Success: Connecting the Dots with SBA webinar to learn about SBA resources for every part of the military spouse entrepreneurship journey.

Free training

SBA has programs available at over 180 locations and online. Read through to find what best suits your current needs:

SBA also funds training programs through grantees such as:

Veteran Women Igniting the Spirit of Entrepreneurship (V-WISE)

Education and support to learn business and management skills

Eligibility is limited to women that are:

Honorably discharged veterans of any military branch and service era, including National Guard and Reserve components

Active duty service members of any military branch, including National Guard and Reserve components

Spouses of above, including widowed spouses/partners

Offered online and in-person

Funding and capital

Military spouse entrepreneurs can apply for any SBA-guaranteed loan. Explore our loan programs to find the best loan for your business. To receive a list of authorized lenders in your area, use our Lender Match tool.

SBA also has low-interest loans to help you recover from a disaster.

Federal contracting programs

These programs help certain small businesses access federal contracts. Read on to see if you qualify.

Expert advice

SBA provides one-on-one counseling nationwide. Find an SBA resource in your local community.

If you're on LinkedIn Groups, join Military Spouses and Entrepreneurship. Connect with owners, experienced mentors, and DoD-certified counselors.

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SBA supports military spouse entrepreneurs with training, counseling, and other resources. Supporting a military career can be a job all on its own. Military spouses looking to start or grow a small business need help. For this reason, SBA offers the same flexible resources for spouses as we do for veteran business owners.

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Careers for Military Spouses and Family Members

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Our military spouse employment and education programs support military family members through education, connection, and support services.

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Occupational interstate compacts are agreements between professional associations, occupational licensing boards, and other state boards designed to ease the burden on transient professionals, like military spouses, who want to stay employed even after a required military move across state lines.

Interstate compacts allow a military spouse with an occupational license or certification in one compact state to practice in another participating state through "privilege to practice" policies. States can voluntarily sign onto each compact to allow spouses to take advantage of the state-to-state reciprocity.

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Occupational interstate compacts are agreements between professional associations, occupational licensing boards, and other state boards designed to ease the burden on transient professionals, like military spouses, who want to stay employed even after a required military move across state lines.

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My Career Advancement Account (MYCAA) Scholarship Program

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My Career Advancement Account (MYCAA) Scholarship Program

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OUR MISSION

Hiring Our Heroes (HOH) connects the military community-service members, military spouses, and veterans-with American businesses to create economic opportunity and a strong and diversified workforce.

Connect with HOH Programs & Events

Hiring Events

We connect service members, veterans, and military spouses with America's best employers.

Fellowship Programs

Get hands-on experience in the civilian workforce through a six- or twelve-week fellowship.

Education & Networking

Take the next step in your job search or career with these workshops and networking opportunities.

74% of virtual hiring event candidates are moved to the next step

Get the training and employer connections you need with HOH events and programs.

Play Video

Register for a Virtual or In-Person Event

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OUR MISSION Hiring Our Heroes (HOH) connects the military community-service members, military spouses, and veterans-with American businesses to create economic opportunity and a strong and diversified workforce. Connect with HOH Programs & Events Hiring Events We connect service members, veterans, and military spouses with America's best employers.

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Spouse Education and Career Opportunities

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Spouse Education and Career Opportunities

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Military Spouse Education & Career Opportunities | MySECO

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Military One Source Education and Employment

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Military One Source Education and Employment

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Army Community Service Employment Readiness 

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Army Community Service Employment Readiness 

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The Employment Readiness Program (ERP) offers resources to help with your career plan and job search. Whether you’re a military spouse or Family member who just moved to a new installation, retiree, DoD Civilian looking for new opportunities, or active duty military, Active Reserve, National Guard member, or Wounded Warrior, we’re here to help.

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Get started

USAJOBS posts all federal job opportunities with a position description and instructions how to apply. With USAJOBS.gov tools and resources, you can find the right federal job faster.

Get started

About USAJOBS

As the federal government's official employment site, USAJOBS has attracted over 16 million job seekers to create accounts to date.

Learn about USAJOBS

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Fairfax County, Virginia - Look and apply for a job with Fairfax Count Government. Serve your community as a public servant in many ways.

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Careers at Fairfax County Public Schools

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Careers at Fairfax County Public Schools

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View our career opportunities, current job openings, salary and benefits information, and recruitment events. Learn about instructional licensure. Find out why you should become part of the FCPS team!

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Advanced Academic Programs (AAP) in Secondary Schools Virtual Workshops

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Advanced Academic Programs (AAP) in Secondary Schools Virtual Workshops

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Advanced Academic Programs (AAP) in Secondary Schools Virtual Workshops

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Links to all major pages within the website

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Welcome back to Instagram. Sign in to check out what your friends, family & interests have been capturing & sharing around the world.

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FCPS Military Families. 109 likes. Official page for Military-Connected Families of Fairfax County Public Schools in Virginia.

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We only use cookies that are necessary for this site to function to provide you with the best experience. The controller of this site may choose to place supplementary cookies to support additional functionality such as support analytics, and has an obligation to disclose these cookies. Learn more in our Cookie Statement.

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The Yellow Ribbon Program can help you pay for higher out-of-state, private school, or graduate school tuition that the Post-9/11 GI Bill doesn't cover. Find out if you're eligible, and if your school takes part in this program.

On this page

Am I eligible for the Yellow Ribbon Program?

You may be eligible for this program if you and your school meet the requirements listed below.

You must qualify for the maximum benefit rate under the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
To qualify, at least one of these must be true. You:

Served at least 36 months on active duty (either all at once or with breaks in service), or

Received a Purple Heart on or after September 11, 2001, and were honorably discharged after any amount of service, or

Served for at least 30 continuous days (all at once, without a break) on or after September 11, 2001, and were discharged after 60 days with a service-connected disability, or

Are a dependent child using benefits transferred by a Veteran or a service member who has served for at least 36 months on active duty and qualifies at the 100% level, or
Find out about transferring Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits

Are a Fry Scholar (eligible for the Yellow Ribbon Program on or after August 1, 2018)

Note: At this time, you're not eligible for the maximum benefit rate under the Post-9/11 GI Bill if you're an active-duty service member or the spouse of an active-duty service member. But, as of August 1, 2022, you may become eligible if you're an active-duty service member who qualifies at the 100% level, or the spouse using the transferred benefits of an active-duty service member who qualifies at the 100% level.

And your school must meet certain requirements.
All of these must be true. Your school:

Is an institution of higher learning, and

Offers the Yellow Ribbon Program, and

Hasn't offered the Yellow Ribbon benefit to more than the maximum number of students in their agreement with us, and

Has certified your enrollment with us and provided Yellow Ribbon Program information

See the schools that offer the Yellow Ribbon Program this year

What benefits can I get through this program?

Money to help pay for the higher cost of tuition at a private school or for attendance as a nonresident student at a public school.

If you qualify, your school will contribute a certain amount toward your extra tuition and fees through a grant, scholarship, or similar program. We'll match the contribution.

How do I get this benefit?

Apply for Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits

Apply for Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits
If you qualify for benefits, you'll get a Certificate of Eligibility (COE).

Turn in your COE to your school

Bring your COE to your school's certifying official, or to the financial aid, military liaison, or other appropriate office. Ask to apply for your school's Yellow Ribbon Program.

Wait for a decision
Your school will decide:

Whether it has already enrolled the maximum number of students for the program period. Enrollment is on a first-come, first-served basis. We have an agreement with each school about how many students they'll cover each year.

How much funding you'll receive. Your school decides this amount. They'll add up tuition and mandatory fees, then subtract any aid you've received from other sources-such as scholarships, grants, and your Post-9/11 GI Bill tuition payment. Your school will apply the Yellow Ribbon Program benefit to this final amount.

Follow up

You'll get a notice from your school about whether it has accepted you into the program and how much money you'll receive for tuition.

Does my school participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program?

To find out if your school participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program, you can use our tool to find a Yellow Ribbon school.

You can also search for participating schools using the GI Bill Comparison Tool.

Learn more about the Yellow Ribbon Program

Get answers to other questions you may have about the Yellow Ribbon Program.

How much funding you'll receive through the program

Do all students in the Yellow Ribbon Program receive the same amount of funding?

This depends on the school. Schools can choose to offer different amounts to students based on 2 factors:

Student status (undergraduate, graduate, doctoral), and

Type of school (college or professional)

For example: A school could provide $1,000 for undergraduates, $1,500 for graduate students, and $2,000 for doctoral students. The school also could provide $1,800 for students in the school of engineering and $2,500 for students in the school of nursing.

Will all of my tuition and fees be paid for if my school participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program?

This depends on the agreement we have with your school.

Your school's agreement with us states how much it will contribute and how much we'll match. This amount makes up all or part of the difference between what the Post-9/11 GI Bill will pay and the unmet tuition and fees.
Here's how it works:
Let's say you're attending a public school as an out-of-state student.

The school charges $10,000 per year for in-state tuition and fees, but $16,000 per year for out-of-state tuition and fees.

We'll pay the in-state $10,000 cost under the Post-9/11 GI Bill. But you'll need to pay the extra $6,000 for the out-of-state cost.

If you qualify for the Yellow Ribbon Program, you can get some or all of that extra amount paid. We'll match the amount your school contributes to the program. So if your school funds $3,000 of your tuition, we'll also pay $3,000 to your school, and you'll be covered for the full amount. If your school funds $2,000 through the Yellow Ribbon Program, we'll also pay $2,000 to your school, and you'll need to pay the remaining $2,000.

Note: Your school's agreement may also state that they'll contribute only toward degrees at certain colleges or professional schools, or only for certain degree levels (like undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral degrees).
Learn more about each school's agreement

What happens if state or institutional waivers already cover part of my tuition and fees?

First, we'll determine how much the Post-9/11 GI Bill will pay. We'll do this by subtracting any financial aid you have that's designated solely for paying tuition and fees from the total amount your school charges.

Then, your school's funding through the Yellow Ribbon Program and our matching contributions can cover part or all of the remaining unmet charges.

What fees will the Yellow Ribbon funds cover?

Yellow Ribbon funds may cover any mandatory (required) fees for your education program.

Yellow Ribbon and Post-9/11 GI Bill funds won't cover any fees that aren't mandatory, such as:

Room and board

Study abroad (unless your degree program requires the study abroad course)

Penalty fees (like fees for late registration, returned checks, or parking fines)

How your benefits may change from year to year

If I participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program this year, will I automatically be in the program next year?

Yes. If your school continues to participate in the program, they must continue to offer the Yellow Ribbon benefits to you the next year, as long as you meet all of the requirements listed below.
All of these must be true. You:

Make acceptable progress toward completing your program (according to your school), and

Stay enrolled in the school without a break (following the school's policy), and

Have money left in your Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits

Check the status of your Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits
If you transfer to a different school, your new school needs to offer Yellow Ribbon benefits and accept your application for you to continue in the program. Your first school's decision doesn't affect your new school's decision.

If I take fewer courses, how will my payments change?

If you take fewer courses, we'll pay less toward your tuition and fees. Your school will also reduce the amount they pay.

We base refunds on each school's refund policy. You'll need to pay us back for any overpayments we may have made to the school that they don't refund.

If I leave my school but return after a semester, am I still approved for the Yellow Ribbon Program?

If the school still offers the program, they must continue to give you funding as long as you meet all of the requirements listed below.
All of these must be true. You:

Make acceptable progress toward completing your program (according to your school), and

Stay enrolled in the school without a break (following the school's policy), and

Have money left in your Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits

Check the status of your Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits

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Yellow Ribbon Program | Veterans Affairs

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The Yellow Ribbon Program can help you pay for higher out-of-state, private school, or graduate school tuition that the Post-9/11 GI Bill doesn't cover. Find out if you're eligible, and if your school takes part in this program. On this page You may be eligible for this program if you and your school meet the requirements listed below.

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VA education benefits help Veterans, service members, and their qualified family members with needs like paying college tuition, finding the right school or training program, and getting career counseling. Learn how to apply for and manage the education and training benefits you've earned.

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VA education and training benefits | Veterans Affairs

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Find out if you're eligible and how to apply for VA education benefits for Veterans, service members, and their qualified family members. VA education and training benefits can help you pay for college tuition, find the right school or training program, get career counseling, and more.

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School Liaison Officer Directory for all Branches of Service Worldwide

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School Liaison Officer Directory for all Branches of Service Worldwide

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The Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP)

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The Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP)

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USAEOP provides students and teachers a collaborative, cohesive, portfolio of Army-sponsored STEM programs that effectively engage, inspire, and attract the next generation of STEM talent through Kindergarten through college programs and expose them to Department of Defense STEM careers.

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Fairfax County Public Schools Approved Tutors

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Fairfax County Public Schools Approved Tutors

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The Family Resource Center tutor list contains the names of current FCPS employees who hold a valid and current teaching license in Virginia. These employees have contacted the Family Resource Center to offer their services. The tutor list is updated monthly during the school year.

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Overview

Fairfax County Public Schools is partnering with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra resources for learning. Every student can take advantage of Varsity Tutors' services, at no cost, including weekly live online classes, on demand 24/7 chat tutoring, essay editing, study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests.

Tutoring Program Details

Varsity Tutors can help students with homework or help them prepare for the next big test whenever they need it. Tutoring is available in English and Spanish.

The Varsity Tutors platform gives your student more opportunities to learn at their own pace and covers kindergarten through 12th grade curriculum with the following features:

Varsity Tutors Quick Guides

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Varsity Tutors - Online Tutoring Services

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Access free resources like on-demand chat tutoring and online classes through Varsity Tutors.

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College Scholarships for Military Connected Teens

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College Scholarships for Military Connected Teens

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College Scholarships for Military Teens | Military OneSource

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Learn about college scholarships for eligible military teens, such as Scholarships for Military Children Program and the Heroes' Legacy Scholarship.

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Partners in PROMISE

Protecting the Rights Of Military children In Special Education (P.R.O.M.I.S.E.)

Our Data

Everything we do at Partners in PROMISE is based on what we have been told by military families.

140000

military children and adults were enrolled in the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) as of 2022.

23

on average, is how long military children wait to receive special education services after identification.

15

of families who are eligible for EFMP are not enrolled in the mandatory DOD program.

Partners in PROMISE is a solutions-focused organization. We base all our recommendations are based on the stories shared by military families in our annual survey.

Stay Connected

Partners in PROMISE is a 501(c)3 organization (EIN: 85-2828270).

© 2020 - 2023 Partners in PROMISE

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Partners in PROMISE Protecting the Rights Of Military children In Special Education (P.R.O.M.I.S.E.) Get to Know Us See More Articles All News Read the Latest Articles All News Our Data Everything we do at Partners in PROMISE is based on what we have been told by military families.

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Blue Star Families National Capital Region

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Blue Star Families National Capital Region

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OUR MISSION The VHSL is an alliance of Virginia’s public and approved non-boarding, non-public high schools that promotes education, leadership, sportsmanship, character and citizenship for students by establishing and maintaining high standards for school activities and competitions. OUR VISION The VHSL, composed of member schools in the state of Virginia, believes: That it

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Directions, hours, and events for the USO Mid-Atlantic area

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Sports leagues in Fairfax County offer opportunities for youth and adults to participate in a wide variety of athletic activities. These leagues are private community organizations and are operated independently from the county. The following directory is provided as a public service for Fairfax County residents.

To have your athletic organization added to this directory, please email your request to AthleticServices@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Activities for Individuals with Special Needs:

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Fairfax County, Virginia - Sports leagues in Fairfax County offer opportunities for youth and adults to participate in a wide variety of athletic activities.

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Welcome to Fairfax County 4-H Making the Best, Better!

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Boy Scouts of America-National Capital Area Council

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Boy Scouts of America-National Capital Area Council

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Preparing youth for adventure, education, service, leadership, and life.

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Fairfax County Government Child Care Search

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Fairfax County Government Child Care Search

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Welcome to the Early Childhood Programs and Service’s online child care search. There are nearly 2,000 regulated child care programs in this database that can be searched three ways. You can search by zip code, conduct a detailed search based on your family’s needs, or do a map-based search. We also provide information on what to consider when choosing child care. For additional help or if you have any questions, please call us at 703-449-8484 or email us at CCARInfo@fairfaxcounty.gov.

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Fort Belvoir Parent and Outreach Services

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Fort Belvoir Parent and Outreach Services

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You take care of business without coming in! With Webtrac, you can start new registrations, schedule registration and hourly care appointments, update household information, request child care, upload documents, make payments on your monthly childcare fees, print receipts and tax statements or sign up for advertised SKIES Unlimited classes, Youth Sports or special activities.

Welcome

Parent and Outreach Services is your gateway to Child and Youth Services programs. We support Family readiness and well-being by helping you balance military requirements and parental responsibilities.

* Here are the programs offered at most installations:

Parent Central Services (formerly Central Enrollment)

Kids at Home

Parents on Site

Kids on Site!

School of Knowledge, Inspiration, Exploration, and Skills (SKIESUnlimited)

CYSitters

Parent Liaison Services

Community Liaison Services

* Not all programs are offered at every garrison. Please check with your local CYS office to verify program availability.

CYS Registration

Registering Your Child in CYS

The first step to participating in CYS programs and activities is registration. Start your CYS registration by gathering up the needed paperwork with Webtrac online services, then finish up in person at Parent Central Services.

We'll verify your eligibility (based on the sponsor's status) at registration.

You'll need your ID card and the following items to complete your registration:

Kids age - 0-12 years

CYS Health Screening Tool, DA 7625-1, Tool 1 or DA 7725

Child Health Assessment - complete Parts A, B & C or Part A + school physical (due within 30 days of registration)

Family Care Plan for single/dual military only (due within 30 days of registration)

6th grade - 12th grade:

CYS Teen Self Registration Form

CYS Health Screening Tool, DA 7625-1, Tool 1 or DA 7725 (complete only if physician documented special needs)

After CYS registration, most of your information follows you from post to post, so you don't have to start from scratch after each new PCS move.

Once your registration is complete, you can enroll in programs like these: Child Development Centers (CDC), Family Child Care (FCC), School Age Centers (SAC), Kids on Site (KOS), Camps (Summer Camp and Before School Supervision), SKIESUnlimited, and Youth Sports. You'll need to complete the listed forms for the program in which you are enrolling, available on WebTrac or in person at CYS Parent Central Services:

Child Care (including Child Development Centers, Family Child Care and School Age Center)

Application for Department of Defense Child Care Fees, DD 2652 (not applicable to hourly care)

USDA Income Eligibility Form

Current immunization record (up to five year olds, and school age kids not enrolled in public school)

CYS Health Screening Tool, DA 7625-1, Tool 1 or DA 7725

Child Health Assessment (complete Parts A, B & C or Part A + school physical), due within 30 days of registration

Current immunization record (up to five year olds, and school age kids not enrolled in public school)

Kids on Site

CYS Health Screening Tool, DA 7625-1, Tool 1 or DA 7725

Child Health Assessment (complete Parts A, B & C or Part A + school physical), due within 30 days of registration

Current immunization record (up to five year olds, and school age kids not enrolled in public school)

Summer Camp (before 1pm) or Before School Supervision

Application for Department of Defense Child Care Fees, DD 2652

CYS Health Screening Tool: DA 7625-1, Tool 1 or DA 7725 (if identified during the registration process)

SKIESUnlimited
CYS Health Screening Tool: DA 7625-1, Tool 1 or DA 7725

Youth Sports

CYS Health Screening Tool: DA 7625-1, Tool 1 or DA 7725

Health Assessment/Sports Physical (complete Parts A, B & C). Due before participation in all sports activities

We may also require a Medical Action Plan (MAP) if your child/youth is diagnosed with allergies, diabetes, asthma/respiratory, seizures that require any rescue medications, or other conditions noted by Multi-disciplinary Inclusion Action Team (MIAT).
Parent Orientation
Once you're registered with CYS and enrolled in a program, Parent Central Services schedules appointments to acquaint parents with their child's program. These sessions are an important part of the enrollment process and are offered at times convenient to parents. Orientation highlights include:

Facility tour

Orientation of our programs and spaces

Review of rules of conduct and procedures

Opportunity to meet staff, care providers and key volunteers

Chance to complete required forms

Parent participation

Auto Debit Payment Option
Patrons have the ability to enroll in auto debit (PDF). Visit Parent Central Services to enroll.

Fee Cards

Child and Youth Services Fee Facts 17-18 School Year (PDF)

Child Development Centers Fee Facts 17-18 School Year (PDF)

How to Request Child Care

The new DoD site - MilitaryChildCare.com (MCC) - which is being introduced worldwide in phases - offers a more streamlined approach to finding/requesting child care and provide reports that help programs better plan for future placement needs.

MCC provides a single online gateway for families to access military-operated or military-subsidized child care options worldwide across all Services. The site enables families to create a household profile, conduct child care searches, submit requests for care, and manage their requests at any time and from any location.

To Request Child Care, the first step is to go to www.militarychildcare.com create an account containing information about your family, or to login using an existing username and password. This simple step establishes your user ID for the child care system, allowing you to take advantage of its many benefits for your family. For additional information or assistance please contact Parent Central Services at

Expanded Child Care Service - Military OneSource

Military OneSource provides hourly, flexible and on-demand child care options that meet individual family needs. Through this program, families have free access to a national database of more than a million caregivers with expanded options to find available, flexible child care solutions.

Military OneSource Article (PDF)

Get on the Childcare Wait List (MilitaryChildCare.com)

Requesting care is a snap with MilitaryChildCare.com.

Military Child Care (MCC) is a Department of Defense website for military families seeking child care. This single online gateway enables families to search for and request care, manage their requests and update their profiles online. Once you create an account, you can start requesting care.
STEP 1: CREATE ACCOUNT
Go to MilitaryChildCare.com to create an account containing information about your family, or to login using an existing username and password.
STEP 2: SEARCH AND REQUEST CARE
Search the system for the child care options that best fit your needs and submit your request for care.
STEP 3: MANAGE MY REQUESTS
You can manage your requests for care from anywhere in the world.
STEP 4: UPDATE MY PROFILE
Keep your My Profile page up-to-date with important information.
Will I get a Wait List number or an indication of how long will it be?
Militarychildcare.com will provide you with an anticipated placement time for child care when you request care.

Child Care Fees

According to public law, child care fees military-wide are based on Total Family Income (TFI), which is how much the parents make. (Fees are based on TFI and apply to children who attend on a regular basis. Parents are mandated by public law to pay their share of the cost of child care. Section 1793 of title 10, United States Code, requires that DoD prescribe uniform fee regulations for military child development programs.)

Parent fees are determined during the enrollment process prior to enrolling in a regularly scheduled Child Development Center (CDC), Family Child Care Home (FCC), School Age Care (SAC) or Youth Programs operating before 1300 hours and annually thereafter.

WebTrac offers easy bill payment, tax forms, receipts, class sign-ups and other convenient options. Payments for childcare can also be made at any CYS Child Development Center, School Age Center, and Parent Central Services (PCS).

Children with Special Medical Needs

We love our kids with special needs - and make every effort to include them in CYS activities and programs.
To do that, every installation convenes a Multi-disciplinary Inclusion Action Team (MIAT), which explores child care and youth supervision options for children and youth with special needs, including life-threatening conditions, functional limitations and diagnosed behavioral/psychological conditions.

The MIAT recommends child care and youth placement. It also determines reasonable accommodations and availability of services to support a child/youth's special needs.

The MIAT includes parent(s), CYS Coordinator, Outreach Services Director, Army Public Health Nurse (APHN), and Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) manager.

For Kids

Military Kids Connect is a DoD program to help connect military kids with each other and with the resources they need to cope with military life.

Parent Participation

CYS needs parents, too! Want to get engaged with CYS? Here are some ways.
Parent Volunteers: Throughout the year, we need parents to help out with activities. The Parent Participation Program encourages parents to volunteer with CYS, assisting with special events and activities (like field trips, holiday events, and special curriculum programs), small group activities, and special projects (such as playground improvement, procurement of equipment, and administrative aid). Parent Participation Program volunteers can take advantage of reduced child care fees for regularly scheduled programs, too.

Parent Education: Want resources to help raise healthy children? Join us for a variety of parental education classes to enhance parenting skills.

Parent Advisory Council: If you're interested in a leadership role, look into the Parent Advisory Board, which meets quarterly to discuss ways to enhance Child and Youth Programs.

Enrichment Programs

Don't need childcare? We offer enrichment programs, too!
Here are some of our most popular on-post activities:

Kids On Site! provides short-term hourly child care to parents attending on-post meetings or functions in the same or adjacent building.

Parents on Site offers support services for parent co-ops, infant/toddler playgroups, and short-term care in unit settings by Family members in another unit or organization.

CYSitters offers formal training for teens from adults who provide short term hourly child care for Families in their own homes. The training covers the skills needed to safely and appropriately care for children, including first aid and CPR, program activities, and the "business" of babysitting.

School of Knowledge, Inspiration, Exploration and Skills (SKIESUnlimited) includes a range of out-of-school classes in areas like music, dance, martial arts, gymnastics, technology, life skills, SAT prep and athletic experiences.

Deployment Support Services provides special options for eligible Army Service members, including deployed Soldiers, dependents of Army Fallen Warriors, and Army Wounded Warriors assigned to a Wounded Warrior Unit. If you're deploying, contact your local Parent Central Services Office or your child's program.

PCS'ing and Relocating

Transition of Child Records

Parent Central Services provides Army-wide transition assistance such as Global Data Transfer (GDT) of child records and accepts projected registrations for continued services. The system is designed to streamline the relocation process for military and civilian families. Standard data elements (such as names, birthdates, child health records, etc.) should follow each Family to their new duty assignments and make the local CYS registration procedure faster and easier.

Importing and exporting data for relocating families is part of the regular CYS in-and out-processing protocol.

CYS Parent Handbook

CYS Parent Handbook 2019

Parent Advisory Board

Frequently Asked Questions

* What services does CYS provide?
· Full-day child care

· Part-day preschool

· Youth Sports

· Kids on Site

· Seasonal Camps

· SKIES Unlimited

· Open recreation for teens

· Hourly care

· Strong Beginnings Pre-K program

· Recreational classes

· Before/after-school programs

* Not all programs are offered at every garrison. Please check with your local CYS office to verify availability of programs.
2. What can be provided as proof of eligibility?
The sponsor's ID card or DEERS enrollment forms that prove legal guardianship. If the sponsor is a biological parent, a birth certificate works, too.
3. Who should I contact if I have questions or concerns?
Contact your local Parent Central Services to get your questions answered, by email, phone or in person.
4. Where can I register?
Visit Parent Central Services
5. What do I need to register?
· Government ID

· Contact information

· Two emergency contacts

· Immunization Documentation, unless school age children are enrolled in a local public school system where proof of currency of vaccination is required

· Deployment orders (if applicable)

· LES/pay voucher, student letter, or seeking employment verification (for on-base child care)
6. What full-day or before/after-school child care is available?
We offer three child care options

1. Family Child Care Providers

2. On-base child care centers

3. Army Fee Assistance for off-base child care
7. How often must I register and why?
The Department of Defense requires children's records be updated at least annually for their health, safety, or well-being.
8. When does my child need a sports physical?
Sports physicals are required by the first practice for your child to participate. The child may not participate until a sports physical has been completed by a physician. Sports physicals are required for seasonal competitive sports: baseball, basketball, cheerleading, flag football, soccer, track and field, and youth fitness programs.
9. When do I need to complete a health assessment for my child?
The health assessment is required 30 days from the date of registration. The health assessment is due every three years unless there are changes in your child's medical condition before then.
10. Are immunizations required to register?
Yes. Kids five years and under need proof of immunizations. So do school age children not enrolled in a local public school system where proof of vaccination is required. Homeschool children are required to provide a copy of their immunization records.
11. What if my child needs special accommodations?
We welcome children with special needs. Every child will receive a recommended care plan based on the information presented from the Multi-disciplinary Inclusion Action Team.
12. Are there exceptions to fees based on total family income for special circumstances?
Yes. Commanders have the authority to grant financial hardship waivers and must consider the balance of Non-Appropriated Fund (NAF) income and appropriated fund support as they approve waivers. Approved fees must be within the fee categories established by DoD.
13. Are there discounts for multiple children from the same family?
Installation Commanders may authorize up to 20% reduction of fees for additional children of the same family, with the exception of contractor employees and specified space-available patrons (in accordance with Department of Defense fee guidance) who do not receive child care fee assistance.

14. * What is available to me if I am retired?

Sports and SKIES Unlimited classes are available to retirees' Families. Retirees are allowed to use services on a space-available basis when there are no other eligible uses on the wait list.
15. What types of programs and activities are offered for middle school students and teens?
· Leadership activities

· Girls & Guy talk

· Sports clubs

· How-to projects

· Power Hours

· Technology

· Leisure activities and special events

· Open recreation starting at 1300 on school holidays

· Summer camp

· Before School Supervision

16. What does the School Support Services Office do?

The School Liaison Officer works in conjunction with the CYS Division and the local school community to address educational issues involving military children. Through partnering with the local and military community, the School Liaison Officer acts as a communication link between the installation and the surrounding school districts.
17. How do I use MCC? STEP 1: CREATE ACCOUNT
Go to MilitaryChildCare.com to create an account containing information about your family, or to login using an existing username and password.
STEP 2: SEARCH AND REQUEST CARE
Search the system for the child care options that best fit your needs and submit your request for care.
STEP 3: MANAGE MY REQUESTS
You can manage your requests for care from anywhere in the world.
STEP 4: UPDATE MY PROFILE
Keep your My Profile page up-to-date with important information.

CYS Directory

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parent central services
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youth sports and fitness
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parents’ day out
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You take care of business without coming in! With Webtrac, you can start new registrations, schedule registration and hourly care appointments, update household information, request child care, upload documents, make payments on your monthly childcare fees, print receipts and tax statements or sign up for advertised SKIES Unlimited classes, Youth Sports or special activities.

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Advanced Academic Programs Identification and Placement for Military Families

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Advanced Academic Programs Identification and Placement for Military Families

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Advanced Academic Programs Identification and Placement for Military Families

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AAP offers flexible deadlines and will match previous gifted and talented services per the Interstate Compact for Educational Opportunity for Military Children.

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The Virginia Veteran and Family Support Program (VVFS)

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The Virginia Veteran and Family Support Program (VVFS)

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Veteran and Family Support | Virginia Department of Veterans Services

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Military Cultural Competency and Transition Awareness Training

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Military PTSD & Traumatic Brain Injury | Military OneSource

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Service members and their families have access to resources for those diagnosed with post-traumatic stress (PTSD) or a traumatic brain injury (TBI).

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Hazel Teletherapy for all High School Students in FCPS

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Hazel Teletherapy for all High School Students in FCPS

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Mental Health Care for All High School Students

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FCPS has partnered with Hazel Health to help eliminate barriers to quality mental health care services for all high school students, at no cost to families. Available beginning April 10, 2023.

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Webinars for Military Connected Families and Students

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Webinars for Military Connected Families and Students

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Military Connected Families and Students

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Share your videos with friends, family, and the world

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Child Care Aware ® of America is proud to partner with the United States Military and Department of Defense to serve and support their families through the Fee Assistance and Respite Child Care Programs. To date we have served more than 10 million families and have created a network of more than 10,000 licensed child care providers.

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Child Care Aware ® of America serves more than 10,000 children every year. Select your branch of service for more information on eligible programs and assistance.

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Child Care Aware ® of America serves more than 10,000 children every year. Select your employer for more information on eligible programs and assistance.

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State by State Resources

Find your state's resources for child care, financial assistance, health and social services and more.

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Fee Assistance / Respite - Child Care Aware® of America

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Child Care Aware ® of America is proud to partner with the United States Military and Department of Defense to serve and support their families through the Fee Assistance and Respite Child Care Programs. To date we have served more than 10 million families and have created a network of more than 10,000 licensed child care providers.

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Military Families of Students Receiving Special Education Services

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Military Families of Students Receiving Special Education Services

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Things to Know When Moving to Virginia School Systems

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Families in Transition: Lessons from the Military

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Families in Transition: Lessons from the Military

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LaWanda Toney: Welcome to today's episode. I'm LaWanda Toney.

Helen Westmoreland: And I'm Helen Westmoreland, and we are your co-hosts. I am very excited for today's topic. We are talking about transitions. Something I know a lot of families, including my own, have struggled with whether you or your family recently moved, your child is starting middle or high school or entering a new grade, transitions can be tough.

LaWanda Toney: That's right, Helen. Transitions can be hard for all of us, especially for those of us who've had multiple stops and starts to school because of COVID. Today, we're turning to the experiences of military families who move frequently, often all over the world. So today we are exploring what we can learn from these families and their schools to help us navigate life changes a little more smoothly.

Helen Westmoreland: Absolutely LaWanda, and that's why we are so grateful to have with us today, Dr. Keith Mispagel, superintendent of schools for Fort Leavenworth school district. Keith has spent 26 years in education, starting his career as a teacher. He is the President of the Military Impacted Schools Association and vice-president of the National Association of Federally Impacted Schools. He's also received two awards from the department of the army, the commanders award for public service twice, and the public service commendation medal, twice. He is married to his college sweetheart, and they have five boys ranging in age from 16 to 23. Welcome to the show, Keith.

Keith Mispagel: Thank you. Very excited to be here.

Helen Westmoreland: We're very excited to have you. So tell us a little bit just about yourself and how you approach your work as a superintendent on a military base.

Keith Mispagel: So I feel like I've got the best job in the world as superintendent for Leavenworth School District in Kansas, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. My school district is a preschool through ninth grade school district. We have about 1600, almost 1700 students and about a 50% turnover of our families every year and in a three-year period, over 95% turnover.

Helen Westmoreland: Wow.

Keith Mispagel: So it's been my professional career and my life's mission, if you will, to provide the best education that my district and I can for the students of those that are serving our country and protecting my freedom.

Helen Westmoreland: Absolutely.

LaWanda Toney: So Keith, tell us a little bit about what's going on for families when they first arrive, what are families experiencing behind the scenes, when they start a new school.

Keith Mispagel: So when they first arrive, it's all things in motion. And what I mean by that is, typically the families that arrive here at Fort Leavenworth and, and many of them across the country will make moves over the summer months in June and July. When they get to their new duty station, they have to accept quarters. They have to accept their new house that they're offered. They have to coordinate the movement of household goods. The soldier has to report to the command. Families have to familiarize themselves with the neighborhoods in the area and they haven't even started unpacking essentials or critical information documents yet.

Many families tell their kids, okay, we're going on a new adventure, pat, pack your bag, pack your backpack. Cause, it's got to fit in the suburban or mini van or a car as, as we drive across the country. And in that backpack are your essentials that you want to have with you. It could be a favorite book. It could be a cell phone. It could be a handheld video game. It could be paper, a journal or something, but what are the essentials as they move? Because, they're working through an overall sense of feelings with excitement, fear, happiness, nervousness, anxiousness and just exhaustion, because there's a lot to think about.

Helen Westmoreland: Yeah. Could you talk a little bit more about that? We've talked on this show a few times about socio emotional development and what's really going on for kids with all those factors you just talked about. Could you talk a little bit about what you're thinking of as a school system leader?

Keith Mispagel: It's a challenge when a student may hear, we're moving and the soldiers and the spouses that I've talked to. It's a common theme where yes, there's a soldier, an active duty soldier that serves, but the spouse and kids serve too. They are also serving, because they're a part of every transition and every process. And so when a student hears from their parents we're going to Kansas they might be, stationed in Hawaii or Virginia or California. And now the students have a process that many families have explained to me of, what they do to prepare. So as, as you mentioned in the beginning, I have five boys. The oldest is 23, youngest is 16 and they have grown up in the same household, same school system, their entire career.

Helen Westmoreland: Wow.

Keith Mispagel: They have not moved cause we're not military. I often think about my own boys, what would they do if we moved and they had to go to a new school? I think they would have a big challenge and because they've never had to do it, but, in many of our military families, whether I was a teacher, principal, and even in my roles now, if, if I'm out at recess or talking with a new kid, The concept of the new kid isn't as what my boys would see the new kid being. I've watched the new students enroll in October. So the school year's already started and they go out to recess and they literally don't know anybody, but they'll walk up to a group of kids and introduce themselves. Hi, my name is Keith, I just got here from, from Florida. What's your guys' name? And I think, wow, that's a resiliency and an opportunity to be able to say, I've been through this. I need to meet some new people.

And so I think it's a discussion, when we talk about social, emotional development, social, emotional learning, and growth as a maturity for kids at all ages, whether they're preschool through high school, the maturity to have the resiliency and the understanding of it's a new adventure.

Here's what I do I'm gonna meet my teacher. I'm going to share as much as I want to share. But I don't have to share everything just to try and jump in right away. And so there's a process that I've had families share with me that they talk about ahead of time. They have a moving party, not necessarily a going away party, but a moving party in their last duty station, because they've made friends, maybe they only were in those classes for a year and now they have to move away. But it's, not goodbye as much as it might be, see you later, because a lot of times in the military, they might end up back together in another duty station, as students.

LaWanda Toney: Yeah. What can civilian families learn from military families about resiliency and transition? What things can we take away to say, you know what? We should start doing this, it would help our kids transition, even if they're going from elementary to middle school.

Keith Mispagel: That's a great question. It's a big question, but a great question. And, and some of the successful strategies, if you will, that the military families have shared with me that, that other families have used and can use when we're talking about transition, from an elementary school to a middle school, or from one school in a district to one across town, or even across states or, or, or across country.

LaWanda Toney: Yeah

Keith Mispagel: Is gathering information ahead of time asking the questions that will allow parents to get as much information as possible prior to that move. In some cases that a parent may make have to make a move in a week or less time for whatever the situation may be. There still is time within that to jump on the website of the school district that they're going to be going to, or the school, find out what supplies are needed, find out requirements. Is there activities that the kids can sign up for? What was the mascot of the school? You'd be surprised to think that a kid that is going from a one school in let's say Kentucky that has a Wildcat as a mascot then comes to Kansas and goes to a different school, oh, it's a wild cat.

I was a wild cat last year. And so it's really the smallest things to help bring some interest excitement or and newness to the adventure, on a lot of websites, including ours, we have 360 degree virtual tours, where a family can click on the school and do a virtual tour of clicking through and they can see most of the school and oh, okay that's, that's the entrance. This is where you're going to have to go for lunch. This is, wow. Look at that school. I've never seen a school that has that much natural light or look at the colors and just kind of a buildup ahead of time of the new adventure. Because, also I've had families talk to me about just the overwhelming , feeling of wow, we gotta move. We gotta move again. Look at all the changes. Look at all the challenges that are gonna come with it.

I will never try take away from the long list of challenges and issues that come with a transition for a family, because they're real. And as a school district and school staff, that's our responsibility to help as much as possible with families where the most successful moves have been is, yes they accept and understand that there will be challenges. But how do we not focus on those solely? Because, they're still going to be a part of it, but now we make it a positive moving forward and that can help with resiliency of the student. Here's how you can make some friends.

You know, maybe you see a kid out at recess, that's kicking a soccer ball, you like soccer. You know, if it were one of my boys, Hey, Tanner, you like soccer, you see a kid playing soccer, go ask him, you kick the ball with him. You don't have to tell him your life story. You just got to say hi. And it's really just, just creating some of those opportunities to help our kids get in the mix and know that the school is there to help.

Helen Westmoreland: So I want to pick up on that thread, because I think the flip side to LaWanda's question is like, what can school leaders and what can schools do to be better partners to their families while transitioning? Because, I do think over the past two years, like, right, Keith you've been doing this for years, right? And, and your families have that resilience. You have those structures in place, but I think the past couple of years have really shone a light that there are a lot of schools, that aren't quite there in terms of really welcoming families and helping them through these transitions, whether that's a parent that's choosing a new school or was quarantine and schools were closed, and then we had to go back. What can school leaders learn from you about some best practices to really support your families and students through transitioning?

Keith Mispagel: One of the aha moments that I find myself every year looking at is not to assume that parents automatically know what they're supposed to know. Exactly. And I've been guilty of it myself, while I think we, we work really hard in, in Fort Leavenworth school district to do what we can for all families. We're not perfect, and we make mistakes. But as I talk with my administrators and staff, we have to be prepared to adjust on the fly. I've been guilty of saying, well, look, we're, we're a good school district. How do parents not just trust that? Well, they've never been here, we've got to earn that trust. We've got to show that we care about their kids and we've got to have transition support in place. And so there are no dumb questions.

There are questions that every family has, because their experiences in transition, whether it's from their last location or duty station or one, two or three years ago that impressed some very challenging memories for them. That's what they're bringing in every move. I've had families that I've met with in the summer, they come in and they're ready for a battle. Here's what I need for my kid, this is what I expect, and this is what's going to happen. And I talked to them about it. I don't feel uncomfortable with those conversations. I don't fault the parents for that. I actually tell the parents, you need to advocate for your kids and we're going to do it together. Your frustration that I, that I hear in some of your comments or demands or requests are likely due to some challenges that you've experienced in past years. Let me hear about those and let me see if I can help understand what we can do differently as part of that. And so for transitioning families and what the schools should be able to help with is, here's what we can share with you in regards to our curriculum or our curriculum resources.

For example, if, if a student that is moving from one school to another one state to another, one of the questions that many parents have is what is your math series? What math do you use? Well we use go math in Fort Leavenworth. Not everybody uses that. And that's okay. Sometimes when a kid who might already be nervous hears, Oh, you use that, I used that last year and now I'm familiar with it. Or if a family says all my kids never use that, or what do they use? Oh, they use Eureka math. Okay. Well, here's how we can support, that because here's the way the curriculum is going to align.

And so it's really a conversation and collaboration to help do everything we can as a school district to alleviate some of those initial concerns that might be historical or might be student driven, need-driven. When we talk about students that have IEP or 504 plans, there, there's a lot of information that school districts need, and parents need to make sure that we have a successful and appropriate education for our students with disabilities, whether that's academic, emotional, social emotional, behavioral. It could be medical needs. The more information upfront, the more schools can prepare. So I've already been contacted by a couple of families for next August.

When families are transitioning, we need to be able to answer their questions. I don't have a transition coordinator hired in the district, but I have all my administrators that can support with transition questions. And if we don't know the answer, we need to find it to help our families.

LaWanda Toney: Yeah. Can we talk a little bit more about students challenges. Say that you have a family who is transitioning and their kids just not doing well with the transition, what can they do?

Keith Mispagel: So we have counselors in our schools. I don't know that every school has counselors, but there's, usually supports and transition, can take many different forms with all kids. And I think about my five boys, a transition would be different for all five of them in one way or another. And so looking at it as, okay, how do we help with this transition? Well, it's a conversation that could be with, who is the trusted adult for that student.

It might be that student's teacher. It might be the school counselor. It could be the school nurse. It could be the principal, but how do we help that student, know that, yes, there's some challenges, but, but what were those challenges? Let's say it was in English language arts - may have a hard time reading. Doesn't like to read. I didn't love to read. But I knew I had to do it. And so as a former average student, I got by. But I wish I would have had some people help me understand why reading was important at certain levels. And it wouldn't have been so hard. And so really it's a conversation of, we're not going to make kids love to read in this example. But how do we help them understand that here's what we can help them with, so it's not as hard. And COVID has, has shown us so many things that we can't just assume that things are going back to normal or we can't assume that normal was exactly right before COVID. And so we've had to make some adjustments.

We've made adjustments this year from last year. I've talked with my staff and my families last year. If you'd have asked me, if it was the hardest year of my career, I would have said yes. If you asked me this year, this year has been the hardest, because it's changed. There's already been changes that have come forward in the way schools operate. Whether it's potential learning loss or understanding of, of classroom management and how kids just have to act in class. And if they're wearing masks or not wearing masks. I'm hyperactive. Three of my five boys are also hyperactive. So put me in a room, tell me to sit in a desk and not move and wear a mask and be engaged, what am I going to do? Probably not make the right choice. So how do we approach it as a school system or as a country when it comes to what are the top priorities as we look at, what do kids need?

And, so in our schedules this year we've made adjustments, we've added time that, that we call WIN time, what I need time. And so at the elementary is we've blocked off a block of time at each grade level for intervention, and now that can be enrichment support for students that are right on track and need to be challenged, or it could be a remedial support for students that may have had a different learning style or, not caught on to all the, the grade level objectives in the previous year. So it's a balance of what do kids need.

Helen Westmoreland: I want to ask you, because I think some of what you're talking about Keith is how you actually, as a superintendent, create an environment for your staff to also be somewhat resilient in the face of change. That is what the moment is calling upon all of us to do right now. How do you take care of yourself? How do you practice that resilience? How do you help your staff practice that resilience? Because if they can't navigate the change, they're not going to be able to help other people navigate the change. How do you approach that?

Keith Mispagel: That is probably one of the more difficult aspects of the changes that we're dealing with. Because the last two years has affected everybody individually different and in many different ways. And so I I've had a lot of emotional and long conversations with individual staff members with schools at staff meetings to where I pull up a chair and say, okay, let's talk. What are the biggest challenges right now? And I've left a very emotional myself, and, but knowing that God, I wish I could just wave a wand and make all their troubles go away.

Like all school districts. And like all staffs and like all, all families there has been loss, whether it's a loss of job loss, loss of life, loss of family member.

Helen Westmoreland: Loss of normalcy.

Keith Mispagel: Yes. That everybody is impacted. And yeah, we we've had to, to take a step back. I'm a very driven individual, I want nothing but the best for every one of our students and staff. And I don't think there's anything that should stop us in trying to achieve that. Well, that's all well and good. And then human life comes into it and then it becomes, okay, there's a way to lead when you're out front, but if you're way out front, no, one's behind you? You're not leading, you're on an island, and so I've really had to try and reflect myself of what, what can I help my staff with, what does the staff need? And again, everybody needs something different, because the way that our teachers have taught, and then like all districts is not the way they were trained in college unless they were in college in the last year or two and student taught during a time of Zoom class and at home learning.

Helen Westmoreland: Some would argue what you learn on how to be a teacher in college is still totally different than once you get there. Anyways, under the best of circumstances.

Keith Mispagel: Yeah, exactly. Yeah, exactly. On the job training has been new for everyone, whether they're a brand new teacher or a veteran staff member, it's all been brand new.

So it's really trying to connect with the staff and see what is needed. And it's still not perfect. I still haven't solved the, many challenges that are out there, but, how do we chip away at it? And how does staff know we care? We had a professional development afternoon, within the last month where we had, we had had a previous professional development plan of a national speaker coming in and we had all these things lined out that we would normally do.

And after talking with staff, my deputy and I scratched it and said, okay, we need to do a kind of a mental health afternoon. And, and so we did some cafeteria style breakout sessions that included yoga, included weightlifting, included pickleball it just, you know BYOB, bring your own book. Let me say that real quick after it bring your own book or an opportunity to professionally develop and collaborate. And so it was well received in that was the timing necessary, because I didn't want to say, okay, everybody let's be engaged for the next three hours, listening to this national speaker who would be good, but now is not the time for good. We need to help people get back to how do I help my kids and myself more?

LaWanda Toney: Yeah, I love that. I do.

Helen Westmoreland: I have a quick follow-up cause you talked about understanding needs at the staff level and sort of the ways you do that. What does your, intake and needs assessment process and welcoming process look like for your new families and students? Cause you've talked a lot about conversations, but I'm guessing you've got a couple very specific things in place, to make sure you're listening and responding to the needs of our military families and their kids.

Keith Mispagel: At the beginning of the school year, we do in each of the schools an expectation academy for all students. The first couple of days of school, the classrooms almost go through stations. Here's the cafeteria. And 'here's how you walk through the cafeteria. Here's how you get to the gym for PE. Here's the library. Here's the restrooms for your grade level. And, and as part of that expectation academy, they'll have a time. for their class or a grade level to sit with the principal and the principal say, okay, here's what our expectations are for, our school. Here's what behavior expectations are. Here's what we want to do for fun. So kids have that within the first week of school, an opportunity to know what the expectations are, and ask questions about it. The first day of school is just a crazy day and a fun day, every year.

Knowing that there's a lot of energy on that first day of school, the day before the first day of school, we have a time where families and kids can come visit their classroom, bring their supplies. They get to see where their seat is they get to meet the teacher. They get to walk their parents around the school. So there's that little familiarity of here's where I'm going to be, this year. And that's the same for returning students or new students. Everybody's excited about it. Everybody has supplies they have to bring in. Everybody wants to see where they sit.

And so those are just a couple of things that we do that have helped, we, we do a needs assessments that the schools have sent out. So the teachers will do an interest survey. Hey, what do you like? What do you dislike? And, because it's not safe to assume that every kid likes the same thing. One student may like video games, another wants sports, another wants reading, who knows? But until we know, we're not able to differentiate and say, okay, here's a project we're going to do. You can base the project on your favorite theme. And so it's really trying to create that initial comfort level of here's what you can expect from this day forward.

LaWanda Toney: I love that. So good. Keith, you have shared so many great nuggets with us, so good. So many good resources and just ways to transition. The final question for you is out of everything that we've talked about, what is the one thing you hope families could walk away with?

Keith Mispagel: An understanding that it's a partnership between the school and the family and that parents should ask questions. Parents should seek out information and know that the school wants to be able to provide as much information as possible to help with those transitions. One of the frustrations that I know families have to face whether they're military or just moving from one school the next is, it's not like it was at the other school, whether good or bad, it's not like it was at the other school, understanding that and making sure that that doesn't drive all comments, determinations, statements, because that'll create more frustrations.

It's how do we work together to adapt? Because a transition is hard without a support. It can be easier when there's the opportunity for parents to feel comfortable to say, I have some questions and here they are in email. Can you please get these to me? Cause, I'm trying to work out my family transition and prepare. That's why I said earlier, there's no dumb questions. Schools don't always have the exact answer, at that exact time because things change. This last two years has been an example of that.

Helen Westmoreland: I feel like I am walking away with a lot of great advice and just deeper appreciation for the experience of our military families and those inside schools. If folks want to go learn more about you, military families, anything you want to suggest for resources that people could look at to follow up.

Keith Mispagel: I I'd welcome the ability for people to look at our website, which is www.usd207.org. Even if they're not attending here, it might give some ideas of what to ask for when transitioning. The Military Impacted Schools Association that I'm the president of, we represent almost 60 school districts across the country that serve high concentrations of military in over 25 states and all of which work on transitions every year.

So, our military impacted schools association organization is one where families can whether transitioning through military or just in transitioning, go and see what some of the resources are. So, we're continuing to build those opportunities. And if others have specific questions about transitions my contact information is on our website as well.

And I'd be happy to - if I'm flooded with thousands of emails. So, but, I'm open to collaborating because, you know, my, as I said earlier, you know, I, have a deep passion to, to provide the best education I can for those serving our country. But, I also have a deep need and want to make sure all kids have a good education.

Helen Westmoreland: Thank you.

LaWanda Toney: Awesome. We'll definitely share the links that you talked about on our website, as well. I just want to thank you for your time and your expertise, and sharing all the things that you've learned throughout your career, it's really helpful. And I think that you'll definitely help a lot of our listeners, through transitions.

Keith Mispagel: Thank you. I'm thankful that you asked me to be a part of this.

LaWanda Toney: To our listeners, thanks for joining us. Please remember to visit Apple podcast page and leave a rating and a review.

We'd love to hear your thoughts on the season so far, and as always for more resources related to today's episode, check out notesfromthebackpack.com. Thanks for listening. Join us next time.

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Episode 52 | Families in Transition - Lessons from the Military - Podcast | National PTA

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Whether your child is transitioning to a new school or a new country, change can be hard. Dr. Keith Mispagel, superintendent of Fort Leavenworth Unified School District, talks with our hosts about helping children adjust to new environments.

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Advice for Moving With Children - Child Mind Institute

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Moving can be stressful for children, who depend on routine. Tips on breaking the news, settling into the new house, and working with a new school.

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Turning 18 in Virginia for Military Families: What Individuals with Disabilities Need to Consider

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Turning 18 in Virginia for Military Families: What Individuals with Disabilities Need to Consider

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Resources For Military-Connected Families 

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Resources For Military-Connected Families 

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Provides many online resources for parents. It is designed to empower parents as they nurture their children from birth to age 18.

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The Thrive Initiative is being developed through a collaboration between the Department of Defense's Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Military Community and Family Policy (DoD MC&FP) and the Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness at Penn State (Clearinghouse).

The aim of the DoD MC&FP and the Clearinghouse is to create a series of developmentally-comprehensive, evidence-informed, universal and targeted parenting programs for military and civilian families that is affordable with respect to training and implementation costs. The Thrive Initiative seeks to harness parents' potential for fostering holistic, community youth development and resiliency throughout childhood and adolescence by focusing on practices and strategies that help to nurture the parent-child relationship and foster positive child development outcomes. In addition, to address the long-term well-being of military and civilian children, parenting practices that promote physical health were a major component of each program.
The Clearinghouse proposes to promote positive child outcomes among families by doing the following:

strengthening positive parenting skills and efficacy;

teaching parents strategies to manage stress in themselves and their children; and

introducing foundational skills for promoting healthy lifestyles.

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Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness at Penn State (militaryfamilies.psu.edu)

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The Thrive Initiative is being developed through a collaboration between the Department of Defense's Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Military Community and Family Policy (DoD MC&FP) and the Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness at Penn State (Clearinghouse). The aim of the DoD MC&FP and the Clearinghouse is to create a series of developmentally-comprehensive, evidence-informed,...

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At Bloom, you can find comfort and advice about everything military teen related: from moving tips to details on duty stations. You can also read posts other military teens who want to share their stories and connect with their community. We're FOR military teens, BY military teens.

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Webinar: Mental Wellness and Trauma-Informed Practices in Military Families

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Webinar: Mental Wellness and Trauma-Informed Practices in Military Families

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Mental Wellness and Trauma-Informed Practices in Military Families

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Military Families of Exceptional Family Members-Birth to 5 years: Things to Know When Moving to Virginia

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Military Families of Exceptional Family Members-Birth to 5 years: Things to Know When Moving to Virginia

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Military Connected Children with Disabilities

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Military Connected Children with Disabilities

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Individuals with Disabilities Education Act

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Military-Connected Children with Disabilities - Individuals with Disabilities Education Act

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The families of military-connected children with disabilities may have the added challenges of frequent separation from family and support networks and disruptions in the continuity of early intervention services and special education and related services under the Individuals with Disabilities Educ…

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Meets on the 2nd Tuesday monthly at 7-8 pm for military families of all disabled dependents.  Access:  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9466001682#success OR Email director@asnv.org for details

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Podcast-Love Lives on-Talking about Loss of a Loved One

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Podcast-Love Lives on-Talking about Loss of a Loved One

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Dr. Andrew Moon and Dr. Carla Stumpf Patton discuss grief resources for military-connected children, parents, and providers. This important conversation covers how to talk to young children about death by suicide or grieving the loss of a person, how both children and adults can care for themselves during grief, and where to find critical support throughout the process.

This podcast is made possible by generous funding from BAE Systems, Inc. To learn more, visit https://www.baesystems.com/en-us/home.

Audio mixing by Concentus Media, Inc., Temple, Texas.

Show Notes:
Resources:
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline:  https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/988

Free eBook, TAPS Grief to Growth: Healing after a suicide loss: https://www.taps.org/suicide/2021/guidebook

Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors: https://www.taps.org/

National Military Survivor Helpline: 800-959-TAPS (8177)

Crisis Text Line: Text HELLO to 741741

Center for Loss and Life Transition: https://www.centerforloss.com/

Defense Suicide Prevention Office: https://www.dspo.mil

DoD Casualty Assistance: Gold Star Families & Casualty Assistance | Military OneSource

The Military Child Well-being Toolkit: https://www.militarychild.org/wellbeingtoolkit

Bios:
Dr. Andrew Moon, is a dynamically oriented, clinical psychologist, with a career focus on trauma, suicide prevention, and the emerging adult population, and has a passion for supervision, education, and training. Dr. Moon received his doctorate from Loyola University Maryland, where he benefitted from a variety of clinical experiences, including work in college counseling, community mental health, and the prison system. Dr. Moon went on to complete an accredited internship with James Madison University and a fellowship with The George Washington University. Prior to his current role with the Department of Defense Suicide Prevention Office, he gained experience in the field as lead for education and training in VA's National Suicide Prevention Program and through clinical positions with Peace Corps and the Washington DC VA Medical Center, both focused on treatment after traumatic events. Dr. Moon has also taken various leadership opportunities in these roles related to training, education, and operations. His current role, Senior Advisor for Partnerships, Engagement, and Education, allows him to focus his day to day efforts on increasing the quality and reach of the projects and programs developed by the Defense Suicide Prevention Office, as well as increase the collaboration with internal and external partners. Dr. Moon is a DC area native and enjoys all things food and culture, making DC an ideal place to call home.

Dr. Carla Stumpf Patton, Ed.D., LMHC, NCC, FT, CCTP, serves as the Senior Director of Suicide Prevention & Postvention at Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), where she oversees programs and services provided to military community members and families after a suicide loss. She is a suicidologist and subject matter expert in the areas of grief, trauma, and suicide prevention, intervention, and Postvention, is a registered ASIST trainer in suicide first aid, and is trained in Psychological Autopsy Investigations and Crisis Response Planning. Dr. Stumpf Patton holds a B.S. in Psychology, an M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Guidance Counseling, and a Doctorate of Education in Counseling Psychology. Her dissertation research focused on military families bereaved by suicide and was a key contributor in the development of the TAPS Suicide Prevention Model™. Dr. Stumpf Patton is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, a Certified Fellow Thanatologist, a National Certified Counselor, a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, a Florida Qualified Supervisor, and a counseling educator in higher academia. She is the surviving spouse of Sergeant Richard Stumpf, an Active-Duty U.S. Marine Corps Drill Instruc

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love lives on – talking about loss of a loved one

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‎MCEC Podcast: Love Lives On - Talking about Loss of a Loved One on Apple Podcasts

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Dr. Andrew Moon and Dr. Carla Stumpf Patton discuss grief resources for military-connected children, parents, and providers. This important conversation covers how to talk to young children about death by suicide or grieving the loss of a person, how both children and adults can care for themselves...

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Emotional and Mental Wellness for Families

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Emotional and Mental Wellness for Families

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Webinar-Exceptional Family Member Program Pathways: Navigating the Halls of a PCS

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Webinar-Exceptional Family Member Program Pathways: Navigating the Halls of a PCS

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Exceptional Family Member Program Pathways  Navigating the Halls of a Permanent Change of Station PC

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FRC Book Pack-Military Connected Students

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FRC Book Pack-Military Connected Students

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Child care can be costly. There are resources available for military families to relieve some of the financial burden. If you don't have access to on-base child care, apply for military child care fee assistance, which will provide a stipend to your child care provider, reducing your monthly bill.

Here are the steps to apply for child care fee assistance:

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How to Apply for Military Child Care Fee Assistance

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If you don't have access to on-base child care, find out how to apply for military child care fee assistance,

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Child Care Financial Assistance for Military Families

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Child Care Financial Assistance for Military Families

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Virginia Breastfeeding Friendly Early Care Recognition

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School-Aged Child Care (SACC): before and after school care

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School-Aged Child Care (SACC): before and after school care

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This program is run by Fairfax County at most elementary schools. There is a waiting list, so if you are interested, sign up as soon as possible.

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Welcome to the School Age Child Care (SACC) Program- a great place to be a child!
SACC provides fun, safe and educational care for children in kindergarten-sixth grade before school, after school and during school vacations in most Fairfax County public elementary schools. Children with special needs are fully included in all SACC centers. In addition, SACC programs at Key and Kilmer Centers serve youth, ages 5-21, with multiple types of disabilities. SACC offers a sliding fee scale for income eligible families.

The SACC program serves children five days a week, Monday-Friday.

Before School - 7 a.m. until school begins.

After School - End of school day until 6:15 p.m. SACC service begins when the children are dismissed
from school.

Winter/Spring/Summer Programs - SACC operates full-day winter, spring and summer programs at a
number of consolidated sites throughout the county.

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Welcome to the School Age Child Care (SACC) Program- a great place to be a child! SACC provides fun, safe and educational care for children in kindergarten-sixth grade before school, after school and during school vacations in most Fairfax County public elementary schools. Children with special needs are fully included in all SACC centers.

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Category 1: Active-Duty Independent Duty Personnel AND Joint Deployed Guard/Reserve

Category 1 includes Reserve Component and National Guard on Title 10 orders ( Title 32 orders are not eligible).

I am assigned to a Service-designated Independent Duty Station that is not at or near a free or Service-provided fitness facility; AND

I require a single-person membership, or my family resides with me, and I require a family membership. Only one membership type (single or family) is authorized.

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DOD Military Outreach Initiative - ASYMCA National Headquarters

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About This Program The Armed Services YMCA is proud to work with the Department of Defense to offer the Military Outreach Initiative. The Military Outreach Initiative offers gym memberships and respite child care services for qualified military members and families nationwide. Through this initiative, military members and families receive access to vital resources that promote...

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ACS/SFAC Location

Army Community Service (ACS) assists the Fort Belvoir community by developing, coordinating and delivering comprehensive services to help promote self-reliance, resilience and stability. ACS offers no-cost classes and trainings that are designed to equip Servicemembers, Family Members, Retirees, and Department of Defense Civilians with the life skills, knowledge and support needed to face the challenges of military life.
ACS strives to be "First in Service Member and Family Support!"
Reopening: What you need to know

ACS is open, however for the safety of our staff and customers, we will continue to offer the following virtual programs and services:

Soldier Family Assistance Center (SFAC): Currently, the SFAC program is offering workshops through various virtual platforms; providing telephonic Social Security Appointments; and handling other client-related issues via email and phone. NOTE: SFAC services are only for those members assigned to the Warrior Transition Battalion (WTB) and their families.

Employment Readiness Program (ERP): The program manager offers various support options and tips regarding federal employment and work-from-home employment via email. In lieu of her in-person orientation, participants can receive a very concise slide presentation. ERP services also include resume writing critique and guidance.

Family Advocacy Program (FAP): FAP has been providing information and resources on parenting and relationship enhancement through Social Media platforms. The program is also working to transition its current face to face training to approved virtual platforms. FAP personnel are still carrying the 24/7 hotline, responding to reports of child abuse and domestic violence. The Fort Belvoir FAP Hotline number: (703)229-2374.

Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP): The program is providing monthly webinars through virtual platforms, providing tips and resources on Social Media sites, also the program is responding to clients' requests such as IEPs, ADA Housing and EFMP enrollment.

Financial Readiness Program (FRP): Currently the Financial Counselor provides classes and workshops weekly through virtual platforms, as well as offering flexible appointments surrounding all facets of financial counseling, both virtually and telephonically.

Relocation Services (RELO): The RELO program provides information and resources on relocation for Soldiers and their families. Relocation counseling is being provided to clients via email.

Army Family Action Plan (AFAP)

Army Family Action Plan is a grassroots platform to voice quality-of-life issues, ideas, or suggestions and contribute to help better your community. It's the best way to let Army leadership know about what works, what doesn't, and how you think problems can be resolved. We give Active and Reserve Component Servicemembers, Family Members, Retirees and Department of Defense Civilians, and Survivors a primary tool to help identify issues and concerns and shape your standards of living.

You can submit issues at your garrison's Army Community Service office or to a unit Family Programs liaison. Army OneSource also facilitates AFAP issues online and makes sure your concerns get the attention they deserve. The information you submit gives Army leadership insight and helps foster a satisfied, informed, and resilient Army Community.

AFAP makes a meaningful difference. Since AFAP was created in 1983, 698 issues have been submitted, resulting in 128 legislative changes, 186 Department of Defense or Army policy changes, and 210 improved programs or services.

Here's a sample of AFAP results:

Dedicated Special Needs Space in Child, Youth, and School Services (CYSS)

Distribution of Montgomery GI Bill benefits to dependents

Annual Leave carryover increase from 60 to 75 days

Extended educational benefits for Spouses

Dental and visual insurance coverage for Federal Employees

Medical Coverage for Activated Reserve Component Families

Military pay table (targeted pay raises)

Military Thrift Savings Plan

TRICARE for Life for eligible Retirees

Funding for Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers (B.O.S.S.)

Active Duty Enlisted Soldier Compassionate Reassignment Stabilization

SGLI increases

Minimum standards for Army Child Care

In-state tuition for Military Dependents

To submit an issue or suggestion, go to your local Army Community Service office or Army OneSource.

You may also contact your Fort Belvoir AFAP Manager at +1 (571)231-7018.

Army Volunteer Corps (AVC)

Volunteers make a meaningful difference in the lives of Soldiers and their Families every day. Army Volunteer Corps (AVC) is designed to help you find local volunteering opportunities with organizations that benefit the Army community.

The AVC has redefined volunteering within the Army. We embrace existing volunteer programs, unite all volunteers who support Servicemembers (including National Guard and Reservists), Family Members, Retirees and Department of Defense Civilians, and Survivors, and formalize the Army's commitment to volunteerism.

No matter where people volunteer in the Army community, they usually want to contribute to Soldiers and their Family members. We recognize this common goal and want to help you find the right opportunity for you.

Volunteering helps your community and helps you as well. When you participate with AVC, you'll:

Gain a sense of satisfaction/achievement by meeting challenges

Learn about the Army, our sister services, and the community

Acquire new skills and/or expand old ones

Obtain work experience

Build new friendships and become a cohesive part of the community

Contact your local Army Volunteer Coordinator within your Army Community Service Center to register and learn about volunteer opportunities across the Army.

More information is also available from Army OneSource or by contacting your Fort Belvoir AVCC Program Manager at +1 (571)231-7013.

Community Information Services (CIS)

CIS provides information on both military and civilian agencies to Servicemembers, Family Members, Retirees, and Department of Defense Civilians.

Trained personnel will assist clients to find the appropriate and available resources.

Briefings are available in Bldg. 200 or at your location to outline the Programs and Services available from ACS.

Please contact your Fort Belvoir CIS Program Manager at +1 (703)805-4152.

Victim Advocacy Program (VAP)

The Victim Advocacy Program (VAP) provides emergency and follow-up support services to adult victims of domestic abuse. Advocacy services are available to Service members, their current or former spouses, an individual with whom the Service member shares a child, and significant others of Service members who live together. Our services are available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.
Our trained professionals are here for crisis response, information on reporting options, medical treatment options, law enforcement's response, emergency services, safety planning, obtaining military and civilian protective orders, and accompaniment to medical forensic exams and medical appointments, as well as accompaniment to court for orders of protection hearings and trials. Advocates work closely with their civilian counterparts and ensure a personal and smooth transition for victims who do not qualify for ongoing advocacy services within the military community.
If you need help or want more information, contact the Victim Advocacy Program Manager at your local Army Community Service Center.

Reporting Options
The Army is fully committed to ensuring victims of domestic abuse are protected; treated with dignity and respect; and provided support, advocacy and care. The Army strongly supports effective command awareness and prevention programs, and holding offenders accountable.
There are two types of reporting options: Restricted Reporting and Unrestricted Reporting. Personnel should report all suspected cases of domestic abuse promptly, which quickly activates victim services and accountability actions. However, we understand things might not always work that way. Victims might need medical attention or victim services without command or a law enforcement response. Therefore, the Army has implemented a Restricted Reporting Option for victims to confidentially disclose allegations of abuse and receive needed medical treatment and services.

Restricted Reporting
Allows someone who meets VAP criteria and who is experiencing violence in his/her relationship to confidentially disclose the abuse to a Victim Advocate, a Victim Advocate Supervisor, or a Healthcare Provider. When an individual chooses a restricted report, law enforcement is not involved and there is no investigation of the abuse. In addition, the Soldier's Command is not notified of the abuse and is unable to offer assistance and protection.
The restricted reporting option allows an individual to receive medical treatment, advocacy services and clinical and pastoral counseling. This option allows one to receive needed services, control the release of his/her personal information, and time to consider his/her options.
Under this reporting option, the offender is not held accountable and the abuse may continue. If an assessment reveals a high risk for future injury, a restricted report may not be granted.

Unrestricted Reporting
Victims of domestic abuse who want to pursue an official investigation of an incident should report the abuse to law enforcement, or the alleged offender's Commander. The unrestricted reporting option provides a victim with the widest array of services available including but not limited to command involvement, law enforcement involvement, medical treatment, advocacy services, and counseling services.
Not all incidents of domestic abuse are the same, and each person who experiences domestic abuse handles the situation differently.

Command Response
Commanders play an integral part in ensuring the safety, health, and well being of our Army Families. Commanders who learn of an incident of domestic abuse are required to notify law enforcement.

Victim's Rights

The right to be treated with fairness and with respect for your dignity and privacy.

The right to be reasonably protected from the accused offender.

The right to be notified of court proceedings.

The right to be present at all public court proceedings related to the offense, unless the court determines that your testimony would be materially affected if you, as the victim, heard other testimony at trial.

The right to confer with the attorney for the government in the case; the right to available restitution; the right to information about the conviction, sentencing, imprisonment, and release of the offender.

Safety Planning
A violent relationship puts you and your children at risk for injury and even death. Developing a safety plan tailored to meet the needs of your family will enable you get out of a potentially dangerous situation. If your children are old enough, mature enough, or even responsible enough to assist you during a violent or potentially violent episode of domestic abuse, you may consider including them in your plan to keep everyone safe. A good safety plan considers which steps to take if you choose to stay in the relationship or if you choose to leave.

Here are some tips during the explosive phase of domestic abuse:

Move to a room with easy access to an exit. Don't go to the kitchen, bathroom or near possible weapons.

Know the quickest route out of your home. Practice escaping that way.

Know the quickest route out of your workplace. Practice escaping that way. Domestic violence does not just occur in your home.

Pack a bag and have it ready. Keep it hidden but make it easy to grab quickly.

Tell your neighbors about your abuse and ask them to call the police when they hear a disturbance.

Have a code word to use with your kids, family and friends. They will know to call the police and get you help.

Know where you are going to go, if you ever have to leave.

Use your instincts.

You have the right to protect yourself and your children.

Develop a Safety Plan

Protection Orders

Military Protection Orders (MPO)
Unit Commanders may issue a Military Protective Order (MPO) to ensure the safety of service members, family members, and other individuals from the threat of domestic violence. An MPO is a written lawful order issued by a commander that orders a Soldier to avoid contact with his or her spouse or children. The commander should provide a written copy of the order within 24 hours of its issuance to the protected person, the Military Police and civilian law enforcement. An individual should report violations of the MPO to law enforcement.

Civilian Protection Orders (CPO)
A Civilian Order of Protection is an order signed by a Judge that directs an individual to stop abusing, stalking, harassing and/or committing acts of sexual violence against an individual. An individual may file a CPO against current or former spouse, someone that an individual shares a child in common, an individual with whom you have shared a residence with, someone related to you by blood or marriage or someone with whom you have dated or had intimate relations.

National Resources

United States Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women

National Center on Domestic and Sexual Violence

Stalking Resource Center

Statewide directory for laws, courts, emergency shelters, orders of protection

Battered Women's Justice Project

The Family Violence Prevention Fund

Women's Justice Center- Also is Spanish

Mind, Body, Spirit Empowered - Materials translated into many languages

Marriage and Equality - Materials translated into many languages

Employment Readiness Program (ERP)

The Employment Readiness Program provides information and referral services for employment, education, training, transition, and volunteer opportunities to give Family members the competitive edge needed to secure meaningful employment. ERP offers up-to-date information on available employment opportunities, market and job trends, education, and volunteer resources to help individuals make informed decisions when seeking employment. Services offered by the ERP include classes and seminars related to employment:

Career exploration

Job Fairs & Career Workshops

Federal Career Exploration

Resume writing

Interviewing techniques

Dressing for success

Networking

Entrepreneurship

Individual career assessment and counseling

Please contact your Fort Belvoir ERP Program Manager at +1 (571)231-7013.

Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP)

The Army designed the Exceptional Family Member Program to be a comprehensive, coordinated, multi-agency program that provides community support, housing, medical, educational, and personnel services to military Families with an EFM. Military Families with special needs Family Members, also known as an Exceptional Family Member (EFM), often require additional help in meeting their needs.

The Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) is a mandatory enrollment program that works with other military and civilian agencies to provide comprehensive and coordinated community support, housing, educational, medical, and personnel services to Families with special needs. Active Duty Soldiers enroll in the program when they have a Family member with physical, emotional, developmental, or intellectual disorder requiring specialized services. This program also allows their needs to be considered in the military personnel assignment process.

Family members must be screened and enrolled, if eligible, to participate in the Exceptional Family Member Program. There are also requirements if a service member is on assignment instructions to an OCONUS area for which command sponsorship/Family member travel is authorized, and the Soldier elects to serve the accompanied tour. This screening consists of medical records review for all Family members, and developmental screening for all children 72 months of age and younger.

Soldiers are responsible for keeping their EFMP enrollment current as exceptional Family member (EFM) conditions change or at least every three years, whichever comes first.

Use these resources, tools, and articles to learn more about EFMP and the families it serves.
Special Needs Accommodation Process or now known as the Multi-disciplinary Inclusion Action Team (SNAP/MIAT)
The Special Needs Accommodation Process or the Multi-disciplinary Inclusion Action Team (SNAP/MIAT) is a team established to ensure the most appropriate placement of children with special needs. The team meets to review any new applications for Child and Youth Services (CYS) programs that indicate any possible special needs, review the needs of children already placed in the CYS program and determine if those needs can be met. Military Members are mandated to enroll in EFMP for most of these conditions and if they are not enrolled, the EFMP Manager will contact the Servicemember to have an enrollment screening into EFMP be initiated.

So what is considered a special need?

Basically anything that would requires special attention from a caretaker. It can be illnesses and conditions such as allergies, asthma, attention deficit disorder/attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, diabetes, autism, epilepsy, Down's Syndrome, seizure disorder as well as physical challenges, learning disability, sensory impairment (hearing/vision), developmental delays, speech/language impairment, food allergies/intolerances, and many more.

The team is comprised of the Exceptional Family Member Program Manager, the Army Public Health Nurse, CYS Coordinator/CYS Program Directors, Parent Outreach Coordinator, and the Parents/Sponsors/Caregivers. Other appropriate Experts may be able to attend as augmenters if needed/requested. At the meeting, the child's needs are discussed to see if accommodations are necessary and if there are any activity restrictions. Also addressed at the meeting, will be the expectations of the service to be provided by the CYS staff, as well as educational and developmental intervention program information regarding developmental evaluations, and programs and services offered by CYS.

The goal is to ensure that the child has the very best experience at CYS and that staff are trained to provide the care that a particular child needs. If your child presents a special need that is new to the staff, they will receive specialized training before your child is entrusted to their care. This training will be in addition to their periodic training that addresses special needs topics that all School Age Care staff receive.
Army EFMP Respite Care
For Active Army and Active Guard and Reserve Families who are responsible for regular care of persons with disabilities, the Exceptional Family Members Program Respite Care Program provides a temporary rest period. Care may be provided in the Family's home or other settings such as special needs camps and enrichment programs.

The Army EFMP put respite care in place to give eligible Families, especially now with multiple deployments, the opportunity to receive respite care when it's needed. Families apply for the Respite Care Program at the nearest installation Army Community Service (ACS) EFMP Office.

Eligibility for Respite Care Program is based on EFMP enrollment and the medical or educational condition of the Family member requiring care. Qualifying Families are eligible to receive up to 40 hours of funded EFMP respite care monthly for each certified Family member.

Due to increase in mobilization and deployments because of Global War on Terrorism, remaining parent/sponsor has sole responsibility for all Family support needs. Respite care decreases Family stress, increases Family stability and reduces costly out-of-home placements, thereby contributing to Soldier readiness.

The team is comprised of the Exceptional Family Member Program Manager, the Army Public Health Nurse, CYS Coordinator/CYS Program Directors, Parent Outreach Coordinator and the Parents/Sponsors/Caregivers. Other appropriate Experts may be able to attend as augmenters if needed/requested.

Please contact your Fort Belvoir EFMP Program Manager at +1 (571)231-7020.

Family Advocacy Program (FAP)

The FAP outreach and prevention program is designed to strengthen and improve the quality of life for our military Families by increasing self-sufficiency, resiliency, and community cohesion for active duty, Family members, civilians, and retirees. Together with the garrison, FAP provides a multitude of programs and services designed to build individual and Family strengths as well as advocate for non-violent communities. The goals of the FAP are:

- L everage individual and Family strengths

- O vercome behaviors that may contribute to Family maltreatment

- V alue Family member differences

- E nhance behaviors that foster healthy military lifestyles

FAP professionals strive to create command and community awareness of the unique challenges associated with living in Europe, provide information on existing services to eliminate child abuse and domestic violence, and to develop specific educational programs at no cost to active duty. Our services include seminars, workshops, and individualized intervention.
New Parent Support Program (NPSP)
The New Parent Support Program is a voluntary program that assists military Families who are pregnant or have children birth through age three years to understand the process of delivering a baby overseas and adapt to parenthood in healthy and resilient ways.

The primary focus of NPSP is providing individualized home visitation services in the parent and child's natural learning environment. However, services can occur in an office, hospital, or community setting. Classes and groups are available which provide information on pregnancy, nutrition, parenting newborns and toddlers, problem solving and coping, discipline issues, social isolation, and military stressors. Services are available outside normal duties hours so working parents can participate.

Each NPSP Home Visitor has either a Master's degree in Social Work or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. They are additionally Licensed to practice Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, or Nursing in a US state.
Domestic Abuse Victim Advocate Program (DAVA)
The Domestic Abuse Victim Advocate (DAVA) provides comprehensive support services to adult victims of domestic abuse including: crisis intervention, safety planning, help obtaining medical treatment for injuries, information on legal rights and proceedings, referral to military or civilian shelters, and other resources.

DAVA's provide information so clients can make informed choices in reporting an assault and how they choose to proceed. DAVA's are available to accompany adult clients to medical visits, court proceedings, and other appointments as requested. DAVA's provide services 24 hours-a-day, 7 days-a-week. Victims are not alone, help and support are available.

The Domestic Abuse Victim Advocate 24-hour hotline - +1 (703)229-2374

Please contact your Fort Belvoir FAP at +1 (571)231-7015 or +1 (571)231-7017.

Financial Readiness Program (FRP)

The Financial Readiness Program is your resource for information on money matters. We can help you better understand financial topics like:

Military pay

Checkbook/debit card management

Financial responsibility

Credit reporting

Debt elimination strategies

Saving

Investing

Budgeting

ACS also has Financial Counselors available for advice, guidance, and support. In times of emotional distress, figuring out what to do about finances can create a heavy burden. Survivor Outreach Services Financial Counselors provide professional financial information and services in areas such as investing, estate planning, tax issues, and basic budgeting. Our Financial Counselors will be there when you need them, for as long as you need them. They are committed to assisting you in creating your financial security and ensuring you receives the necessary information to make sound financial decisions.
We can also help you learn about other financial services, including:
For more information about how the Financial Readiness Program can help you, contact your nearest Army Community Service Center.
Other helpful financial readiness links include:

Thrift Savings Plan: A Federal Government-sponsored long-term retirement savings and investment plan, available for both Federal civilian employees and members of the uniformed services.

U.S. Savings Bonds: A shorter-term savings option with competitive interest rates and backed by the full faith and credit of the United States.

Military Saves: A component of the nonprofit America Saves and a partner in the Department of Defense's Financial Readiness Campaign, Military Saves seeks to motivate, support, and encourage military Families to save money, reduce debt, and build wealth.

Money Matters: A mobile-optimized resource with calculators for savings, debt reduction and other reference material in one location.

Financial Literacy Game: A great way to learn about finances, integrating creativity, education and fun in a virtual world.

Housing Resources for Military Members: The National Military Family Association has compiled a great list of resources to help Military Families who are struggling with the pitfalls of the housing crisis.

Army OneSource: Network of the services and delivery of support to Soldiers and their Families.

Military OneSource: A Department of Defense-funded program that provides comprehensive information on every aspect of military life at no cost to active duty, National Guard, reserve members, and their Families.

Office of Servicemember Affairs: A component of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau helps to educate and empower military members, veterans, and their Families in the consumer financial marketplace.

Saveandinvest.org: A project of the FINRA Investor Education Foundation, a free, unbiased resource dedicated to your financial health. Helps you make informed decisions through easy-to-use tools and resources, and arms you with the information you need to protect yourself from investment fraud.

Better Business Bureau Military Line: Provides specialized education and support services, which meets the needs of active and retired military personnel and their Families.

Please contact your Fort Belvoir FRP Manager at +1 (571)231-7025.

Army Emergency Relief (AER) Overview

Overview

Army Emergency Relief is the U.S. Army's own nonprofit organization dedicated to alleviating financial distress on the force. AER provides grants and zero-interest loans to Active Duty and Retired Soldiers and their Families. Over 4 million Soldiers supported since 1942. AER officers are conveniently located at installations around the world. Visit ArmyEmergencyRelief.org to learn more.

Education Programs

AER's Education Program is a secondary mission to help Army Families with the costs of education. The three separate scholarship programs are:

Stateside Spouse Education Assistance Program
* Applicant must be the Spouse or widow(er) of an active duty or retired Soldier and reside in the United States.
* Stateside applicants must be full time students.
* First undergraduate degrees only.
* Active duty military personnel are not eligible.
Overseas Spouse Education Assistance Program Major General James Ursano Scholarship Fund for Dependent Children.
Overseas Spouse Education Assistance Program
* Applicants must be a Spouse of an active duty Soldier assigned in Europe, Korea, Japan, or Okinawa.
* Applicants must physically reside with the Soldier at the assigned location.
* First undergraduate degrees only.
* Off post students are not eligible.
* Spouses may be part time or full time students.

Major General James Ursano Scholarship Fund for Dependant Children
* Dependent children, stepchildren, or legally adopted children of Army Soldiers on active duty, retired or deceased while in active duty or retired status.

The children of Grey Area Reservists/National Guard are eligible as well.

Scholarship awards will be awarded up to half the cost of tuition. Scholarship awards are based on financial need, as evidenced by income, assets, Family size, and special circumstances.

Applications and instructions are available for all the scholarships on the AER website at https://www.armyemergencyrelief.org/resources/

AER Resources and Forms

View all AER forms.

Relocation Assistance Program (RAP)

Welcome to Relocation Readiness! Moving is a part of life for Soldiers, Government Civilians and their Families. The Army Community Service Relocation Readiness Program provides assistance to the Total Army Family. We are dedicated to ensuring our clients are capable of surviving and thriving through the PCS and ETS processes. We have developed this program to assist you in finding information and resources to make you more resilient and agile as you navigate your next move.

Your first stop once you are notified of a pending PCS or ETS move should be your local ACS where you can meet with a Relocation Readiness Program Manager who will serve as a subject matter expert in assisting you through the process.
Household Goods Lending Closet
When relocating to a new installation, you can borrow basic household goods such as:

Pots and pans

Dishes

Wheelchairs

Kitchen appliances

Contact the ACS Relocation Manager for more information at +1 (571)231-7018.

Soldier and Family Assistance Center (SFAC)

Fort Belvoir Soldier and Family Assistance Center (SFAC) provides customized, integrated support services dedicated to serving Soldiers in Transition (STs) and their Families. The SFAC is a one-stop location to equip and aid Soldiers in making life changing decisions as they transition either back to duty or to civilian life. The SFAC staff is a team of professionals who realize that individual needs require individual attention and we are responsive to those needs.

Please contact your Fort Belvoir SFAC at +1 (571)231-7000.

Survivor Outreach Service (SOS)

Our Fallen Warriors have paid the ultimate sacrifice. The Army has a commitment to their Families. Families deserve our respect, gratitude, and the very best we can provide.

Survivor Outreach Services is a "one" Army program. Regardless of your loved one's Army component, duty status, location, or manner of death, Survivor Outreach Services Support Coordinators and Financial Counselors are here to provide dedicated outreach and support when and for as long as you desire.

SOS offers support through:

Benefits Coordinators. No one is ever fully prepared to lose a loved one, which is why we have Benefits Coordinators. Benefit Coordinators are located at the Casualty Assistance Center and are there to assist and guide you as you make the many decisions necessary following the death of a Soldier. Benefits Coordinators help identify your specific benefits and entitlements and ensure you receive what is legally yours. They assist you in completing paperwork and navigating the various agencies Survivors encounter. Benefits Coordinators remain current on changes in the law and have a wealth of information available to support you during this very difficult time.

Financial Counselors. In times of emotional distress, figuring out what to do about finances can create a heavy burden. Survivor Outreach Services Financial Counselors provide professional financial information and services in areas such as investing, estate planning, tax issues, and basic budgeting. Our Financial Counselors will be there when you need them, for as long as you need them. They are committed to assisting you in creating your financial security and ensuring you receive the necessary information to make sound financial decisions.

Support Coordinators. The Survivor Outreach Services Support Coordinator provides long term support to you and is your link to the Army Family for as long as your desire. Wondering what direction to go in now? Your local Support Coordinator is happy to sit down with you as you journey through this transition by providing direct services as well as information, referrals and recommendations. They can also connect you with support groups, bereavement, and financial counselors, as well as help you request copies of documents obtain answers to questions and direct you to additional Survivor resources.

Please call +1 (571)231-7000 for more information.

ACS Directory and Numbers of Interest

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The mission of ACS is to facilitate the commander's ability to provide comprehensive, standardized, coordinated and responsive services that support Soldiers, Department of the Army civilians, and Families regardless of geographical location and to maximize technology and resources, eliminate duplication in service delivery and measure service effectiveness.

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Browse our collection of Military books here:

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Browse our collection of Military books here:

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Farley, Janet I., author.Military life 101 : basic training for new military families

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Our free, easy-to-use solution will save you hours of time and can help eliminate the academic challenges that many military-connected families face.

SchoolQuest Can Solve Your Most Frustrating Problems

PLAN YOUR STUDENT'S YEAR AND ACADEMIC CAREER

Eliminate problems and delays by managing multiple student's academic careers simultaneously with SchoolQuest. Your dashboard allows you to stay on top of your student's education, whether you want to look at what they need during the year, or want to make sure they're on track to graduate.

STAY ON TOP OF THE DETAILS

SchoolQuest's custom and prebuilt checklists ensure you can stay on top of it all. With due date reminders, you won't have to worry about tasks slipping through the cracks. You can even sync task due dates with popular online calendar services, so you can easily see everything in one place.

ORGANIZE YOUR RECORDS

Worried that a missing record will derail the start of your student's school year? Now, you can keep everything from shot records, to transcripts all in one place by integrating your SchoolQuest account with a leading online storage service like Dropbox. This can make moving to a new school easier and can even make applying for colleges a more seamless process for your student.

RESEARCH NEW SCHOOLS AND SCHOLARSHIPS

Finding a good school at your next location takes time. Get it right with SchoolQuest's interactive search guidance and note-taking features during your next school search. There is also a scholarship search tool with a note-taking feature that can help your student take control of their education after graduation.

"It's so important to digitize a child's portfolio. In the event papers are lost in moves, or if parents need to share the information with schools, it would make it so much easier."

- SchoolQuest User

Your Plan For a Smooth School Year

Get Access

Sign up for free to start using the tools and gain access to our growing list of resources.

Add Your Kids

Set up a profile for each of your students and start managing their education.

Get Organized

Create checklists, set reminders, create notes during your school research, and more.

"SchoolQuest equips parents to handle school transitions with confidence and ease, providing a supportive educational path for their children!"

- SchoolQuest User

PCS Moves Can Have A Lasting Effect on Students

No two schools have the same process, and without pre-planning, a student may have to take freshman year classes to graduate.

Tracking deadlines can become time-consuming, and missing deadlines means your student may miss a class or extracurricular they wanted to participate in.

Each student has differing needs and different paperwork.

With all the information scattered between schools, it's difficult to know where to start, and it can take time to sort through it all.

Any "special situation" can cause delays.

SchoolQuest Can Help

Our prebuilt and custom checklists make it easy for you to keep track of what is due when. Receive email reminders to let you know when a task is nearing its due date, so you never have to worry about missing another deadline.

Our academic tracker makes it easy to keep track of moves and previous courses your student has taken.

Our resource library contains more than 300 different resources and was created by educational professionals who specialize in military-connected transitions. The library is ever-growing and resources are regularly updated, so you don't have to scour the internet to find the most accurate information.

Our document center makes it easy to keep track of documents, transcripts, and your student's portfolio.

"I really like how comprehensive it is. It is filled with the kind of information I wish I had when we first started military life with children."

- SchoolQuest User

SchoolQuest is the tool you need to make sure your students are enrolled in the right classes and have the support that they need. With SchoolQuest, you can feel confident that you and your students are in control. And, it's free. Register to see just how much SchoolQuest can help you and your family!
Register Now

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The Solution You Need to Manage Academic Life For You And Your Students

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Want to help your military-connected student succeed? Our free solutions help you manage your student's education. Learn more about how SchoolQuest can help!

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Use this tool to explore available child care programs and providers. You can enter a location or simply select Go without entering a location to use our interactive map. Need to place a request for child care? Log in to your account.

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Use this tool to explore available child care programs and providers. You can enter a location or simply select Go without entering a location to use our interactive map. Need to place a request for child care? Log in to your account.

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https://www.militaryonesource.mil/benefits/military-child-care-programs/

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Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, or STEM, is the gateway to a world of wonder. U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) STEM professionals work at the leading edge of our nation's most advanced technological breakthroughs. STEM is our future.
Meet DoD STEM

DoD STEM supports a wide variety of activities including after-school programs, competitions, and internships for students and professional development and training for educators. Learn about upcoming STEM opportunities in your area or online.
View All STEM Opportunities

Upcoming STEM Events & Deadlines

DoD STEM partners with organizations nationwide to offer resources for students, parents, educators, mentors, and more! From math clubs to robotics competitions, the Explore section has something for everyone interested in STEM.

Find DoD STEM & STEM Partners

DoD STEM partners offer a broad range of instructional aides, activities and events to make learning STEM fun and exciting.
Explore the Map

Video Library

Check out videos of DoD STEM professionals as they explore scientific and technical efforts at DoD laboratories nationwide.
View STEM in Action

What are you interested in?

Want to be a robotics engineer or a chemist? View different types of STEM careers.
Explore STEM Careers

"DoD STEM salutes these young innovators, like Maya Gandhi, and their achievements. Our nation's security and strength heavily relies on professionals who possess exemplary STEM skills."

Louie Lopez
Director, DoD STEM

Featured Blog Post

Young Researchers Compete for Top Innovation Prize

Five middle school students took home awards totaling $65,000 at DoD STEM partner Society for Science's STEM competition, held in partnership with Thermo Fisher Scientific.
Continue Reading Blog Post
More Blog Posts View All Blog Posts

DoD STEM supports hands-on learning opportunities, teacher enrichment, scholarships, internships and fellowships to inspire and cultivate a diverse pool of exceptional STEM talent. As the government's largest employer of STEM professionals, the U.S. Department of Defense is committed to increasing the pipeline of candidates qualified for technical careers.

There are nearly 300,000 DoD STEM Professionals

60,000+ of DoD STEM Professionals work in over 200 DoD Laboratories and Centers

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DoD STEM seeks to attract, inspire, and develop exceptional STEM talent across the education continuum and advance the current DoD STEM workforce to meet future defense technological challenges.

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Welcome to DOD Starbase

Mission Statement: To expose our nation's youth to the technological environments and positive civilian and military role models found on Active, Guard, and Reserve military bases and installations, nurture a winning network of collaborators, and build mutual loyalty within our communities, by providing 25 hours of exemplary hands-on instruction and activities that meet or exceed the National Standards.

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DoD Starbase | Department of Defense Youth Programs

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Premier DOD YouthOutreach Program Staff Login About Curriculum Locations Testimonials Contact Welcome to DOD Starbase Mission Statement: To expose our nation's youth to the technological environments and positive civilian and military role models found on Active, Guard, and Reserve military bases and installations, nurture a winning network of collaborators, and build mutual loyalty within our

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Through the efforts of the 4-H Military Partnership, over 50,000 military connected youth participate in 4-H Clubs and opportunities worldwide annually.

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Quickly access detailed information and key dates about National Military Family Association's (NMFA) Operation Purple camps, Family Retreats, Healing Adventures, and Buddy Camps.

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While 30% of parents indicate that their child provides care to the service member, when asked about specific tasks, 69% of parents indicated that their child preformed at least 1 caregiving task in their household.

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While 30% of parents indicate that their child provides care to the service member, when asked about specific tasks, 69% of parents indicated that their child preformed at least 1 caregiving task in their household.

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Military, Veterans, & Families Initiative

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Military, Veterans, & Families Initiative

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The Military, Veterans, & Families Initiative - mvfi

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We focus on giving back to those who give their all to our nation, through direct services and education opportunities for service members, veterans, and their families; training of future professionals who will work with service members, veterans, and their families; and research dedicated to improving the lives of service members, veterans, and their families.

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School Support Services provides Army school-aged youth with educational opportunities, resources and information necessary to achieve academic success. A branch of Child & Youth Services (CYS), School Support Services features School Liaison Officers (SLOs), who help schools, installations and Families work together for student achievement.

SLOs are your best support in the area of education, schools and military transitions. SLOs are knowledgeable in current education news and policies. They act as the conduit between the school community - including local public school districts, private schools and home school Families - and the installation.
How do they do it? By

Helping schools understand the challenges military Families face

Informing parents about local school policies

Giving Families information about local schools, graduation requirements, after school programs, youth sponsorship and homeschooling

Connecting units and schools through partnership initiatives

Conducting workshops to help parents navigate educational transition and advocate for their children

Providing an array of resources that benefit military youth and improve school experiences

Click on the video below to find out even more about School Liaison Officers (SLO). The Facebook Live event was presented by Military OneSource featuring a panel of School Liaison experts from each Service, explaining the benefits of the School Liaison program!

When Do I Need a SLO?

Getting ready to move:

Information about your upcoming duty station and educational options in your new community

Connection to a youth sponsor who can answer your child's questions from a youth's perspective

Assistance with the steps to prepare for your children's departure from their current schools

Once you arrive:

Assistance with school registration and transition

Help with questions about compliance and solutions regarding the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children

Two way communication between the school and parent

Connection with homeschool co-ops or support groups

During your assignment:

Answers to your questions about schools, homeschooling, special education, scholarships, transitions and more.

Parent education opportunities about college and career readiness, preparing for transition and the Interstate Compact

To ease the transition, contact your SLO as soon as you get orders.

Finding a School

Finding a new school and registering your child can be confusing.

We can help.

Our SLOs give you information on local schools so you can find the best fit for you and your family. They can also help you with everything you need to register - and can answer other questions, too. Contact our office and to get more detailed information.
Research-based Characteristics of Quality Schools
Most schools share fundamental characteristics that prepare students for the future. Research shows that the most effective schools are more alike than they are different. Here is some information about what to look for in quality schools:

Public Schools

Virginia Department of Education School Report Card (Web): Please reference the state report card so you may be informed and inquire when touring your school. Virginia has Standards of Learning and does not follow the Common Core. Every state has its own Department of Education which determines its own accreditation and standards. Because of this, it is not possible to compare to schools outside of the state. Where you live determines where your children attend school. Military waivers do not exist for the elementary school on Fort Belvoir.

Helpful Links:

Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunities for Military Children (Web): These Virginia Code of Law provisions are to assist military dependents moving from public education in one state to public education in another state.

Before/After Care

There are several resources to support military connected children and youth while their parents have duty assignments.

The Fairfax County Office of Children Centers (Web) located at your child's school follow the School District Calendar.

Prince William County Schools (Web) contract care through Minnieland Academy who follows their School District Calendar.
Military Child Care Fee Assistance
Private Schools

Virginia Council for Private Education (Web): oversees accreditation of nonpublic preschool, elementary and secondary schools in the Commonwealth.A peer review process and an annual reportingrequirement have been developed to monitor the standards. Please refer to the link for a list of private schools currently approved by the Virginia Council for Private Education:

Important Fact for School Transitions: Accreditation through a VCPE Approved State Recognized Accrediting Member guarantees the transfer of student credits from the state recognized accredited private school to a public school and ensures recognition of teacher licensure credits for time served in an accredited private school.

Youth Sponsorship

Does your child have 101 questions about your next duty station? Let a youth sponsor answer them!

Youth sponsors connect with children before arrival at a new duty station, provide them with information about their new communities and answer questions from a youth perspective - while being guided by adults in the CYS youth program and the schools.

Once you arrive, a youth sponsor will meet your child and can arrange community and school tours.

If you're preparing for a PCS move, contact your SLO today to sign up for a youth sponsor.

Military-Specific and Government Academic Support

Real Warriors (Web) and +1 (866)966-1020: 24/7 multimedia behavioral health support center for all military connected, Defense Centers of Excellence and Department of Defense

MilitaryOneSource (Web): You can access Military OneSource free non-medical anonymous counseling online, on the phone, or in person. Twelve free sessions may occur in individual, couple, family or group settings.

Military Family Life Consultants (PDF): MFLCs are available to meet in-person on or off the military installation. The free non-medical anonymous sessions may occur in individual, couple, family or group settings.

Deployment Health & Family Readiness Library (Web)

App, National Military Family Association (Web)
Youth Sponsorship
Youth sponsorship emulates the Department of Defense Military Sponsorship Program. These programs are peer led with adult supervision and provide support especially during times of transition.

Military Youth on the Move (Web): The Department of Defense designed Military Youth on the Move as one-stop shop for parents and students with moves and deployment.

Military Kids Connect (Web): The Department of Defense formed the National Center for Telehealth & Technology to offer this online community for military connected students which provides access to age appropriate resources dealing with unique challenges of military life.
School Liaison Checklist for Military Families

Special Education Information

If you have a child with special needs, we can help you find the resources available in your school district. We can also connect you with your local installation's Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) office.

Additional References & Resources for Special Education

Highly mobile children are entitled to an expedited process, including: a) evaluations in 30 days instead of 60 days, b) removed delays due to school district schedules for Families moving during incomplete screenings, c) continued Extended School Year for students moving in the summer. The United State Department of Education, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services outlines these requirements for State Directors of Special Education.

The Center for Parent Information and Resources offers parent education, acronyms, tools, webinars and a directory of local Parent and Information Training Centers to appropriately advocate for their children, proactively supporting personal accountability. Funded by OSEP.

Military OneSource has a range of resources in caring for a family member with special needs: education, health care, legal, financial, points of contact (EFMP, School Liaisons, etc.)

Military Community & Family Policy-Office of Special Needs provides directory of age-specific resources and States at a Glance for state education special education resources and parent resources.

DirectSTEP provides no-cost, Army sponsored online training for educators and parents on a host of special education topics such as understanding federal requirements, best practices for behavior management, IDEA eligibility, IEPs and more. Through the eCourses parents and educators learn how to apply education laws in order to obtain positive outcomes associated with critical education issues. Access the course listing and registration page through the links below.
DirectSTEP course listing DirectSTEP registration

Home School

Home schooling has become mainstream and widely-used. We offer resources and information to help you provide quality home-based education.

Home School Legal Defense Association provides information on home school law, and general support and information about homeschooling.

Home Instruction

Virginia Requirements for Home Instruction (Web): August 15th is for the Notification by Parent to provide home instruction. For families moving to the county during the school year, submission must be within 30 days of setting up residence. It is required for all students to demonstrate evidence of progress either through a composite score in/above the 4 th stanine on nationally standardized achievement test (3 rd grade/above) or a) subject portfolios for each quarter b) transcripts from distance learning program or college.

Transition Support

We understand that military transitions for children include much more than school plans and enrollment. We have a number of resources to help make your move as easy as possible for the kids, including:

Military Kids Connect provides online age-appropriate resources to help parents, teachers and children cope with the unique challenges of military life.

The Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children (MIC3) addresses key transition issues military Families experience, including enrollment, placement, attendance, eligibility and graduation. All 50 states have signed the compact and are in varying stages of implementation and/or compliance. The compact applies to children of Active Duty service members, National Guard and Reserve members on active duty orders and members or veterans who are medically discharged or retired within past year.

If you feel that you have an issue that the Compact can help address talk with your SLO. The SLO is able to assist by connecting with both the sending and receiving school to assist in resolving the issue. If it is not possible to resolve the issue locally, the SLO will help you work with the state commission, and if needed, the national office.
Partners In Education, USAG Fort Belvoir
To support school learning communities by collectively improving systems for transition predictability for military-connected and other highly mobile students. Together, the school districts and the installation use the guiding principles outlined by superintendents, school board members, and commanders in the US Army Secondary Education Transition Study (SETS) to accomplish comprehensive outreach, create a network of professional development, and enhance educational activities. Fairfax County Public Schools and Prince William County Schools are signatories of the (SETS) Memorandum of Agreement.

Post - Secondary Support

Our support doesn't end with elementary education. If you have children preparing for academic life after high school, we can help you find information about testing opportunities, scholarships and military-specific resources that can help you plan.

The US Department of Veteran's Affairs provides information about Military-Specific and Government Academic Support G.I. Bill

The Transferability of Educational Benefits for the Post 9/11 GI Bill are very specific. The Defense Manpower Data Center, through MilConnect will guide you through the transfer process and your eligibility to do so. Speak with an Education Counselor prior to making this election in order to ensure you understand the benefit.

In-State Tuition Programs for Military: Service-members, active duty for a period of more than 30 days and their dependents are eligible to receive in-state tuition at many public colleges and universities in the state where they reside or are permanently stationed. An enrolled dependent may pay in-state tuition as long as he or she remains continuously enrolled at the institution, even if the service-member is reassigned outside of the state. Regulations outlined in the Higher Education Opportunity Act, 2008 (P.L 110 - 135) and the Higher Education Act of 1965 (pdf) apply.

Resources

Here are some additional web resources to assist you with your child's education:
Academic Resources:
Tutor.com for U.S. Military Families makes live tutors available online 24/7 to help with more than 40 core subjects and standardized test preparation.

Homework Support: Army Child Youth & School Services provides Homework Labs in before/after school programs for elementary students at the School Age Center, and for middle and high school students at the Youth Center.
Khan Academy:
A personalized learning resource for all ages Khan Academy offers practice exercises, instructional videos, and a personalized learning dashboard that empower learners to study at their own pace in and outside of the classroom. We tackle math, science, computer programming, history, art history, economics, SAT and more.
Support/Resilience Resources:
School Support Services include information about other programs you can use for support and resilience-related issues.

Military Family Life Counselors (MFLCs) are available to meet in-person on or off the military installation. The free nonmedical sessions are anonymous and may occur in individual, couple, family or group settings. Child Behavioral Specialists are located on the installation in Child, Youth and School Services programs, and in highly impacted schools located on and off the installation.

Military OneSource has access to free nonmedical counseling that's anonymous and available online, on the phone or in person. Twelve free sessions may occur in individual, couple, family or group settings.

Ready and Resilient Workshops for youth and educators are offered through the SLO and Youth Center programs. These workshops provide educators and students with the same tools Soldiers receive through their Ready and Resilient training. As Master Resilience Trainers SLOs strive to develop a common language around resilience for educators, youth and their parents.
For information on how to attend a class contact your local SLO. College and Career Readiness Resources:
College and career readiness includes the content knowledge, skills and habits that students must have to be successful in postsecondary education. It also includes training that leads to a sustaining career. A student who is ready for college and career can qualify for and succeed in entry-level, credit-bearing college courses without needing remedial or developmental coursework. These links have tools that will help you plan for your child's college and career readiness:

Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP) provides STEM opportunities for military connected youth. The website provides information about AEOP programs available to youth, scholarship opportunities, news, and ways to get involved.

Military.com Scholarship Finder Military.com provides a search engine to help you find money for your child's higher education needs. Search over 1000 scholarships intended for military youth. They also have a Military Scholarship Handbook.

School Support Services Scholarship Database Listing of crowd sourced scholarships for military connected youth. Scholarships are listed in alphabetical order and provide information on deadlines and qualifications.

Financial Aid

Provides a description of federal student aid programs from the U.S. Dept. of Education and how to apply for them.

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Apply for federally funded financial assistance for education beyond high school.

Get Ready for College - College Planning, Financial Aid

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Unique Military Child Identifier? Numerous states have enacted a voluntary report-only self-identification of military children within their public school systems. This data collection would allow monitoring of critical elements such as academic progress and proficiency, special and advanced program participation, mobility and dropout rates. Requirements and method of collection vary from state to state.
Impact Aid
Many local school districts across the United States include within their boundaries parcels of land that are owned by the Federal Government. They must provide a quality education to the children living on the Indian and other Federal lands while sometimes operating with less local revenue than is available to other school districts, because the Federal property is exempt from local property taxes.

Congress has provided financial assistance to these local school districts through the Impact Aid Program. Each year Military members and Federal employees complete a Survey Form. The amount of Impact Aid - or federal assistance -received is determined by the number of eligible parents/guardians who complete the survey form. It partially compensates school districts affected by federal activity for local tax losses resulting from tax-free federal installations.
Impact Aid Fact Sheet (we will provide a hand out to link to)Impact Aid Website Non-DoD School Program (NDSP)
At overseas/international locations where there is not a Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) school, NDSP supports a variety of options for your children, ranging from public or private schools to homeschool programs. NDSP has a team of education specialists who are available to provide transition and educational support and coordination for all students, including those with special needs. Sponsors are encouraged contact the NDSP as soon as possible for specific school information.
Email
Phone Number +1 (571)372-5863 or +1 (571)372-1897

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army cys
parent central services
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school liaison officer

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School Support Services provides Army school-aged youth with educational opportunities, resources and information necessary to achieve academic success. A branch of Child & Youth Services (CYS), School Support Services features School Liaison Officers (SLOs), who help schools, installations and Families work together for student achievement.

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Getting the most value from public school programs and resources.

As an advocate parents and guardians can make sure the student gets the most value from public school programs and resources.

Parents and guardians can help by ensuring that the student comes to class every day, on time, prepared, with a positive attitude, personal integrity, and a commitment to making good choices.

Being a strong advocate also means ensuring that the needs of the student are met, and that they are treated equitably and fairly by FCPS staff.

Stay Connected

Keep a list of important school numbers.

Bookmark the FCPS website for information about Fairfax County Public Schools, to sign up for parent accounts, and to register for school email services.

Create a Parent Overview Account for the Student Information System (SIS). Your SIS account includes information about attendance, classes, and academic progress. If you need help, contact your school's School Based Technology Specialist (SBTS).

Ask family members and caregivers to sign up for News You Choose, an email service of FCPS.

Learn how your school communicates with parents. Some schools communicate through email, the school's website, and social media (e.g., Facebook, Twitter).

Learn how to access the online tools your child's teachers or school use for homework, class assignments, calendars, and school activities (e.g., Google Classroom, Schoology, etc.).

How to Be an Advocate

Introduce yourself to your child's teacher(s).

Introduce yourself to the principal and school office staff.

Be supportive of teachers and staff.

Keep in regular communication with teacher(s) throughout the year.

Volunteer at your child's school or in the classroom.

Join your school's Parent Teacher Association (PTA).

Translation Services

If you do not speak English and need help, FCPS provides free language interpreter services, including:

Translation of documents and other written information sent home to parents.

Interpretations during meetings when you need help in communicating with school personnel.

Ask your school to provide an interpreter.
Note: Some schools have a parent liaison that may speak your language and may be able to assist you. You also may ask a friend or relative to help you to request a translator. Translation services are available in eight different languages for parents who need help. A bilingual staff member will answer your call within 24 hours, Monday through Friday. The staff member will help you speak with the appropriate school employee or connect you with the appropriate resource.
To use the parent information phone lines please call:

Amharic (አማርኛ): 571-423-4957

Arabic ( ): 571-423-4952

Chinese ( ): 571-423-4953

Farsi ( ): 571-423-4954

Korean ( ): 571-423-4951

Spanish ( ): 571-423-4950

Urdu ( ): 571-423-4955

Vietnamese ( ): 571-423-4956

Parent Rights and Parent Responsibilities

As a FCPS Parent, you have the right to. . .

Advocate for your child. You have a right to speak with teachers and administrators about your child. Make an appointment to ensure you have adequate time to do so.

Ask for a supervisor to review the decision or response if you disagree with a decision about your student.

Have a translator provided free-of-charge.

Expect your child's school to be safe, welcoming, and fair.

Express your opinions through speech, assembly, petition, and other lawful means.​

Expect your child's personal information and school records to be protected in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), 20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 C.F.R. Part 99.

Expect that school staff will not ask about your or your child's immigration status. Schools must enroll all students without regard to immigration status. They may not discriminate against a student because of race, color, or national origin. Remember that residency means where you live, not what country you came from.

You have the right to . . .

Request that your child's name, address, telephone number are kept private. (Your information does not have to appear in a school directory.)

Request in writing that your child not participate in academic, career, or personal or social counseling. FCPS Regulation 2501.5.IV

Review the Family Life Education (FLE) curriculum materials and decide whether your child will participate in FLE lessons. FCPS Regulation 3204.7.C

Inspect certain student surveys and request that your child not participate.

Request that your child's image not be included in graduation photographs.

Request that your students' names, addresses, and telephone numbers not be provided to military recruiters.

Decline physical examinations of your child if not required by state law.

To do so, you must take the necessary steps to state your specific wishes (often by completing an opt-out form).

Challenge library or instructional materials. FCPS Policy 3009.5. You may request that such materials be removed, or that students have restricted or expanded access to such materials. FCPS will make a final determination on challenged materials.

Request a student transfer to a school other than a base school under certain circumstances. FCPS Regulation 2230.13.III.B.

Expect safe and welcoming schools. Your school can provide information about its safety policies and safety drills that students will participate in during the school year.

Talk to school staff about disciplinary decisions. Steps to appeal disciplinary decisions are outlined in the Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) handbook.

Receive timely information of your student's suspension; be informed of the rules governing suspensions and the procedures for appeal. FCPS Regulation 2601.33.

Receive notice when your child is restrained or secluded at school. 8 VAC 20-750-50.

Receive advance notice that your student may be questioned by a School Resource Officer (SRO), unless there is "immediate risk of danger." In that circumstance, your principal must contact you as soon as possible. SR&R p.14

Be notified "as soon as practical" by your principal if your student has engaged in misconduct that may result in referral to the Hearings Office, e.g., for weapons violation, illegal drugs, and other offenses that could result in the student being excluded from school.

Be notified if your student is questioned by a police officer, other than an SRO, in school or on school property about alleged illegal activities. Schools must make reasonable efforts to get your permission by telephone or in person before questioning. If you cannot be reached and school staff makes reasonable efforts to get your permission, the school must notify you in writing. FCPS Regulation 2616.9.III

Participate in hearings before the Hearings Office and School Board before your student is excluded from school ("where it is determined there are special circumstances and whether a different consequence might be more appropriate." SR&R, p.25).

Attend and have representation at any discipline hearings.

File a written appeal if you are not satisfied with the results of a discipline decision or hearing.

Do you have a Potential Discrimination Claim?

If you believe you or your child have been discriminated against because of "age, race, color, disability, marital status, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy, religion, retaliation for filing a complaint, ethnicity ornational origin, nationality, or genetic information," you have a right to file a complaint with the FCPS Department of Human Resources, Office of Equity and Employee Relations (EER).

You may file a FCPS Complaint of Alleged Discrimination form (HR-153), or submit a letter to:

Office of Equity and Employee Relations
Department of Human Resources
Gatehouse Administration Center I
8115 Gatehouse Road, Suite 2500
Falls Church, VA 22042

or

Call: 571-423-3070
Fax: 571-423-3057

Parent Responsibilities
As an FCPS Parent, you have the responsibility to . . .

Advocate for your child.

Register your child for school.

Provide proof of immunizations required by Virginia law for all students to attend public schools.

Notify your child's school if your family moves. (If you move outside the boundaries for your student's current school, your student may have to be reassigned to a different school.)

Complete the Emergency Care Form for your child every year and update when necessary. (Use weCare@school, through your SIS account.)

Review Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook's important topics and discuss with your child and then sign and return the Parent and/or Guardian Signature Sheet to school.

Visit your child's school. Learn about your school's policy about visiting the classroom. Contact your school to schedule an observation. When you visit, report to the Main Office and register. (You may have to wear an ID badge.)

Attend Back to School Night.

Attend parent teacher conferences.

Review your student's progress report "report card". If your child might fail and/or not meet the promotion benchmarks, you should contact your child's teacher and school administrator to set a remediation plan.

Ask about programs and services that are available for your child both at your base school and at other schools.

School Attendance Matters
Virginia law requires all children between the ages of five and 18 must be enrolled in school and to attend on a daily basis. Code of Virginia § 22.1-254

Report All Student Absences: If your child will be absent from school, or tardy, for any reason, you must contact their school. You may:

Complete an attendance form online (link on school's website); or

Call your school's attendance line.

Make sure your child completes all missed school work.
Attendance Matters:

Attendance is checked every day. FCPS is required by state law to call, text or email you if your child does not come to school as expected.

If your child is absent for five full days, a school attendance officer will contact you. VA Code § 221-258.

If your child is absent for 15 (or more days) in a row, they will be withdrawn from school. You must officially re-register your child when he or she returns to school.

Absences Add Up:

Students who attend 90 percent or more of the school year are more likely to graduate from high school on time.

Middle and high school students who miss 18 days of school (two days a month) during the school year, are less likely to graduate from high school.

Students who are absent more than 10 percent of the school year are considered "chronically absent" under Virginia law.

Transportation

FCPS provides transportation to students who live in the designated attendance area of a school, if the student lives beyond the approved walking distance. (Usually one mile for elementary schools and 1.5 miles for middle and high school students). There are exceptions made for safety reasons. Please check with your school about specific bus routes.

Students who ride buses for any reason (including field trips) must comply with the FCPS Standards for Students Riding Buses. Discuss bus conduct with your student so that all riders have a safe and pleasant trip. Bus privileges can be taken away.

Student Health and Safety

Every school has a School Health Room ("clinic") and a School Health Aide (SHA) who:

The SHA is a trained, para-professional, but not a professional nurse. A Public Health Nurse (PHN) provides additional support to schools. PHNs serve more than one school and may not be at your school every day.

Every school also has a social worker and a school psychologist to support students.

School social workers provide services to address the social, emotional, and behavioral needs of students. They provide risk assessments, connect with students who are unable to attend school, assist homeless students and families, etc.

School psychologists provide family-school collaboration services to help families navigate educational and community systems that support students academic, mental health, and behavioral needs. They also serve on the school's Crisis Team.

Most school social workers and psychologists are assigned to work at more than one school.
Be an advocate for healthy children. Do not send your student to school if your child has:

Fever of 100.4º or higher (keep student home until fever stays below 100.4º for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication).

Diarrhea or Vomiting

Discharge from eye (if eye is pink and there is a thick yellow/green discharge)

Coughing (if severe and uncontrolled, rapid, or there is wheezing or other difficulty breathing)

Rash (if rash spreads quickly or is not healing)

Strep Throat (if doctor diagnoses strep, stay home for 24 hours after antibiotics are begun)

Chicken Pox, Measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases. If student has chicken pox, measles, rubella (German measles), mumps, or pertussis (whooping cough), they must stay home until a health care provider says the student is no longer contagious.

Student Safety is the #1 Job of School Personnel. School personnel work to keep all students safe by:

Middle and High Schools have additional security personnel, including the School Security team and a Student Resource Officer (SRO).

Safety for Young Students. School personnel also provide added support for our youngest students. They:

Help new students understand the importance of emergency drills and bells or sirens that may be used in those drills. Your school principal will notify you before the first drills of the school year.

All kindergarten bus riders must be met at the stop by an authorized adult, or an authorized middle or high school sibling. If this does not happen, the bus driver will return the child to the school and you will be contacted.

Be A Safety Advocate. You can help keep your child safe at school by:

* Contacting the school when your child will be absent or late.
* Updating your Emergency Contact (weCare@school) information when you change your emergency contacts.
* Giving the school written notification if you authorize someone other than yourself to pick up your child from school.
* Helping your child understand emergency drills, and preparing them for drills ahead of time before they take place

Questions or Concerns? If you have questions about school safety, contact your school's principal, or security staff (in middle and high schools). You may also contact the FCPS Office of Safety & Security.

Who's Who in FCPS?

Fairfax County Public Schools is one of the largest school systems in the United States. There are more than 187,000 students in 198 schools and centers. FCPS employs more than 25,000 staff.

It is important to understand how FCPS is organized and governed, so that when you need help or have concerns, you know who to contact.
Important names and contact information to know:

School Board members

FCPS Superintendent

Region Assistant Superintendent

School principal and key school staff members

Know Your Base School

Your base school is your neighborhood (attendance area) school. Students may be assigned to another school for special programs (e.g., advanced academic centers; special education centers; academies) or if a parent's transfer request is approved.

Know Your Pyramid

Region 1 (Herndon, Langley, Madison, Oakton, and South Lakes Pyramids)

Region 2 (Annandale, Falls Church, Justice, McLean, and Marshall Pyramids as well as Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology)

Region 3 (Edison, Hayfield, Lee, Mount Vernon, and West Potomac Pyramids)

Region 4 (Centreville, Lake Braddock, Robinson, South County, and West Springfield Pyramids)

Region 5 (Chantilly, Fairfax, Westfield, and Woodson Pyramids)

Administrative Center Maps

Who To Call?

Parent

Teacher

If you have questions, start with your child's teacher. You may email the teacher with your questions or make an appointment to discuss your concerns.

Assistant Principal

If you need additional help, or your concerns involve a teacher, contact an assistant principal (AP). In elementary school, there is at least one AP. In middle and high schools, there are more APs. You can contact the AP who leads the department in which the teacher is assigned (e.g., science, math, English) or the AP who leads the class or grade of your child.

School Principal

If you are not satisfied, contact your principal. Email or arrange to meet with your principal.

Office of Region Assistant Superintendent

If you need additional help, you may contact your Region Assistant Superintendent (RAS). The RAS is the regional leader for schools in his/her area and monitors school effectiveness.

If you have questions about special education, transportation, or other issues, contact the appropriate departmental assistant superintendent (e.g., for Special Services, Facilities, etc.) instead.

Office of the Superintendent

If you need additional help, or your issue has not been resolved, contact the Office of the Superintendent or your School Board representative.

If you do not know where to start, or you need help with navigating the school system, contact the FCPS Office of the Ombudsman.
Advocacy Tips: Keep a Record

Do your homework. Read FCPS regulations, contact the Ombudsman, speak with other parents and make sure you understand your rights and responsibilities.

Keep copies of all important documents (e.g., progress reports, certificates, and school letters) in a file so they can be found when you need them.

Gather and organize the information and documents you may need to ask questions, request action, etc.

If you have questions or concerns about your student, begin with a casual meeting or email to a teacher or counselor. If you have safety issues or concerns about a teacher, contact your principal or other school administrator.

If you are not satisfied with the response, follow up with the person you first contacted. You should get a response within 24 hours.

After the first meeting, keep a record of all your communications and contacts. Take notes - either during the meeting or soon after to remember what was discussed.

Follow-up with emails to record your understanding of the meetings or if any decisions or agreements were made. If you send a letter, use certified mail and request a return receipt so you have a record of if it was received.

School Board Advocacy

The School Board sets policy for FCPS and their meetings are open to the public.

If you are concerned about programs or practices within FCPS, you may contact the Ombudsman, your Region Assistant Superintendent or your School Board member to voice your concerns.

If you find that other parents have similar concerns, those individuals noted above or sign up to speak about your concerns to the School Board at a public meeting.

Common Questions

Does FCPS offer breakfast or lunch for students?

FCPS offers students healthy meals for breakfast and lunch for a nominal fee. You may purchase meals by adding funds to your student's account through the online My School Bucks program or by writing a check or paying cash. Contact your school for additional information.

If you are unable to pay, you may qualify for free or reduced price meals (FRM). Your child may be eligible to receive free breakfast and lunch if your family:

Students may qualify for reduced-price meals, if they are:

The FRM program is a confidential program for eligible students. To apply for FRM, you must complete an application EVERY YEAR. You may do so online or on your mobile device.

Fairfax County may offer additional food services, including after-school snacks or meals and a summer meals for kids program for students ages 5-18. Contact your school's social worker about summer food programs that may be available in your community.

Are there programs to assist with access to technology?

FCPS provides access to technology as part of its instructional practices and Portrait of a Graduate.
Computers

Students in grades 9-12 will have access to a laptop computer that can be used in school and at home. There is an annual technology support fee, with a sliding scale for students eligible for FRM.

Students in grades K-8 may be able to check out of a laptop computer from their school library.

Students may purchase products for home use directly from vendors, at discounted educational rates, through the Technology@Home program.

Internet
Students who do not have Internet access at home may obtain a MiFi mobile hotspot device through their school librarian.

Are there resources for families dealing with an emergency?

If your family needs emergency housing, health care, or other financial help, contact Fairfax County Coordinated Services Planning (CSP) for help. Call 703-222-0880, TTY 711.

In addition your School Social Worker can help find resources in your community.

What if my family has become homeless?

Children experiencing homelessness have a right to attend school. You do not need a permanent address to register for school.

Please Be Aware:

You cannot be denied enrollment if all of the required documentation is not immediately available.

If your child needs free or reduced price meals, you do not need to complete an application if you are homeless.

If your family becomes homeless while your child is attending school, they may continue to attend their school and may get transportation services to and from school.

Your child has the right to participate in extracurricular activities and all federal, state, and local programs.

Homeless, unaccompanied youth have the same rights, and can stay in their school or enroll in any school whose attendance area they currently living.

If you need help, contact the FCPS Homeless Liaison at 571-423-4332.
Are there places to go for parenting help?

The Parent Resource Center (PRC) offers information and resources to help you support your student who may have learning challenges, special needs and disabilities. The PRC provides free workshops, parenting classes, confidential consultations, and houses a lending library with more than 6,000 publications.

The Parent Resource Center is located at:

Dunn Loring Center for Parent Services
2334 Gallows Road, Room 105
Dunn Loring, VA 22027

Parents may walk in, call ( 703-204-3941), or email ( prc@fcps.edu).

Where can I get a tutor for my child?

If your child needs help in a classroom subject, there may be resources at the school to help. For example,

If you are looking for additional one-on-one instruction for your student:

Your child's teacher may be able to recommend a tutor.

Your High School College and Career Center may post information about available tutors.

The Parent Resource Center maintains a list of tutors.

How can I request a mentor for my child?

Mentors can provide academic support to students; serve as role models; and offer attention and support. Some FCPS schools participate in the MentorWorks program that brings community-based business partners during the day to mentor students.

Does Immigration Status matter?

Children have a right under the U.S. Constitution to equal protection and access to free education, regardless of their or their parents' immigration status.

YOU DO NOT have to answer questions about you or your child's or your immigration or visa status when you register your child for school.
YOU CAN NOT be asked to give your social security number to anyone who works at your student's school.

FCPS does not enforce immigration laws. FCPS does not share student records with government agencies unless a parent gives consent or court order is issued.

Please Be Aware: If you are applying for free or reduced-price breakfast and lunch for your students, you must complete a federal form. The form will not be seen by the ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement). The form will ask you to list the members of your household, dates of birth, relationships, and household income. You do not need a social security number.

If you are picking up your child at school, or visiting the school, you may be asked for identification. If anyone other than you is picking up your child from school, you must contact the school to let them know who has your permission to pick up your child. That person will be asked to provide identification.

If ICE requests any records relating to a student from a School Resource Officer (who also is a Fairfax County police officer), that request must be forwarded to the FCPS Office of Division Counsel, as provided by the School Resource Officer Memorandum of Understanding between FCPS and the Fairfax County Police Department.

Can I transfer my child to another school?

Parents may request a transfer of their student to another school if:

Your child care is not near your school and it is a hardship getting your child to school and to your caregiver

Your student's medical, emotional, or social adjustment needs are better met at another school

Your student wishes to attend a high school curricular program not offered at the student's base school (e.g., AP, IB, world language sequence;

You want to keep siblings together at one school

Your family moves outside of your school's boundaries during your student's last year of elementary, middle, or high school and you want them to finish the school year at their school

A student lives on a military installation or in military housing within Fairfax County

Transfers are not guaranteed, and must be approved by FCPS. R2230.13.III.B.

Please Be Aware: FCPS may not provide transportation for some transfer requests.

Do you have a special process to children in military families?

Military families planning to move to Fairfax County within 120 days may enroll their children in school with appropriate documentation.

FCPS has joined the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children (MIC3). If a military child falls under MIC3, they may:
enroll in school immediately without documentation of immunizations, with 30 days from date of enrollment to obtain any required immunizations; or,
if already enrolled in kindergarten in the sending state, may be eligible to enroll in kindergarten in Virginia even if the child never actually attended school in the sending state's public schools.

If your family transfers to FCPS when your student is in high school, the MIC3 has rules about calculation of verified credits and exemptions to state standardized testing for high school diploma requirements.

The Department of Defense has a School Liaison Officer at Fort Belvoir who provides help with school registration and other issues to military families.

Mental Health Resources and Emergency Services Information
Call 911 CrisisText: Dominion Hospital Emergency Room: Inova Emergency Services: Mobile Crisis Unit: 1-844-627-4747 703-289-7560 703-536-2000 Text NEEDHELP to 85511 in case of a life threatening emergency; TTY dial 711
CrisisLink Regional Hotline: 703-527-4077
CrisisLink is a hotline for individuals in crisis or family/friends seeking guidance for how to help a loved one.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALKor 1-800-SUICIDE

Merrifield Center Emergency Services: 703-573-5679
The Merrifield Center of the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board offers a range of clinical programming. Emergency services professionals work with people in psychiatric crisis who need immediate attention 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Need Help? Contact the FCPS Office of the Family and Student Ombudsman

The ombudsman is an independent, confidential resource for students, families, and community members. The ombudsman offers informal help to resolve concerns, problems and complaints. If you have a questions or concerns, start with the ombudsman.

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Parent Advocacy Handbook: What is an Advocate?

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Getting the most value from public school programs and resources. As an advocate parents and guardians can make sure the student gets the most value from public school programs and resources. Parents and guardians can help by ensuring that the student comes to class every day, on time, prepared, with a positive attitude, personal integrity, and a commitment to making good choices.

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Advanced Academics Identification and Placement

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Advanced Academics Identification and Placement

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Full-Time Level IV Services - Identification for Immediate Placement

NOTE: This process is ONLY for families physically moving into Fairfax County boundaries. Current Fairfax residents attending private or home school either follow the private or home school procedure or go through fall screening for current FCPS students.

Step 1

Complete the student registration process for your local school. No student may be considered until they are registered in FCPS with a student ID number.

Step 2

Put together a file with the following information. Please make copies as the materials will not be returned.

Required

FCPS Student ID Number.

Report cards for the two previous years.

At least nationally-normed ability test from the list below. Test results need to be reported in ability index format as well as percentile.

Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT)

Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test (NNAT2)

Otis-Lennon School Ability Test (OLSAT) (7th Edition)

Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale

Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC V)

Cognitive Assessment System (CAS)

Differential Ability Scale (DAS)

Kaufman Assessment Battery

Reynolds Intellectual Assessment Scales (RIAS)

In-View Cognitive Abilities Assessment

Ability tests do not expire. If your student already has results from one of these tests (in ability index format as well as percentile), we can accept them.

Optional -

Achievement test results.

Record of previous advanced academic or gifted services.

Five additional pages that may include student work samples or recommendation letters.

Additional Information Regarding Ability Testing
If the student does not currently have an ability test score testing can be done:

At GMU through the Cognitive Assessment Program (703-993-4200). GMU offers group testing at no charge for children who qualify for free or reduced lunch.

Through a private, state-licensed psychologist. A copy of their license must accompany results.

Step 3

During the School Year:

Schedule an appointment with the Advanced Academic Resource Teacher (AART) at your local elementary school or the Director of Student Services (DSS) at the middle school.

The AART/DSS will review the information and share the processes for referring and screening for school-based services (Levels II-III or Honors) or full-time placement in Level IV.

During the Summer (Beginning June 11, 2021):

Complete Steps 1 and 2 (above), and get their student ID number.

Submit your paperwork to the AAP Office for screening:

Scan the paperwork.

Email the paperwork to aap@fcps.edu

In the subject line write your student's ID number and Summer Placement (e.g., 1000007 Summer Placement)

The last day to email a file to be processed in time for the first day of school is August 5, 2021.

We continue to accept summer files through August 20, 2021. Your student will start at the base school and transfer to a Level IV classroom (at the Local Level IV or the center school) if found eligible for services.

After August 20, 2021 please follow the instructions above for applying during the school year.

There is no appeal process for students who are found ineligible during screening for immediate placement. Students who are found ineligible may be screened again in the next scheduled screening cycle for current FCPS students by submitting a referral to the local school according to published deadlines.

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Advanced Academics Identification and Placement for Students New to FCPS Boundaries (Including Military Families)

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NOTE: This process is ONLY for families physically moving into Fairfax County boundaries. Current Fairfax residents attending private or home school either follow the private or home school procedure or go through fall screening for current FCPS students. Complete the student registration process for your local school.

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No-Cost, Online Tutoring and Homework Help, 24/7

No-Cost,
Online Tutoring
and Homework
Help, 24/7

Funded by the U.S. Department of Defense and Coast Guard Mutual Assistance

24/7 Tutoring Anytime, Anywhere

Learners can get 1-to-1 help from an expert tutor-anytime, on any internet-connected device, from anywhere in the world.

Expert Tutors in 150+ Subjects

3,000+ rigorously vetted tutors are available in more than 150+ subjects, including bilingual Spanish offerings in math, science, social studies, writing, study skills, and parent coaching.

Safe, Secure, Anonymous

Every tutoring session is anonymous and takes place in a secure online classroom. Our tutors undergo comprehensive screenings, including background checks, and are monitored for quality control.

*The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.

K-12 Through College and Beyond

"Really love these tutors, and this service is excellent!

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Driving partner and learner success

View this table to see if you and your dependents are eligible to receive no-cost, 1-to-1 tutoring and drop-off review services from Tutor.com.

Follow these 5 expert tips to overcome test anxiety and maximize performance.

Learn proven strategies for sharpening your research and critical thinking abilities.

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About Tutor.com for U.S. Military Families

Tutor.com Program Funding and Eligibility

Tutor.com for U.S. Military Families, funded by the U.S. Department of Defense Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) General Library Program and Coast Guard Mutual Assistance, is a program that provides on-demand, online tutoring and homework help at no cost to eligible service members, civilian personnel, and their dependents. Those who fund the program determine eligibility for its use. Eligibility can change, and program availability is dependent upon available budget and is not guaranteed.

Do you work with military-connected students?

For promotional materials and ways to stay in touch, visit our Partners & Promoters page.

Learn about our GSA contract

*The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.

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Military Families Eligible for DoD Tutoring Program

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Helping students to manage stress, make better choices, and develop healthy habits.

Wellness Support
If you need additional wellness support for your child this school year, please directly contact support staff at your child's school including the school counselor, school psychologist, or school social worker. The information for these staff members can be located on the school's website.
Promoting Positive Outcomes

It is not easy growing up in today's world. Children and adolescents are faced with adversity and life challenges each and every day that can undermine mental health and interfere with learning. These challenges include:

Academic difficulty or pressure to succeed

Family problems

Peer relationship struggles or conflict

Bullying and harassment

Health Issues

Pressure to use drugs or alcohol

Poverty

Crises

Adults play a critical role in promoting positive outcomes for youth. Whether as parents or guardians, school staff, or community members, we have an opportunity to foster assets in youth to help them manage stress, make better choices, and develop healthy habits. Assets (also referred to as protective factors) counter the challenges of daily life. They work to buffer and propel youth through negative life experiences and enhance the likelihood of making good decisions. Assets will not only protect youth now, but into the future. The more assets young people have, the more likely they will thrive.

Online Wellness Tool

The myStrength online tool helps you live your best life. You'll find help for stress, anxiety, chronic pain, and more.

The Fairfax County Youth Survey

The Fairfax County Youth Survey is given to all students in grades 6, 8, 10, and 12 each fall. It provides a wealth of information about a variety of topics related to our youth that influence their physical and mental well being, from sleep and nutritional habits to substance abuse behaviors to symptoms of depression and suicidal thoughts.

As in national and other research studies, the Fairfax County Youth Survey has consistently shown that when youth have more assets or protective factors in their lives, they are less likely to engage in problem behaviors or experience other negative outcomes in areas including (but not at all limited to) mental health and suicide, substance use, bullying, and gang involvement. The patterns hold true across genders, racial and ethnic differences, sexual orientation, and other demographics.

School officials, youth leadership classes, youth serving county agencies, and local nonprofits use the survey data to determine the effectiveness of school and community intervention and prevention programs and to identify changing trends and areas of need.
View more information on the results of the 2019-2020 Fairfax County Youth Survey.
Three to Succeed

Analysis of the Youth Survey has led to the development of the Three to Succeed concept. This is the notion that the presence of just three assets in a youth's life dramatically reduces risk behaviors and mental health health symptoms, and promotes thriving youth...and the more assets, the better potential for positive outcomes. Building assets within youth is more effective and efficient than implementing programming to prevent poor outcomes. If we can ensure a young person has an asset at home, at school, and in the community, that young person will already have three and be well positioned for success.
Learn more about Three to Succeed.
Know the Assets that Help Students Thrive

Everyone plays a role in ensuring that children are thriving in Fairfax County. The Fairfax County Youth Survey has investigated 15 assets within the school, community, and family domains to determine how prevalent these external supports are in the students' environments. Six additional items measured individual behaviors and attitudes that help young people develop into successful adults. Remember..it only takes three assets to make a significant difference in the lives of youth!

Assets You can Provide to Ensure that Youth Succeed in Life

Recognize and praise good effort

Present opportunities to talk one-on-one

Discourage bullying and cultivate a feeling of safety

Foster open communication with parents, even when students are doing well

Be a caring community member who is available to talk

Communicate clear disapproval of drug and alcohol use

Encourage participation in after-school activities

Give positive feedback and recognize good effort

Having gratitude and volunteering regularly

Trying hard when things are difficult

Having high personal integrity

Thinking through behaviors

Accepting responsibility for actions and mistakes

Fostering Resiliency

Resiliency is the capacity to overcome adversity by responding in healthy and productive ways to successfully meet life's challenges. In other words, it's the ability to bounce back. All youth have the capacity for resilience. It is a combination of personal strengths and the assets available to you within your family and community. It can grow and change over time. Each time youth exercise their coping skills in responding to challenges, they strengthen them and increase their resilience and capacity to manage future adversity.

Building resiliency in our youth is critical to their ultimate success and enjoyment in life. One model for fostering resiliency in youth is the Resiliency Wheel. The wheel identifies six resiliency builders that can be provided by schools, families, and communities that mitigate risk factors and build resiliency. The assets identified in the Fairfax County Youth Survey fall within the larger domains of resiliency builders identified as part of the Resiliency Wheel. Research has shown these six resiliency builders to be effective in helping our youth successfully meet the stress and challenges they face in their lives. They enhance a young person's ability to resist risks and make good decisions. The more resiliency builders set in place in a youth's life, the higher likelihood that youth will respond to challenges with resilience.

The Six Resiliency Builders

Give youth unconditional positive regard, kindness, love and encouragement. Celebrate their successes and foster a sense of community belonging. Above all else, all youth need a significant relationship with at least one caring, positive adult.

Here are some ideas on how to provide caring and support:

Ensure that youth have a positive bond with at least one caring, trusted, and supportive adult; seek out a mentor

Create a welcoming environment

Provide kindness and encouragement

Identify specific strengths in youth and name them specifically

Build in opportunities for personal discussion

Provide a good listening ear without judgment

Celebrate successes

Building Compassion to Support Healthy Coping

Communicate to youth the belief that they can be successful. Support and encourage goal-setting for educational and vocational endeavors that reflect positive thinking and belief in oneself.

Here are some ideas on how to set and communicate high, realistic expectations:

Tell youth you believe in them and foster a "can do" attitude

Help youth set attainable goals and strive for mastery

Nurture a positive self-esteem

Praise the efforts of youth; recognize improvements

Encourage and support youth in trying new challenges

Emphasize cooperation over competition

Help youth plan for future educational and vocational success

Explore Options to Prepare Your Child for Life After High School

Provide youth with the responsibility and chance to demonstrate their competence and eagerness to contribute and give back to others. Allow them leadership roles and opportunities to collaborate in decision-making.

Here are some ideas on how to provide opportunities for meaningful participation:

Get youth involved in community service and volunteer opportunities

Tackle a shared service learning project

Share responsibilities

Provide opportunities for leadership roles

Give youth a collaborative voice in decision-making

Service Learning Provides Opportunities for Meaningful Participation

Provide youth with clear guidelines on the expectations of behavior and apply appropriate and consistent consequences.

Here are some ideas on how to set clear, consistent boundaries:

Be knowledgeable of developmentally appropriate behaviors

Collaboratively design clear behavioral expectations

Make use of incentives and rewards for desired behavior

Deliver appropriate and consistent consequences

Take a positive approach to discipline which looks at mistakes as learning experiences

Teach youth to be assertive and advocate for their needs

The FCPS Parent Resource Center Provides Parenting Tips and Supports

Provide youth with the independent skills needed to navigate through the challenges of life; these include social, problem-solving, and coping skills. Model and encourage healthy life choices.

Here are some ideas on how to teach life skills:

Build off of the strengths youth already possess

Teach appropriate social, problem-solving, and coping skills

Talk about positive values and healthy choices

Teach youth to recognize and respect the feelings of others

Promote cooperation, communication, and tolerance

Allow youth opportunities to solve their own problems

Recognize youth for making positive choices and handling problems effectively

Be a role model; recognize your own errors

Healthy Minds Blog

Find information to support student mental health and wellness in fostering success at school, at home, and in the community.

View the Healthy Minds Blog

Healthy Minds Podcast

Being apart from each other hasn't been easy for anyone. Get new ideas to help your child, friends and families feel better.

Listen to Podcast

Emergency Resources

If you or someone you care about is in crisis, take action.

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Helping students to manage stress, make better choices, and develop healthy habits. If you need additional wellness support for your child this school year, please directly contact support staff at your child's school including the school counselor, school psychologist, or school social worker. The information for these staff members can be located on the school's website.

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Information on Academic Programs, Special Education Instruction, Graduation Requirements, and Credits for Home Instruction

Special Education Instruction and Services

If your child has an existing individualized education program (IEP) or has an existing IEP and needs a reevaluation to determine eligibility for special education in Virginia, FCPS will provide comparable services until an FCPS IEP is developed (generally within 30 days.)

If you believe your child may have a disability and is in need of special education, you may make a written or oral referral to your child's school. Learn more about Child Find

Advanced Academic Programs (AAP)

FCPS offers flexible deadlines to our students of military parents who are interested in our Advanced Academic Programs

Our Advanced Academic Programs site provides information about

screening procedures for elementary and middle school students.

programs offered to high school students.

Graduation Requirements - Credit Verification

Students earn verified credits when they pass the class and the associated Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) Standard of Learning (SOL) test.

To meet the verified credit requirements for graduation, a student must earn six verified credits for the standard diploma and nine verified credits for the advanced studies diploma.

The following subjects have an associated SOL test:

World History 1

World History 2

US/VA History

Biology

Chemistry

Geosystems

Algebra 1

Geometry

Algebra 2, and

English 11, which includes two different SOL tests in reading and writing.

The total number of verified credits required for graduation is based on when a student enters FCPS for the first time and the diploma type the student is pursuing.

Students may earn (be awarded) verified credit using any combination of VDOE approved end of course exams, substitute assessments, and industry certifications or licenses.

Courses taken outside of Virginia with an end of course state assessment may be reviewed for verified credit following an identified FCPS process.

We encourage parents to work with their child's school counselor to insure they receive all test scores from the previous school. If you have further questions about verified credits, please see your child's school counselor.

Graduation Requirements - 12th Grade Transfer Students

Students who transfer into a Virginia public school after the first 20 hours of instruction of the 12th grade will be given every opportunity to earn a diploma. If this is not possible, the student's school counselor will arrange to have the previous school award the diploma. Students who are awarded a diploma by their previous school will be permitted to participate in commencement as determined by the local school principal.

Credit for Home Instruction

The school principal determines grade placement for elementary or middle school students entering FCPS from a home instruction program. The determination of grade placement is based on evidence of achievement provided by the parent or guardian. If further evidence is necessary, consultation with school staff or testing may be required.

A student requesting credit for high school courses taken in an approved home instruction program must provide FCPS with

a list of courses taken,

the objectives for the courses, and

evidence of achievement.

These courses must correspond to courses offered by FCPS.

If FCPS determines that the evidence of achievement is insufficient, the principal can require the student to take an examination in each grade or course for which the student wishes to establish placement and/or credit.

Any credit granted by FCPS for courses taken under home instruction is designated on the student's scholastic record as credit transferred from home instruction.

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Information on Academic Programs, Special Education Instruction, Graduation Requirements, and Credits for Home Instruction If your child has an existing individualized education program (IEP) or has an existing IEP and needs a reevaluation to determine eligibility for special education in Virginia, FCPS will provide comparable services until an FCPS IEP is developed (generally within 30 days.)

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Don't know where to start?

Select an option below to start browsing by audience

Parents
Start here for information pertaining to Parents of military-connected children.

Students
Start here for information, resources, and programs for military-connected Students.

Professionals
Start here for information pertaining to Professionals of military-connected children.

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Military Child Education Coalition | MCEC

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The Military Child Education Coalition provides programs and resources to address the unique educational challenges that face military-connected children.

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The Department of Defense, in collaboration with the National Center for Interstate Compacts and the Council of State Governments has developed an interstate compact that addresses the educational transition issues of children of military families.

Currently all 50 States and the District of Columbia participate in the interstate compact that provide a uniform policy platform for resolving the challenges experienced by military children.

It is estimated that the average military family moves three times more often than the average non-military family. These frequent moves by can cause children to miss out on extracurricular activities and to face challenges in meeting graduation requirements. The Compact will ensure that the children of military families are afforded the same opportunities for educational success as other children and are not penalized or delayed in achieving their educational goals by inflexible administrative and bureaucratic practices. States participating in the Compact would work to coordinate graduation requirements, transfer of records and course placement and other administrative policies.

Visit the Military Interstate Children's Compact Commission's website for complete details on the compact and or watch this short video presentation to see how Educational Partnership is working with Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children.

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The Department of Defense, in collaboration with the National Center for Interstate Compacts and the Council of State Governments has developed an interstate compact that addresses the educational transition issues of children of military families. Currently all 50 States and the District of Columbia participate in the interstate compact that provide a uniform policy platform for resolving the challenges experienced by military children.

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Department of Defense Education Activity

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Department of Defense Education Activity

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Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA)

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DoDEA, as one of only two Federally-operated school systems, is responsible for planning, directing, coordinating, and managing prekindergarten through 12th grade educational programs on behalf of the Department of Defense (DoD). DoDEA is globally positioned, operating 160 accredited schools in 8 districts located in 11 foreign countries, 7 states, Guam, and Puerto Rico.

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Youth For Tomorrow is committed to providing a safe, healthy, and compassionate environment for at-risk youth who have been abandoned, abused, or otherwise alienated from family and community in greater Prince William County.

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Walter Reed Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics

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Walter Reed Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics

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Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics addresses the developmental, behavioral and emotional needs of patients 0-21 years of age. We seek to identify our patients' strengths and challenges, and develop individualized plans for intervention. Coordinated care may include treatment planning, medication management, and recommendations for further assessments or additional therapeutic strategies.

We provide inpatient and outpatient services. Outpatient services include comprehensive care delivered by developmental and behavioral pediatricians, advanced nurse practitioners, child psychologists, pediatric physical and occupational therapists, and pediatric speech pathologists that collaborate with a wide range of other pediatric specialists to assist our patients with their unique health needs.

All of our providers are board-certified or licensed in their areas of expertise, and maintain regular continuing education to ensure the most up-to-date evaluations and treatments. Our experts give the individualized care our patients need, and case managers are available to help coordinate and minimize appointments and visits.

What Makes Us Unique
Our specialists receive referrals from the National Capital Region and around the world, and handle more than 4,000 patient visits per year. However, access to our appointments often exceeds local civilian availability by several months!

We have ten multidisciplinary care teams that offer several provider appointments in a single day. Best of all, as providers within the Military Health System, we understand the unique needs of our military families and the resources available to assist them wherever they may be.

Multidisciplinary Clinics
Our multidisciplinary clinics provide evaluations and treatment during a single visit with multiple providers. These clinics include:

Autism Clinic
Child Psychology, Developmental Pediatrics and Occupational Therapy

Craniofacial Clinic
Plastic Surgery, Dental, OMFS, ENT, Genetics, Social Work, Audiology, Speech, Psychology, Neurosurgery and Developmental Pediatrics

Diabetes Makeover Clinic
Child Psychology, Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetic Educator

Feeding Clinic
Psychology, Occupational Therapy

Healthy Habits Clinic
Child Psychology, Pediatric Endocrinology, Nutrition, General Pediatrics, Adolescent Medicine

Neonatal High-Risk Follow-Up Clinic
Neonatologist, Neonatal Fellow, Physical Therapy, PNP, Speech, Developmental Pediatrics
Neuromuscular/Cerebral Palsy Clinic
Developmental Pediatrics, Physical and Occupational Therapy, Neurology Nursing

Pulmonary Clinic Pathway for Cystic Fibrosis Clinic
Child Psychology, Pediatric Pulmonary, Respiratory Therapy, Nutrition, Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Pediatric Gastroenterology and Pediatric Endocrinology

Seating Clinic
Nursing, PMR Staff and Fellow, Physical and Occupational Therapy, Developmental Pediatrics and Equipment Vendors

Spina Bifida Clinic
Neurosurgery, Orthopedics, Neurology, Urology, Nutrition, Physical and Occupational Therapy, Child Psychology and Developmental Pediatrics

Disorders Treated Include

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Autism Spectrum Disorders

Behavior Problems

Cerebral Palsy/Neuromuscular Disorders

Developmental Delays

Feeding Disorders

Fine motor impairments

Gross motor impairments

Intellectual Disabilities

Learning Disorders

Sensory disorders

Speech and Communication Disorders

Spina Bifida (Myelomeningocele)

Appointments
Common reasons for an appointment with us include:

Concerns about delays in motor skills, cognitive issues and social-emotional development

Follow-ups for premature babies and others at risk for birth-related developmental issues

Genetic conditions, chromosome abnormalities, neurological disorders and traumatic brain injury

Baseline developmental evaluations for cancer and other medical conditions

Behavioral problems such as feeding, sleep and self-regulation

Monitoring the developmental impact of chronic medical conditions

Early signs of autism spectrum disorder or atypical behavior

To schedule your first appointment in Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, please have your primary care manager (PCM) submit a consult to Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics. Once the consult has been placed and you have received a referral, you may call the Integrated Referral Management and Appointing Center at 855-227-6331 to be seen at the location most convenient for you: Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Fort Belvoir Community Hospital or Kimbrough Ambulatory Care Center.

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Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics addresses the developmental, behavioral and emotional needs of patients 0-21 years of age. We seek to identify our patients' strengths and challenges, and develop individualized plans for intervention. Coordinated care may include treatment planning, medication management, and recommendations for further assessments or additional therapeutic strategies.

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Fairfax County, Virginia - Fairfax County Health Department school health services and other staff work together to monitor communicable diseases, ensure access to health services and support community initiatives to promote a healthy community for all

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Regional Education Assessment Crisis Services Habilitation

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Regional Education Assessment Crisis Services Habilitation

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Individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities shall be supported with services that allow the individual to live the most inclusive life possible in his/her community which includes access to appropriate and effective crisis stabilization, intervention, and prevention services including mental health treatment services when indicated.

What is REACH?

The REACH program is the statewide crisis system of care that is designed to meet the crisis support needs of individuals who have a developmental disability and are experiencing crisis events which put them at risk for homelessness, incarceration, hospitalization, and/or danger to self or others. REACH services are available statewide, with one regional program being located in each of the Commonwealth's five DD regions (Southwestern, Western, Northern, Central, and Eastern).

Who is eligible for REACH services?

Individuals with a developmental disability (as outlined in the Code of Virginia § 37.2-100 Definitions) with co-occurring mental illness and/or significant challenging behaviors that are active or cyclical in nature are eligible for REACH services. REACH serves both child and adult populations. Note: to be eligible for REACH services, the developmental disability must be established during the developmental period.

What types of services does REACH provide?

REACH provides the following services:

· 24/7 crisis assessment and intervention designed to address and resolve crisis situations for individuals with DD who are experiencing a crisis event of a behavioral and/or psychiatric nature

· Post-crisis mobile/community-based direct services designed to assess needs and subsequently create individualized supportive interventions to prevent and/or de-escalate future crisis situations.

· Brief residential crisis therapeutic services at a REACH Crisis Therapeutic Home (CTH) for individuals aged 18 or above for stabilization of a crisis, a planned prevention, or as a step-down from a state hospital, training center, or jail. The CTH can provide in depth assessments, a change in setting to allow for stabilization, and a highly structured and supportive environment to improve coping skills and work on other goals that aide in stabilizing the current crisis or prevent future occurrence. As it is best practice and the least restrictive treatment approach to provide services in the setting in which the crisis occurred, the CTH shall be used only when community based crisis services or supports are not effective or are clinically inappropriate.

· Creation of an individualized Crisis Education and Prevention Plan (CEPP), which provides a concise, clear, and realistic set of supportive interventions to prevent or de-escalate a crisis and assist an individual who may be experiencing a behavioral loss of control.

· Individualized training to the individual and his/her support system which targets the CEPP and associated strategies that support the individual early in the escalation period such that crisis situations can be avoided and the likelihood of out of home placement is reduced

· Linkages to other services and supports which may be beneficial to the individual and other stakeholders in his/her life

· Training and education to the larger community (e.g. CSBs, families, providers, law enforcement, hospitals) both on REACH services and on topics which are pertinent to the population which REACH serves

How much do REACH services cost?

REACH crisis services are available to individuals who meet the eligibility requirements for the program as noted above. For individuals who utilize the DD waivers, REACH services are included in each waiver. Regardless of waiver status, any individual who meets qualifying eligibility criteria can access REACH services at no cost.

How can families, providers, support coordinators, and other stakeholders best collaborate with REACH?

If an individual accepts REACH services, the individual and key stakeholders in his/her life can support engagement with REACH by:

· Being actively involved throughout the duration of REACH services

· Participating and collaborating in ongoing team meetings and trainings, and

· Actively participating in discharge planning

How do I make a referral to REACH, contact REACH in a crisis, or contact REACH to learn more about services?

Each regional program operates a hotline which is available 24/7. The hotline can be used to make calls to the program that are both of an immediate crisis and/or non-crisis in nature (e.g. informational, calling to make a referral). The numbers for the hotlines, the specific areas served by REACH (broken down by CSBs in the catchment area), and the names of REACH leadership in each region are provided below:

REACH Hotlines and Areas Served by Region:

Region I (Western):

Adult REACH Hotline: (855) 917-8278

Adult REACH Director: Larissa Terwilliger

Children's REACH Hotline: (888) 908-0486

Children's REACH Director: Amanda Cunningham

Areas Served Allegheny Highlands CSB: Alleghany, Covington, Clifton Forge City Harrisonburg-Rockingham CSB: Harrisonburg, Bergton, Bridgewater, Broadway, Dayton, Elkton, Grottoes, Keezletown, Massanutten, McGaheysville, Mt. Crawford, Mt. Solon, Penn Laird, Port Republic, Rockingham, Timberville Region 10 CSB: Crozet, Earlysville, Esmont, Greenwood, Keswick, North Garden, Scottsville, White Hall, Charlottesville, Fluvanna, Kents Store, Palmyra, Dyke, Graves Mill, Greene, Ruckersville, Arrington, Stanardsville, Bumpass, Louisa, Mineral, Trevilians, Afton, Colleen, Faber, Gladstone, Love, Lovingston, Massies Mill, Montebello, Nellsyvord, Nelson, Piney River, Roseland, Schuyler, Shipman, Tyro, Wingina, Wintergreen Valley CSB: Augusta , Augusta Springs, Fishersville, Ft. Defiance, Lyndhurst, Middlebrook, Mount Solon, Staunton, Stuarts Draft, Swoope, Verona, Weyer's Cave, Blue Grass, McDowell, Monterey, Waynesboro, Highland, Hightown Horizon BH: Clifford, Elon, Lowesville, Madison Heights, Monroe, Sweet Briar, Amherst , Pamplin, Spout Spring, Appomattox , Bedford City, Bedford , Big Island, Forest, Goode, Goodview, Hardy, Huddleston, Moneta, Montvale, Thaxton, Alta Vista, Brookneal, Campbell, Concord, Lynch Station, Rustburg, Lynchburg Rockbridge Area CS: Bath, Hot Springs, Millboro, Virginia , Warm Springs, Buena Vista, Lexington, Brownsburg, Fairfield, Glasgow, Goshen, Natural Bridge, Raphine, Rockbridge Baths, Rockbridge , Steeles Tavern, Vesuvius
Northwestern CSB: Winchester, Clarke, Berryville, Boyce, Millwood, White Post, Clearbrook, Cross Junction, Frederick, Gainesboro, Gore, Stephens City, Luray, Page, Rileyville, Stanley, Basye, Edinburg, Fishers Hill, Fort Valley, Maurertown, Mt. Jackson, New Market, Orkney Springs, Quicksburg, Shenandoah, Strasburg, Toms Brook, Woodstock, Middletown, Bentonville, Front Royal, Linden, Warren Rappahannock Area CSB: Bowling Green, Carmel Church, Caroline , Ladysmith, Milford, Port Royal, Rappahannock Academy, Ruther Glen, Woodford, Fredericksburg, Dahlgren, King George, Lake Anna, Spotsylvania, Thornburg, Falmouth, Stafford Rappahannock-Rapidan CSB: Amissvile, Brandy Station, Culpeper, Elkwood, Fauquier, Griffinsburg, Jeffersonton, Reva, Richardsville, Stevensburg, Broad Run, Casanova, Catlett, Delaplane, Goldvein, Hume, Madison, Markham, Marshall, Midland, New Baltimore, Paris, Remington, Sumerduck, The Plains, Upperville, Warrenton, Brightwood, Crigslerville, Hood, Leon, Locust Dale, Madison, Pratts, Rochelle, Syria, Wolftown, Barboursville, Gordonsville, Locust Grove, Montpelier Station, Orange, Somerset, Bealton, Boston, Castleton, Flint Hill, Huntly, Rappahannock, Scrabble, Sperryville, Viewtown, Washington

Region II (Northern):

REACH Hotline: (855) 897-8278

Adult & Child REACH Director: Liv Salvador ​

Areas Served Alexandria CSB: City of Alexandria Fairfax Falls Church CSB: Annandale, Burke, Centreville, Clifton, Fairfax City, Fairfax , Fairfax Station, Falls Church, Great Falls, Herndon, Springfield, Vienna Loudoun CSB: Aldie, Ashburn, Bluemont, Chantilly, Dulles, Hamilton, Hillsboro, Lansdowne, Leesburg, Lincoln, Loudoun, Lovettsville, Middleburg, Neersville, Paeonian Springs, Philimott, Purcellville, Round Hill, South Riding, Sterling, Waterford, The Plains Arlington County CSB: Arlington Prince William County CSB: Manassas, Manassas Park, Bristow, Dale City, Dumfries, Gainesville, Haymarket, Montclair, Nokesville, Occoquan, Prince William, Quantico, Triangle, Woodbridge

Region III (Southwest):

REACH Hotline: (855) 887-8278

Adult and Children's REACH Director: Denise Hall

Areas Served: Blue Ridge BH: Botetourt, Buchanan Town, Daleville, Eagle Rock, Fincastle, Oriskany, Roanoke City, Troutville, Arcadia, Catawba, Craig, New Castle, Newport, Paint Bank, Bent Mountain, Roanoke , Vinton, Salem, Vinton Cumberland Mt CSB: Big Rock, Buchanan, Grundy, Pilgrims Knot, Vansant, Castlewood, Cleveland, Dante, Honaker, Lebanon, Rosedale, Russell, Tazewell Highland CS: Washington County, Abingdon, Clarksville, Damascus, Emory, Glade Spring, Meadowview and City of Bristol, Virginia New River Valley CS: Radford, Willis, Copper Hill, Floyd, Giles, Narrows, Pearisburg, Rich Creek, Staffordsville, Blacksburg, Christiansburg, Claudville, Montgomery, Riner, Shawsville, Pilot, Allisonia, Draper, Dublin, Hiwassee, New Bern, Pulaski , Pembroke, Meadows of Dan Danville-Pittsylvania CSB: Danville, Blairs, Callands, Chatham, Gretna, Pittsylvania, Ringgold, Sandy Level Dickenson County BHS: Birchleaf, Breaks, Clinchco, Clintwood, Dickenson , Haysi Mt. Rogers CSB: Bastian, Bland , Rocky Gap, Carroll , Atkins, Ceres, Chilhowie, Elk Creek, Fires, Galax, Grayson, Groseclose, Hillsville, Independence, Mouth of Wilson, Smyth, Sugar Grove, Troutdale, Whitetop, Saltville, Marion, Barren Springs, Crockett, Fort Chiswell, Foster Falls, Ivanhoe, Max Meadows, Wythe, Wytheville, Rural Retreat Piedmont CS: Martinsville, Boones Mill, Burnt Chimney, Callaway, Ferrum, Franklin , Glade Hill, Penhook, Rocky Mount, Smith Mountain Lake, Union Hall, Wirtz, Axton, Bassett, Collinsville, Fieldale, Henry, Ridgeway, Spencer, Stanleytown, Patrick Planning District One BHS: Dryden, Ewing, Jonesville, Lee, Middlesboro, Pennington Gap, Rose Hill, Stickleysville, Norton, Clinchport, Duffield, Dungannon, Gate City, Hiltons, Nickelsville, Scott, Weber City, Appalachia, Big Stone Gap, Coeburn, Pound, St. Paul, Wise

Region IV (Central):

REACH Hotline: (855) 282-1006

Adult and Children's REACH Director: Autumn Richardson

Areas Served: Richmond BHA: Richmond City Chesterfield CSB: Chester, Chesterfield , Ettrick, Matoaca, Midlothian, Mosely District 19 CSB: Hopewell, Dinwiddie, McKenney, Emporia, Greensville, Skippers, Disputanta, Fort Lee, Prince George, Claremont, Spring Grove, Surry, Wakefield, Jarrat, Stony Creek, Sussex, Wakefield, Waverly, Colonial Heights, Petersburg Goochland/Powhatan CS: Crozier, Goochland, Gum Spring, Hadensville, Maidens, Manakin-Sabot, Oilville, Powhatan Hanover County CSB: Ashland, Beaverdam, Doswell, Hanover, Mechanicsville, Montpelier, Rockville Henrico Area MHDS: Charles City, Red House, Glen Allen, Henrico, Highland Springs, Sandston, Lanexa, New Kent , Providence Forge, Quinton Crossroads CSB: Amelia, Jetersville, Buckingham, Charlotte, Charlotte Court House, Drakes Branch, Keysville, Randolph , Red Oak, Cartersville, Cumberland , Dundas, Kenbridge, Lunenburg, Meherrin, Prince Edward, Victoria, Blackstone, Crewe, Nottoway, Farmville, Green Bay, Rice Southside CSB: Warfield, Alberta, Brunswick , Gasburg, Lawrenceville, Rawlings, Alaton, Boydton, Buffalo Junction, Chase City, Clarksville, Clover, Halifax, Mecklenburg, Nathalie, Scottsburg, Skipwith, South Boston, South Hill, Sutherlin, Virgilina, Bracey

Region V (Eastern):

REACH Hotline: (888)255-2989

Adult and Children's REACH Director: Brandon Rodgers

Areas Served: Middle Peninsula Northern Neck CSB: Wake, Saluda, Essex , Tappahannock, Dutton, Gloucester, Gloucester Point, Hayes, King and Queen, Aylett, King William, West Point, Irvington, Weems, White Stone, Burkeville, Church View, Cobbs Creek, Deltaville, Grimstead, Gwynn's Island, Hallieford, Hardyville, Hartfield, Locust Hill, Mathews, Middlesex, Port Haywood, Topping, Urbanna, Wake, Burgess, Callao, Heathsville, Kilmarnock, Lottsburg, Northumberland, Ophelia, Reedville, Wicomico Church, Farnham, Naylor's Beach, Richmond , Warsaw, Coles Point, Colonial Beach, Kinsale, Montross, Oak Grove, Stratford, Westmoreland, Achilles, Lancaster, Morattico Colonial BH: James City, Jamestown, Toano, Poquoson, Williamsburg, Grafton, York, Yorktown Eastern Shore CSB: Wachapreague, Accomac City, Accomack , Belle Haven, Bloxom, Chincoteaque, Grasonville, Hallwood, Harborton, Keller, Melfa, New Church, Onancock, Onley, Painter, Parksley, Pungoteague, Quinby, Sanford, Tangier, Tasley, Wachapreague, Wallops Island, Cape Charles, Capeville, Cheriton, Eastville, Exmore, Hacks Neck, Jamesville, Machipongo, Nassawadox, Northampton, Oyster, Townsend, Willis Wharf Western Tidewater CSB: Suffolk, Isle of Wight, Boykins, Capron, Courtland, Drewryville, Franklin City, Ivor, Sedley, Southampton, Smithfield, Windsor Hampton Newport News CSB: Newport News, Hampton Virginia Beach: City of Virginia Beach Portsmouth BHS: City of Portsmouth Chesapeake CSB: City of Chesapeake Norfolk CSB: City of Norfolk ​

Where can I learn more about crisis and behavioral services through DBHDS?

Heather Norton , Acting Deputy Commissioner, Division of Developmental Services, 804-786-5850 (office), 804-239-5155 (cell)

Sharon Bonaventura , Regional Crisis Manager (Regions I and II), 434-960-0427 (cell)

Nathan Habel , Regional Crisis Manager (Regions III, IV, and V), 804-495-5273 (cell)

Where can I find forms, more information about program standards, and data related to REACH's services?

Below are several downloadable standardized documents/forms, program standards, and data reports outlining service outcomes for the past several fiscal years:

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Crisis Services / Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services

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Individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities shall be supported with services that allow the individual to live the most inclusive life possible in his/her community which includes access to appropriate and effective crisis stabilization, intervention, and prevention services including mental health treatment services when indicated. What is REACH?

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Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center (PEATC)

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Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center (PEATC)

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Military sacrifice alongside the military member and face unique such as deployment, frequent moves, and the additional demands of high Optempo.

For those families who have children with disabilities receiving and related services, moving every 2-3 years is likely to negatively impact educational outcomes for their student.

PEATC's Military Outreach Specialists assist active duty, reservists, and retirees in becoming effective for their exceptional family members while navigating service in today's military.

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Military families sacrifice alongside the military member and face unique challenges such as deployment, frequent moves, and the additional demands of high

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Come join the fun

Get Involved

Support our mission

Donate

The Lorton Community Action Center (LCAC) seeks to provide low-income individuals, senior citizens, and families residing in Fort Belvoir, Lorton, Newington and other portions of southeast Fairfax County with access to basic needs and the opportunity to empower themselves through LCAC's self-sufficiency programs. LCAC strives to connect people with other programs in the area that will have a positive impact on a family's long-term "health."

LCAC thanks the following generous program supporters:

Learn how you can partner with LCAC

LEARN MORE

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The Lorton Community Action Center (LCAC) seeks to provide low-income individuals, senior citizens, and families residing in Fort Belvoir, Lorton, Newington and other portions of southeast Fairfax County with access to basic needs and the opportunity to empower themselves through LCAC's self-sufficiency programs. LCAC strives to connect people with other programs in the area that will have a positive impact on a family's long-term "health."

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We're excited to welcome our newest Dolphins to Fort Belvoir Elementary School! Looking for information about registering a new student with us? Begin the registration process!

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Alexander T. Augusta Military Medical Center Social Emotional Resources

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Alexander T. Augusta Military Medical Center Social Emotional Resources

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Behavioral Health Consultant (BHC) at Fort Belvoir Community Hospital

Brief consultation with parents or guardians and/or children about behavioral, developmental, medical, etc. questions. Can provide referral to specialty behavioral health care for any ongoing needs identified.

Families who receive Primary Care Services at FBCH Family Medicine (13-adult), Fairfax Clinic (13-adult), and Dumfries Clinic (13-adult).

Schedule an appointment by calling Family Practice Clinic: (571) 231-2971/1803.

Speak to the assigned Primary Care Manager (PCM) about seeing the behavioral health provider in the clinic.

Ask in-person to schedule an appointment with the behavioral health provider at the front desk of the Family Practice clinics.

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Services (CAPS) at Fort Belvoir Community Hospital

Outpatient clinic that offers behavioral health evaluation, assessment, and treatment. Services include therapy (individual/group), psychology services (including non-academic psychological testing), and psychiatry (Medication assessment and treatment) for ages 3 to 17.

Referrals made by PCM.

Referrals and eligibility criteria required for all groups. Groups currently offered include, but are not limited to social skills group for children and adolescents, self-esteem group (girls only), adolescent group, and DBT skills group.

River Pavilion, Floor 2

(571) 231-3224, option 4, option 2

Acute Inpatient Program at Fort Belvoir Community Hospital

Acute psychiatric unit that offers stabilization, diagnostic assessment, and short-term multi-disciplinary treatment for adolescents ages 13-18 (18 year-old adolescents must be enrolled in high school and live at home or with a responsible adult).

Child and Adolescent Partial Hospitalization (CAPH) Program at Fort Belvoir Community Hospital

Provides comprehensive mental health services for TRICARE-eligible patients (adolescents ages 13-17) in a structured day treatment setting.

School Behavioral Health Program

Mental health providers embedded within FBES at Upper and Primary campuses. Services include evaluations/assessment, therapy (individual/family/group) and psychiatry services; collaboration with school personnel

All branches of the military are eligible to access services at FBCH, and students at FBES are eligible to access the mental health providers in the school.

Referrals for psychiatry made by PCM. Referrals for therapy made by PCM or Fort Belvoir Elementary School Clinical Team.

If there is no availability, families will be notified that the referral will be sent to the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Services (CAPS).

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy

Applies evidenced-based principles of learning and motivation to improve socially significant behaviors, including social skills, communication, and adaptive living skills. ABA is used to support treatment for Autism Spectrum Disorder and related disorders.

Military and Family Life Counselor Program (MFLC)

Provides wide range of support to military service members, children, and their families through engaging activities, such as facilitating psycho-educational groups and individual sessions. MFLC address issues associated with school adjustment, deployment/separation, reunion adjustment, sibling and parent-child communication, as well as fear, grief, and loss support. MFLCs are staffed throughout Ft. Belvoir installation including Ft. Belvoir Elementary Schools (Primary and Upper), Child Development Centers, and Army Community Services (ACS) Center.

Eligible students enrolled at the Fort Belvoir campus may access services with parent permission.

FBES Primary MFLC: (703) 965-6749/5312

FBES Upper MFLC: (703) 343-0157

Service members interested in accessing MFLC resources for themselves or other household members, should call ACS at (571) 231-7014/(703) 389-5708.

ACS MFLC: Cara Morgan (703) 705-1164, Beate Rose (703) 488-0941, Janae Jackson (703) 389-5708.

Fairfax County Public Schools Counseling Resources at Fort Belvoir Elementary

Small group, short-term counseling (emotional regulation, grief, divorce, etc), individual short-term counseling, parent workshops, mental health screening, behavior support, and behavior intervention plans.

Branch-specific Community Services

Army Community Services (ACS), Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS), Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC), Airmen and Family Readiness (AFR). A network of agencies, programs, services, and individuals that promote the readiness of quality of life of service members and their families.

New Parent Support Program

Parenting Classes, play groups and home visits available through the program to help new parents adjust to the caregiving role.

School Liaison Officers (SLOs)

Assists with transitions associated with military life and facilitates communication among schools, parents, and installation leaders.

Children's Regional Crisis Response (CR2)

Provides 24-hour rapid response to all youth (21 & younger) facing a mental health and/or substance use crisis. Our highly trained and compassionate counselors provide phone screening and face-to-face assessment, intervention, and support so that your child and family may continue with life as planned. Services are provided by National Counseling Group. There is no cost for this service.

Eligibility: Children, age 21 and younger, who are experiencing a psychiatric crisis due to mental health issues that place them at risk of psychiatric hospitalization.

24-Hour Emergency Response: (844) N-Crisis or (571) 364-7390.

www.cr2crisis.com/

Easter Seals UCP NC & VA-REACH Program

Crisis Prevention, Crisis Stabilization (both facility based and community based), and Crisis Intervention services for individuals of all ages with an eligible intellectual/developmental disability and/or co-occurring mental health diagnosis covering 22 counties in Northern Virginia. Provides ongoing clinical consultation and training to providers on a monthly and as needed/as requested basis.

EverWhen Therapy, LLC

Individual therapy services for children through adults.

Psychotherapy offered by all therapists. Art Therapy, EMDR, and DBT offered on-site by several therapists.

www.everwhentherapy.com

Requires referral from PCM.

Email or call for appointments.

Point of Contact: Owner, J. Alexandra Herrera, aherrera.counseling@gmail.com (preferred), (571) 234-9184.

Youth For Tomorrow

Outpatient Behavioral Health Services at 6 locations: Springfield, Woodbridge, Landsdowne, Haymarket, Manassas, Warrenton.

All locations: Individual, family, couples counseling, medication management, adolescent substance abuse treatment (Woodbridge, Lansdowne and Warrenton).

Provides therapeutic day treatment, intensive in-home services, therapeutic foster care, residential treatment, therapeutic day school support, "Mommy and Me" and other therapeutic services at Springfield, Bristow, and Woodbridge locations.

Accepts most insurances to include TRICARE, United Health Plans (for veterans and their families) and Medicare.

Referrals and eligibility criteria required. Discuss referral eligibility with PCM/Behavioral Health.

www.youthfortomorrow.org

Point of Contact: Palesa A. Osei-Tutu, LCSW, email POsei-Tutu@yftva.com.

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Brief consultation with parents or guardians and/or children about behavioral, developmental, medical, etc. questions. Can provide referral to specialty behavioral health care for any ongoing needs identified. Families who receive Primary Care Services at FBCH Family Medicine (13-adult), Fairfax Clinic (13-adult), and Dumfries Clinic (13-adult). Schedule an appointment by calling Family Practice Clinic: (571) 231-2971/1803.

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Pediatric Occupational, Physical, Speech Therapy in Virginia

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Pediatric Occupational, Physical, Speech Therapy in Virginia

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Pediatric Occupational, Physical, Speech Therapy in Virginia

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Our practice specializes in pediatric speech, occupational, and physical therapy in Virginia. Schedule your free in-office consultation with us today!

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Alexander T. Augusta Military Medical Center Children's Health

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Alexander T. Augusta Military Medical Center Children's Health

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Welcome to the Pediatric Clinic, where we are honored and proud to care for the children of our military families.

As one of Fort Belvoir Community Hospital's Patient Centered Medical Homes, our focus is to create an optimal healing environment while working as a team with our military families. By focusing on the patient first through a partnership approach with the family, we aim to provide primary health care that is accessible, family centered, coordinated, comprehensive, continuous, compassionate and culturally effective.

Our Pediatric Clinic consists of two medical home teams - Pink Panthers Team and Blue Dolphins Team - and has Pediatricians and Nurse Practitioners who care for about 8,000 infants, children, and adolescents enrolled to TRICARE Prime at Fort Belvoir.

Services

Newborn follow-up (discharge, 3-5 day, 2 week)

Well baby examinations (2, 4, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, and 24 months)

Daycare/preschool physicals

School/sports/camp physicals

24 hour/Acute appointments

Virtual Health appointments

FTR (future) / Routine appointments

Walk-in pediatric immunizations

Walk-in wart, suture and staple removal

Nursing telephone and in-person triage

Exceptional Family Member Program coordinator

Synagis Clinic (seasonal)

Lactation Consultant

Frenotomy (fenulotomy/frenulectomy)

Integrated Behavioral Healthcare (IBHC)

Pediatric Spirometry (Pulmonary Function Test)

Pediatric Electrocardiogram (ECG)

Rapid Strep (Point of Care Testing)

HgbA1C (POC Testing)

Transcutaneous neonatal bilirubin (POC Testing)

Inpatient Services

Specialty Services

Visiting Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC) Specialty Services

Pediatric Gastroenterology Clinic

Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Clinic

Pediatric Pulmonology Clinic

Pediatric Cardiology Clinic

Pediatric Nephrology Clinic

Pediatric Endocrinology Clinic

Pediatric Rheumatology Clinic

​
Learn more about Fort Belvoir Community Hospital's Patient Centered Medical Home.

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Welcome to the Pediatric Clinic, where we are honored and proud to care for the children of our military families. As one of Fort Belvoir Community Hospital's Patient Centered Medical Homes, our focus is to create an optimal healing environment while working as a team with our military families.

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EFMP (Exceptional Family Member Program)

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EFMP (Exceptional Family Member Program)

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The Exceptional Family Member Program serves military families by coordinating with other military and civilian agencies to provide medical, dental, mental health, developmental, educational, and community support to families with special needs. It can also assist with housing, adaptive equipment, assistive technology devices and wheelchair accessibility.

The EFMP is a MANDATORY enrollment program for service members with qualifying family members. All branches of the military have EFMP, and use the same enrollment process. Enrollment in the EFMP ensures maximum provision of services to the family throughout the sponsor's career.

The goal is to have the service member work and live in a community that can accommodate his or her family members' special medical or educational needs.

Exceptional Family Members (EFMs) may be children or adults with any physical, developmental, intellectual, or emotional disorder that requires special treatment, education, training therapy, or counseling.

Enrollment is required immediately upon diagnosis or identification of a special need. This information will assist military assignment personnel in matching the child's special education needs against the availability of educational services at the projected duty station. EFMP supports the assignment process, but does NOT determine a sponsor's assignment.

Some conditions that warrant enrollment to EFMP include (but not limited to):

Medical care above the level normally provided by a family practitioner in an outpatient clinic setting.

Any potentially life threatening condition, such as asthma, sickle cell disease, epilepsy, or insulin-dependent diabetes.

Mental health services currently or chronically within the last five years.

Intensive care follow-up for high risk/premature newborns, or cancer patients.

Children who require early intervention services from birth to 3 years of age as specified on an Individualized Family Services Plan (IFSP).

Children who need special education services from 3-21 years of age such as specified on an Individualized Education Program (IEP).

Enrollment in EFMP is permanent unless the family member no longer needs medical or special education or the service member is separated from the military. Service members are responsible for keeping the medical/special education needs documentation current and update every three years or sooner when there is a significant change in the needs of that individual. No notice for updating will be issued from this office.

Service members who are dual active duty must BOTH enroll in the EFMP when a family member qualifies. This is to ensure that the assignment manager of each sponsor considers the family's special needs.

The service member's participation in the program will NOT adversely affect selection for promotions, schools, or assignments. Commanders will take appropriate action against service members who knowingly provide false information or willfully disregard the three-year requirement to update the exceptional family member's condition.

The Fort Belvoir Army Community Service (ACS) EFMP office provides information about local referrals, recreational activities, educational, medical and family services, and can assist service members with single-level housing (pending qualification and availability) or other special housing needs. See Frequently Asked Questions for additional information about ACS EFMP.

The Belvoir Hospital EFMP medical office handles medical and/or educational enrollments, updates and/or disenrollment. We focus on the medical/educational enrollment, update and/or disenrollment of exceptional family members.

Enrollment/Disenrollment

The following service members with EFMs (children and adults) will enroll in EFMP:

Medical Enrollment Criteria

Potentially life-threatening conditions, including but not limited to asthma, sickle cell disease, and insulin dependent diabetes.

Past, present, and future mental health services.

Intensive follow-up support or specialty care.

Educational Enrollment Criteria

Family member on an Individualized Education Program (age 3 to 21 years) or;

Family member on an Individualized Family Services Plan (age birth to 3 years).

How to Enroll, Update Enrollment, or Propose Disenrollment

The EFMP Medical Summary Form (DD Form 2792) is completed by the sponsor / spouse and primary care provider (PCP). The PCP should complete the entire form including any addendums (based on their knowledge and medical record review of their assigned patient's medical and treatment history). Requirements for care must be congruent across all listed diagnosis and across all addendums (1, 2, and/or 3). Addendums may also be completed first by a treating specialty provider.
DD Form 2792 Addendum, Page 8 Asthma/Reactive Airway Disease Summary should be completed by the PCP, or by the EFMs pulmonologist, allergist or other specialty provider. All questions must be answered and all 'yes' answers briefly explained, including dates.

DD Form 2792 Addendum 2 Mental Health Summary should be completed by a Qualified Clinical Provider, the PCP, or by the treating psychiatrist, psychologist or other behavioral health professional. All questions must be answered and all 'yes' answers briefly explained, including dates. NOTE: History includes the last five (5) years.

DD 2792 Addendum 3 Autism Spectrum Disorders and Significant Developmental Delays should be completed by the PCP, or the treating specialty provider. CLEARLY note current intervention therapy (ST, OT, PT, psychological counseling, and/or intensive behavioral intervention, includes ABA), durations (hours / week), and differentiate school hours/week (i.e. through the educational system), TRICARE hours / week (through the medical/insurance system), and other source hours / week (self-paid, free, other).

The EFMP Educational Summary Form (DD Form 2792-1) is completed by the sponsor / spouse and school or early intervention social worker. This form is NOT completed by the PCP.

MEDICAL supporting documentation.
If your EFMs care is wholly provided within the military healthcare system (i.e. where the military electronic medical record system AHLTA and/or MHS Genesis is utilized), then no additional records should be required. The EFMP medical provider has access to AHLTA and/or MHS Genesis for review of all available electronic medical records. The DD Form 2792 alone is likely sufficient.

If your EFMs care is provided within the military healthcare system in combination with consultations to network or non-network civilian healthcare providers, supporting medical documentation from those civilian network or non-network providers MUST be submitted with the completed DD Form 2792. Documentation MUST support diagnoses listed on the current DD Form 2792 for enrollment and/or update, or those proposed for disenrollment. The DD Form 2792 alone is NOT sufficient.

If your EFMs care is provided by civilian network or non-network providers, including the Johns Hopkins US Family Health Plan (JH USFHP), TRICARE Select, TRICARE Standard, private commercial insurance, or similar providers/plans, supporting medical documentation from those civilian network or non-network providers MUST be submitted with the completed DD Form 2792. Documentation MUST support diagnoses listed on the current DD Form 2792 for enrollment and/or update, or those proposed for disenrollment. The DD Form 2792 alone is NOT sufficient.

EARLY INTERVENTION & EDUCATION supporting documentation.
IFSP (age birth to 3 years).

504 Plan, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

The DD Form 2792-1 alone is NOT sufficient.

All packets (DD Form 2792 and 2792-1, and supporting documentation, medical and/or educational) should be submitted IN PERSON during walk-in hours Monday-Friday between 8 a.m. to Noon.

Service members should make a copy for themselves of the entire EFMP packet BEFORE presenting it for submission. Submitted documentation must be legible.

Packets may also be dropped off; however, because they may be incomplete, necessitating telephone and/or email communication and/or one or more return visits to the EFMP office, processing may take much longer than the usual 10-20 business days.

At time of submission, one of our office personnel will review the packet with you to ensure it is complete. Submitted documentation must be legible.

Incomplete packets-available documents will be held pending submission of necessary official forms (MUST be complete DD Form 2792 and DD Form 2792-1), medical or educational records. Depending on the specific condition and available medical records, after EFMP staff consultation with an EFMP medical provider, exceptions may be considered.

Pending consultations or evaluations for new or existing conditions-all outstanding consultations or referrals should be completed prior to PCP completion of the DD Form 2792 and submission for EFMP processing. Depending on the specific condition and available medical records, after EFMP staff consultation with an EFMP medical provider, exceptions may be considered.

Complete packets are administratively reviewed (up to 10 business days) and then queued for EFMP medical and/or educational review. Upon completion of the medical review, the reviewed packet is queued for PERNET update. This latter process takes up to 10 additional business days, subject to medical provider and/or system (PERNET) availability or accessibility. The entire process may take up to 20 business days.

The EFMP office then contacts the sponsor/spouse. The completed EFMP enrollment update, including a copy of the signed/stamped forms and copy of the data entered in PERNET are provided to for in person review by the sponsor/spouse. Any errors or proposed changes (if medically / educationally acceptable) are subsequently corrected as soon as possible by EFMP staff. Final copies reviewed by sponsor/spouse and the enrollment / update / disenrollment process is complete.

How to Disenroll a diagnosis, condition, or dependent from EFMP

Reasons to disenroll from EFMP include change in medical condition (resolved / no longer exists), or in cases of death, divorce, change in custody, etc. The primary care provider MUST address WHY all previous annotated diagnoses are resolved. Supporting medical records MUST be provided. For all other cases, supporting administrative documentation such as death certificate, custody agreement, or divorce decree must be included. The DD Form 2792 and/or DD Form 2792-1 alone are NOT sufficient. Please contact or visit the EFMP office for the proper paperwork to disenroll your EFMs.

Enrollment Forms

The required forms for enrollment are available here:

DD Form 2792, "Family Member Medical Summary," JAN 2021 This form is used to document a family member's special medical needs and for enrollment in the Exceptional Family Member Program. This information assists military assignment personnel in matching the family member's special medical needs against the availability of medical services at the projected duty station.

DD Form 2792-1, "Special Education/Early Intervention Summary," JAN 2021 This form is used to document the special education needs of a child with a disability, birth through age 21, and for enrollment in the Exceptional Family Member Program. This information will assist military assignment personnel in matching the child's special education needs against the availability of educational services at the projected duty station.

Please use these fillable e-forms when possible and ensure all handwritten entries are legible. This will reduce errors and delays due to unreadable information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is an Exceptional Family Member?

An Exceptional Family Member is a Family Member (child or adult) with physical, emotional, developmental or intellectual disability that requires special treatment, therapy, education, training or counseling.

Is the Exceptional Family Program Mandatory?

Enrollment in the Exceptional Family Member Program is MANDATORY, based on public law and Department of Defense mandates. It works with other military and civilian agencies to provide comprehensive and coordinated medical, educational, housing, community support, and personnel services to Service Member's Families with special needs. This information assists military assignment personnel in matching the family member's special MEDICAL needs against the availability of medical services at the projected duty station. This information assists military assignment personnel in matching the child's special EDUCATION needs against the availability of educational services at the projected duty station.

How do I enroll in the Exceptional Family Member Program?

The service member contacts the Exceptional Family Member Program MEDICAL point of contact to begin the assessment process and obtain the enrollment forms. If your EFMs is seen for medical care at Fort Belvoir Community Hospital your enrollment will take place at the Belvoir Hospital EFMP office. Summary of the EFMP Process (highlighting additional or different details) follows:

The EFMP Medical Summary Form (DD Form 2792) is completed by the sponsor / spouse and PCM.

The EFMP Educational Summary Form (DD Form 2792-1) is completed by the sponsor / spouse and school or early intervention social worker.

For EFMs with medical conditions, schedule a primary care appointment with their primary care manager for medical evaluation (i.e. review of medical history and physical exam) and completion of the DD Form 2792. Submit the completed packets (DD Form 2792 and 2792-1) IN PERSON and, if applicable, all supporting CIVILIAN/NETWORK/USFHP medical records associated with applicable diagnoses/conditions to the Belvoir Hospital EFMP office during walk-in hours between 8 a.m. to Noon. One of our office personnel will review the packet with you at that time to ensure it is complete. Submitted documentation must be legible.

For EFMs with an IFSP, IEP, and/or 504 plan, the school (NOT the PCM) must complete the DD Form 2792-1. Submit the completed packets (DD Form 2792 and 2792-1) IN PERSON, and, if applicable, all supporting CIVILIAN/EDUCATIONAL documents, to the Belvoir Hospital EFMP office during walk-in hours between 8 a.m. to Noon. One of our office personnel will review the packet with you at that time to ensure it is complete.

Documents will be reviewed in two phases.
ADMINISTRATIVE review within ten (10) business days of receipt.

MEDICAL review and PERNET coding within ten (10) business days of ADMINISTRATIVE review.

Sponsor/spouse review of EFMP enrollment, update and/or disenrollment. Process complete.

Note: The provider must complete all eleven (11) pages of the DD Form 2792. For any portion of the document not applicable to the EFMs, the provider should mark NO or NOT APPLICABLE and line through the form. Submitted documentation must be legible.

Note: The ASTHMA, MENTAL HEALTH, and AUTISM/ADHD addendums must be completed, if applicable, for all applicable conditions within the last five (5) years.

If my family member is enrolled in the Exceptional Family Member Program can my family go with me overseas?

The Exceptional Family Member Program medical staff screens all family members for possible enrollment in this program. If the family member has any type of special medical, emotional or educational need, their packet is sent forward to Overseas Reassignment Exceptional Family Member Program for determination for availability of services. If services are available 'yes', family members may accompany the service member. If services are NOT available 'no', family members may not accompany the service member. Accompanied tours are NOT guaranteed and do not have an impact on operational assignments, to include deployments. Assignment decisions are made by military assignment, Human Resources (HR) personnel, not the EFMP.

Does enrollment have any impact on the service member's career?

Enrollment in EFMP does not adversely affect selection for promotion, schools, or assignment. Information concerning enrollment in EFMP or any of the data used in the program is NOT made available to selection boards.

What are the benefits of enrollment in EFMP?

Enrollment allows assignment managers at service specific agencies to consider the documented medical and special education needs of Exceptional Family Members in the assignment process. When possible, service members are assigned to an area where the medical and special education needs of the Exceptional Family Member can be met. This is the primary purpose of the EFMP. This will depend on the valid personnel requirement for the service member's grade, specialty, and eligibility for the tour. All service members are still eligible for worldwide assignments.

Army Community Service (ACS) Exceptional Family Member Program

Army EFMP Respite Care, SNAP (Special Needs Accommodation Process), MIAT (Multi-disciplinary Inclusion Action Team), and other services are available through the ACS EFMP.

The ACS EFMP program offers numerous services distinctly separate from the medical/education enrollment/update process available at Belvoir Hospital.
Detailed information about the ACS EFMP can be found on the main Fort Belvoir site.

Fort Belvoir ACS EFMP is located at 5965 6th Street Bldg. 1263, Fort Belvoir, VA, 22060. The Fort Belvoir EFMP Program Manager may be contacted at (571) 231-7020.

What is the ECHO Program?

Extended Care Health Option (ECHO) is a financial assistance program that provides for services and supplies beyond what is offered by TRICARE. Enrollment in EFMP must be completed to be eligible for ECHO. Examples of things covered by ECHO include Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) or additional durable medical equipment (DME).

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The Exceptional Family Member Program serves military families by coordinating with other military and civilian agencies to provide medical, dental, mental health, developmental, educational, and community support to families with special needs. It can also assist with housing, adaptive equipment, assistive technology devices and wheelchair accessibility.

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Safety Alert: Computer use can be monitored and it is impossible to completely clear your browser history. If you are afraid your internet usage might be monitored, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or 800-787-3224 en Español.

The Family Advocacy Program, or FAP, is the Department of Defense program designated to address domestic abuse, child abuse and neglect, and problematic sexual behavior in children and youth. FAP is delivered through the military services who work in coordination with key military components and civilian agencies to:

Prevent abuse

Encourage early identification and prompt reporting

Promote victim safety and empowerment

Provide appropriate treatment for affected service members and their families

Find your local Family Advocacy Program.

If you would like to learn more about FAP's services - or need to make a report of domestic abuse, child abuse and neglect, or problematic sexual behavior - use the MilitaryINSTALLATIONS tool for local contact information.

FAP directly provides or coordinates a range of services for individuals and families impacted by violence, abuse and neglect. FAP services are designed to:

Identify and build on individual and family strengths

Increase protective factors that have been found to reduce risk

Promote the safety and well-being of service members and their families

The Family Advocacy Program services are available at every military installation where families are assigned. Trained FAP victim advocates and clinicians offer a range of services and programs, including workshops to build skills for healthy relationships, help in planning for safety in a crisis, as well as support to new and expecting parents. They also respond to reports of domestic abuse, child abuse and neglect and problematic sexual behavior in children and youth. Whether you are seeking help managing abuse from your spouse or partner, or have concerns for a child's safety, FAP can assist and connect you to helpful resources.

Here's how FAP supports service members and their families through prevention, reporting and treatment - and how you can play a role in supporting members of the military community impacted by abuse.

How FAP supports service members and their families impacted by abuse

The Family Advocacy Program, or FAP, provides clinical and non-clinical services to prevent and respond to domestic abuse, child abuse and neglect and problematic sexual behavior in children and youth. FAP's top priority is safety for individuals and families in the military community who may be at risk for, or experiencing, abuse. FAP also works with service members and their families to encourage healthy, violence-free relationships and nurturing parenting. Some of these services include:

The New Parent Support Program. Active-duty service members and their partners who have or are expecting a baby may participate in this program, which offers home visitation from a nurse or licensed social worker. Home visitors provide a variety of services tailored to each family and parent's needs, including breastfeeding support, lessons on effective and safe parenting of infants and toddlers, tips for new fathers and more.

Victim advocacy and support. Whether you are in need of immediate help in a crisis or are seeking information about counseling for emotional safety and support, FAP victim advocates and clinicians can work with you to develop a plan to address unhealthy patterns of behavior or abuse in a relationship.

Treatment, counseling and rehabilitation for service members who use violence or abuse in their relationships with spouses, partners or children. FAP works with the support of command to teach new and constructive ways of interacting, managing conflicts and communicating. Counseling to address untreated trauma affecting those who harm the people they love, and one-on-one support to teach positive parenting techniques, are examples of FAP services.

How FAP handles reports of domestic abuse and child abuse and neglect

The Department of Defense has specific definitions of domestic abuse and child abuse and neglect, which inform when the Family Advocacy Program must notify military law enforcement and command of a report of abuse.

FAP also responds to reports of children and youth exhibiting problematic sexual behavior. FAP addresses these reports and provides support for the parents of both children impacted by, and child exhibiting harmful sexual behavior.

Below, we've answered some frequently asked questions about how FAP handles reports of domestic abuse, child abuse and neglect, and problematic sexual behavior in children and youth.

The Department of Defense and each of the military services define domestic abuse as a pattern of behavior resulting in:

Emotional or psychological abuse, which may include excessive jealousy, personal insults or verbal harassment, as well as threatening language suggesting the use or future use of physical violence

Economic control, which includes one spouse/partner controlling how the other spends funds, intentionally accumulating credit card debt in the other's name or refusing to share the decision making on household finances

Interference with personal liberty, which may include tracking the victim through electronic devices, apps or social media, or forbidding the victim to leave the home

Spousal neglect, in which one spouse or partner fails to provide necessary care or assistance to the other spouse or partner in the event they are incapable of self-care physically, emotionally or culturally

Domestic abuse may also involve physical violence, including sexual abuse. The use, attempted use, or threatened use of force is considered domestic violence and an offense under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, state and federal laws.

Department policy requires the harmful behavior to be directed by a spouse or former spouse, or current/former intimate partner, defined as:

A person with whom you have a child in common; or,

A person with whom you live with currently or have lived with in the past.

There does not have to be any physical violence for FAP to provide help for domestic abuse. If FAP receives a report of domestic abuse involving a service member, they will contact the victim to ensure their safety, assess risk for immediate harm and work collaboratively with the victim to determine next steps tailored to their situation. There are different options for reporting abuse. Depending on who makes the report of domestic abuse to FAP, different steps may be taken to notify command, interview the alleged offender and contact military law enforcement. Victims have options for making a report of domestic abuse.

The department and each of the military services define child abuse and neglect as the physical, sexual or emotional abuse or neglect of a child that harms or threatens their welfare. Victims of child abuse are under the age of 18. Under department policy, harm to the child must be committed by a parent or guardian or trusted person acting in a caregiving role. The child must be a dependent of a service member, or a civilian child who has been harmed by a service member or a civilian working in or associated with a Department of Defense school, child development center, family child care home or youth activity.

In some cases of child abuse or neglect, the incident may be an example of poor judgment or is a one-time act not characteristic of their relationship with the child. In other cases, an adult responsible for the child's care will repeatedly harm or threaten the child using inappropriate discipline, physical or sexual violence, withholding food or basic care, or not providing adequate supervision.

Upon receiving a report of child abuse or neglect, FAP will notify the parent(s) of the alleged victim if one or both parents are not suspected to have caused the harm. FAP will work with the family to ensure the child's safety, and provide emotional support and other services, as requested, as the case unfolds. FAP will work with the local Child Protective Services, which is required by law to investigate the reported abuse. FAP will also notify the command of the alleged victim's parents.

Please note: If you are seeking information on problematic sexual behavior in children and youth, you can learn more about Healthy Sexual Behaviors in Children on Military OneSource.

Problematic sexual behavior in children and youth is defined as behavior, initiated by children and youth under the age of 18, that involves using sexual or private body parts in a manner that is developmentally inappropriate or potentially harmful to the individual or the individuals impacted by the behavior. FAP will become involved upon receiving a report of concerning sexual behavior by a child or adolescent. Whether the incident happened at a Department of Defense Education Activity school, Child and Youth Program, Child Development Center or elsewhere, the Family Advocacy Program will work with you and your child to determine the appropriate response and support you through next steps.

FAP works with individuals and families to end the use of violence and other harmful behaviors in relationships, not to end military careers. FAP's first priority is to employ trauma-informed and research-supported interventions to restore safety in relationships when possible, and to empower those who have experienced harm to access and utilize the resources they need to heal.

Once victim safety has been established, the chain of command will typically support service members who stop abusive behavior, follow treatment recommendations and work to achieve more positive relationships. With FAP intervention and treatment, many service members can make the sustained changes necessary to avoid future abusive behavior and continue a successful military service. Just as domestic abuse and child abuse and neglect are crimes in the civilian justice system, incidents of abuse that rise to the level of serious harm in the military are subject to requirements under the Uniform Code of Military Justice and/or command action.

FAP victim advocates are trained professionals who provide non-clinical services and support to service members and their families experiencing domestic abuse, including:

Help creating a safety plan. A safety plan is an important tool for managing risk of further harm to individuals experiencing abuse, as well as their children. The individual experiencing abuse guides the development of the safety plan so it is tailored to their strengths, needs, risks, abilities, resources and circumstances. Safety plans often cover:

A contingency plan for child care (if applicable)

Emergency shelter

What to have ready to take with them if they leave home

Information on how to stay safe while in contact or living with the person causing harm

Confidential help deciding how to make a report of domestic abuse. There are options for keeping your report of domestic abuse confidential in the military. FAP victim advocates (as well as FAP clinicians and medical professionals) have the authority to keep all information private (with the exception of high-risk cases implying immediate harm). One option, a restricted report, allows victims to seek the full range of FAP services and medical care, but does not trigger an investigation by military law enforcement, notify command or involve the abusive spouse/partner in any way. Another option is an unrestricted report, which offers victims all FAP services, but also includes notification to military law enforcement, command and requires an interview with the alleged abuser.

Help getting a Military Protective Order. An MPO is issued by a military commander and may order the service member to stay away from the victim, as well as refrain from all contact. Commanders can tailor their orders to meet the specific needs of the victim. It is important to remember that neither a restraining order nor an MPO will prevent the abuser from returning home or entering the victim's workplace, but it does make it illegal for them to do so. For more information on MPOs, you may wish to meet with a FAP victim advocate, who can guide you through the process and answer any questions.

Help connecting to civilian resources. You may decide to seek help for domestic abuse, including legal services, transitional housing, or filing for a civil protective order. FAP victim advocates can assist you with referrals to trusted community partners. Contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 for immediate help on civilian, community-based resources for domestic violence in your area.

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Military Family Advocacy Program (FAP) | Military OneSource

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Safety Alert: Computer use can be monitored and it is impossible to completely clear your browser history. If you are afraid your internet usage might be monitored, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or 800-787-3224 en Español.

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