Supporting Ohio's Military Families

Since Sept. 11, 2001, more than 18,000 Ohio National Guard members have been deployed to serve in the global war on terrorism. Altogether, more than 60,000 Ohioans have actively served their nation away from home. Approximately 34,000 students in Ohio are members of military families. Frequent moves and family separations through deployments, as well as reintegration issues make life especially challenging. Ohio offers a number of programs to assist military families. 

Educator License Fees Waived for Veterans and Those in the Military

The Ohio Department of Education is eliminating fees for educator licenses to recognize the contributions of military families. Beginning Jan. 2, 2015, the fees for any initial Ohio educator license, permit or certificate – or for a renewal – will be waived for candidates who are veterans or current service members of all branches of the United States Armed Forces, including the National Guard or Reserves. Spouses of active duty services members also may receive a license free of charge. Learn More

Purple Star Award

The Purple Star Award for military-friendly schools recognizes schools that show a major commitment to students and families connected to our nation’s military. Schools that earn the award will receive a special Purple Star recognition to display onsite. Learn More

Troops to Teachers

Troops to Teachers is a national program, funded by the U.S. Department of Education and administered by the Department of Defense through an agency called the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES). The program helps eligible military personnel begin new careers as teachers in PK-12 public schools where their skills, knowledge and experience are needed most. Learn More

Month of the Military Child

In 1986, the Secretary of Defense designated each April as “The Month of the Military Child” and all branches of services provide special days and events to honor their children. This commemoration recognizes the contributions that military children make as their parents, guardians and families serve our nation. Because of their resilience and ability to deal with life-changing events, military children are an inspiration and a source of pride for our nation.

Military Education Coalition

This website has a wide variety of information for parents and educators. MCEC is widely known as a reliable source of current information. The advantage for parents using this website is the opportunities for involvement for students and families.

These links may be particularly helpful:

Military Child

https://couponfollow.com/research/discounts-for-military-families

Military Children on the Move

Military Children on the Move

This a military-operated website designed to help Military Connected Families in every aspect of their life. This is a site that can help families in a variety of aspects other than just education. There is a wealth of information intended to assist the military family.

Military Family Resources

• Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission - Ohio is one of 50 states involved in the Interstate Compact for Educational Opportunities for Military Children, which is working to ensure that military children are properly enrolled in schools, have eligibility for school activities and have assistance in meeting graduation requirements. Learn about the compact on this website. For for additional information, contact ODE staff members Pete Lupiba, the council’s state commissioner, at Pete.Lupiba@education.ohio.gov
  
  
  
• Ohio National Guard’s Family Readiness Program - This program provides information and tools for Ohio families, including educational resources, youth camps, and recreational opportunities. 
  
  

• Ohio National Guard Strong Families - Facebook Page.

• Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC) - The Military Child Education Coalition’s work is focused on ensuring quality educational opportunities for all military children affected by mobility, family separation and transition. | Voice for the Military Child: a newsletter for friends of the MCEC
   
• Ohio Inter-service Family Assistance Coalition (ISFAC) - The ISFAC serves as a statewide “safety net” in support of Ohio military families. The ISFAC connects military families with national, state, regional and community resources as well as volunteer support services. 
  
  
• Military members can now avoid cancellation fees when terminating internet and TV services.
  
  
• Touching Base - Touching Base is a quarterly U.S. Department of Education newsletter for the military community.