Resources for Military-Connected Families
Resources for the Community
The resources listed here are provided for informational purposes only. They do not reflect recommendations or endorsements by Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) or the FCPS Family Resource Center.
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Resources for Military-Connected Families
Here is a pdf of the content below.
Education
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS)
The military families page for Fairfax County Public Schools offers information on a variety of topics such as registration, academic planning, special needs, and Purple Star Schools.
Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3)
The Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3) includes representatives from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and 5 ex-officio members, including the US Department of Defense, who work together to ease the educational transitions of school-aged, military connected students attending public schools and Department of Defense schools worldwide. The Compact addresses key educational transition issues encountered by military families including enrollment, placement, attendance, eligibility, and graduation.
Military Child Education Coalition
The Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC) supports military-connected children by education and advocating to resolve the education challenges associated with the military lifestyle. MCEC delivers programs, services, and professional development to meet the needs of military-connected students, parents, and professionals.
The Parent Education Advocacy Training Center (PEATC)
PEATC supports Virginia’s military families and the professionals who serve them by providing Virginia-specific information on special education and state disability services.
Partners in Promise offers resources and guidance for parents and students as they navigate special education and the military’s Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP).
College Scholarships for Military-Connected Teens
Military One Source offers information regarding college scholarships for military-connected teens.
Tutor.com provides tutoring and homework help at no cost to active-duty service members and their eligible dependents.
The FCPS Family Resource Center (FRC) Tutor List contains the names of current FCPS employees who hold a valid and current teaching license in Virginia and want to tutor after their contracted school day. These tutors are current FCPS employees and private, independent contractors who provide instructional services to the public for a fee.
The Army Educational Outreach Program
AEOP provides both 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 K through college programs and expose them to DoD STEM careers.
Military One Source offers practical information and resources for service members, spouses, and children as they pursue their education goals. Education consultants are available to assist with questions regarding education for you and your child.
School Liaison Officer Directory for all Branches of Service Worldwide
School liaisons can help smooth school transitions for your child and assist with all your education needs pre-K through 12. They provide information on school districts and boundaries, assist with registration, and connect you with necessary programs such as the Exceptional Family Member program and the school district’s special education program.
GI Bill and Other Education Benefits
The Department of Veterans Affairs 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.
The Yellow Ribbon Program can help pay for higher out-of-state, private school, foreign school, or graduate school tuition and fees that the post-9/11 GI Bill does not cover. Schools participating in the program are listed on the website.
Getting Connected in Fairfax County
The Scouting experience is divided into five programs (Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing, Exploring, and Sea Scouts) according to age and activities. The website provides information on each of the programs and local scouting units.
The Girl Scouts offers a variety of activities both in person and virtually. The website provides information on how to become involved and information on local troops.
The 4‑H programs, kids, and teens complete hands-on projects in areas like health, science, agriculture, and civic engagement and are encouraged to take on proactive leadership roles. 4‑H is available in every county in the country through in-school and after-school programs, school and community clubs and 4‑H camps.
The Fairfax County Park authority offers information on recreation programs and activities, local parks, recreation centers, and outdoor activities.
The Fairfax County Sports Directory provides a list of a variety of athletic activities for both youth and adults. Activities for Individuals with Special Needs are also available.
Army Community Services (ACS), USAG Fort Belvoir
ACS offers a variety of 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 also provides information on recreation activities, child and youth services, and post-wide events.
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. The website offers information about eligibility and various sports and academic programs.
The USO offers a variety of programs in the National Capital District. Join their mailing list to receive the latest information regarding events and programs offered in the area.
Blue Star Families provides support for military-connected families through welcome programs, peer to peer support networks, and local chapter events. On the Blue Star Families website, information regarding local chapters is available.
Deployment
In the pre-deployment section of Military One Source, there are articles and resources relevant to service members, family members, and loved ones. There are printable resources such as pre-deployment tasks and considerations.
Supporting Children and Youth During Deployment
Military One Source offers information and other resources to help parents and caregivers understand how to support children and youth during a deployment.
Returning Home from Deployment
Military One source offers a guide to assist service members and families through the reunion and reintegration phases after a deployment.
Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program
The Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program (YRRP) is a Department of Defense-wide effort to promote the well-being of National Guard and Reserve members, their families, and communities by connecting them with resources throughout the deployment cycle.
Sesame Street for Military Families
Sesame Street for Military Families offers a variety of resources, including videos and printable activity pages, for Military families to help them navigate the unique challenges of military life. Sesame Street for Military Families covers a variety of topics including deployment, rehabilitation from injuries, relocation, and more.
Coping Strategies for your Child during Deployment
The Zero to Three Organization offers a guide for parents and caregivers with concrete guidance and activities to support their young children throughout these challenging events.
Our Military Kids is a grant program that pays for the extracurricular activities of deployed National Guard, deployed Reserve, or post 9/11 combat-injured service members. The application is available on their website.
Mental Health
Tricare is the health care program for military members and their families. The program is divided into two regions (East and West) and offers overseas assistance. TRICARE may provide coverage for medically necessary mental health services. Mental Health Care Services offers outpatient psychotherapy for up to two sessions per week in any combination of individually or as a family, group, or collateral sessions.
Military and Family Life Consultants
The Military and Family Life Counseling program supports service members, their families, and survivors with confidential non-medical counseling where they are stationed. Non-medical counseling can help individuals address issues such as improving relationships at home and work, stress management, adjustment difficulties, parenting, and grief or loss. Military One Source and your installation’s Family Support Center maintain a list of MFLCs.
InTransition is a free, confidential program that offers specialized coaching and assistance to service members, veterans and retirees who need access to mental health care during times of transition, such as returning from deployment, relocating to another assignment, or preparing to leave military service.
988 then press 1
text: 838255
The Military Crisis Line is a free, confidential resource for all service members, including members of the National Guard and Reserve, and Veterans, even if they are not enrolled in VA benefits or health care.
PTSD and Traumatic Brain Injury
While Military OneSource does not provide health care services, it can connect service members and their families with the appropriate resources for those diagnosed with PTSD or TBI.
The BRC is a residential treatment center that serves military-connected youth and is a Tricare-approved facility. Treatment focuses on a variety of mental health concerns such as trauma, depression, and self-destructive behaviors.
Camp Corral
855-605-1267
Camp Corral serves military-connected children of wounded, ill, or fallen service members. The camp helps build life skills to empower strong and resilient individuals as they navigate their unique circumstances. Camp Corral offers summer camps for children (ages 8-15) and family camps throughout the United States.
Employment
Careers at Fairfax County Public Schools
FCPS offers a wide range of careers. FCPS not only hires teachers, but the district also needs engineers, IT professionals, HVAC technicians, occupational therapists, financial analysts, electricians, administrative assistants, building supervisors, and many other positions.
Fairfax County maintains a list of current job openings within the county.
There are unique hiring pathways for those military-connected individuals interested in pursuing a federal job.
Army Community Service Employment Readiness
ACS Employment Readiness provides up-to-date information on local and national employment opportunities and job fairs. This program also offers classes on resume writing, interview techniques, and more.
Military One Source Education and Employment
Military OneSource offers practical information and resources for pursuing education goals and achieving career aspirations.
Spouse Education and Career Opportunities
The Department of Defense Spouse Education and Career Opportunities program provides Education and Career Guidance to military spouses worldwide and offers comprehensive resources and tools for all stages of your career progression.
Hiring our Heroes connects the military community—service members, military spouses, and veterans—with American businesses to create economic opportunity and a strong and diversified workforce. HOH’s offers career counseling, hiring events, fellowship programs, and other resources to help build your career.
My Career Advancement Account (MYCAA) Scholarship Program
The My Career Advancement Account Scholarship is a workforce development program that provides up to $4,000 in financial assistance to eligible military spouses for the pursuit or maintenance (including continuing education courses) of a license, certification, or associate degree necessary to gain employment in an occupation or career field.
Military Tuition Assistance Program
The Military Tuition Assistance Program assists with tuition costs, and it is available to active duty, National Guard, and Reserve Component service members.
Certification and Licensing Compacts
Military spouse professionals may be required to relicense when they move to a new state. This link offers a list of occupational licensure compacts and an interactive map to see which states are making progress on passing these compacts.
Blue Star Families Employment Resources
Blue Star Families offers career development resources, information regarding remote work and telecommuting, and connections to military-friendly staffing partners.
Entrepreneurship for Military Spouses
The Small Business Administration supports military spouse entrepreneurs with training, counseling, and other resources.
Child Care
SACC provides care for children in kindergarten-sixth grade before school, after school and during school vacations in most Fairfax County public elementary schools and some County community centers. Children with special needs are fully included in all SACC centers.
The DoD created MilitaryChildCare.com (MCC) to streamline the search for child care process and connect families to information and quality child care resources.
Child Care Aware of America partners with the United States Military and Department of Defense to serve and support their families through Fee Assistance and Respite Child Care Programs. It has a network of more than 10,000 licensed child care providers.
Fort Belvoir Parent Central Services
Parent Central Services manages enrollment for all Child & Youth Services programs. Through this office you can register for child care, teen and middle school programs, and sports, and other programs.