CYES School Liaison Office

 

Child & Youth Education Services

Over 80% of military children are educated in non-Department of Defense schools. School Liaisons can act as the first point of contact for military families transitioning into a new community. School Liaison services are designed to focus on education through direct and proactive partnerships with local schools and will tailor transition assistance to the military families current needs. You can get connected to a School Liaison Officer at any Air Force base and in all branches of service!

The School Liaison’s primary function is to serve as a conduit between parents, educators and the command so that military-connected children experience a seamless transition during the transfer between schools. Most military children move up to nine times in their PreK-12th grade years and consistency and retention of educational goals is a major focus for families when planning to PCS. The School Liaisons can offer information on area schools and help facilitate communication between the military family on matters relating to regional public and private schools as well as Home Education.

The School Liaison provides information and resources for military families on internal organizations including, but not limited to, Airmen & Family Readiness Center (AFRC), Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP), and Child & Youth Program (CYP). They also serve as a subject matter expert in education-related issues such as the Interstate Compact for Military Children, Department of Education, local school districts and other education related organizations.

School Liaisons can:
- Answer questions about school enrollment options
- Provide information about local schools and boundaries
- Assist with inbound/outbound school transfers
- Help you understand and navigate the special education process
- Provide resources for college readiness
- Assist with agency referrals
...And much more!

Why School Liaisons?
- Families move an average of every 2.9 years
- Children attend up to 9 different schools by graduation
- Families experience increased stress related to deployment and PCS moves

Core Services
- School Transition Services (PCS Cycle): School Liaisons assist families with school transfers and help “level the playing field” for military children and youth.
- Deployment Support: School Liaisons connect educators with the Air Force deployment support system to inform them about the cycles of deployment and the tools available to assist educators in working with children.
- Command, School, Community Communications: School Liaisons serve as subject-matter experts for installation commanders on K-12 issues, helping to connect command, school and community resources.
- Home Education Linkage and Support: School Liaisons assist families by gathering and sharing information on home education policies and legislation from local school districts. They also help leverage Air Force Child and Youth Programs resources to support these families.
- Partnerships in Education (PIE): PIE creates a volunteer network of resources to support installation and community members who have a vested interest in the success of all youth.
- Post-Secondary Preparations: School Liaisons leverage installation and school resources to provide graduating military students with access to post-secondary information and opportunities.
- Special Needs System Navigation: School Liaisons provide information about installation and community programs and services, make referrals to the Exceptional Family Member Program, and offer assistance in navigating the administrative systems within local education agencies.

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