I just moved to JBLM. How do I register with CYS?
If you need childcare, the first step is to sign up on the waitlist at militarychildcare.com and request care at all JBLM sites. Parents must reconfirm their space on the waitlist every 30 days. If you only need hourly care (not currently offered) or youth sports, you may skip this step. Next, contact Parent Central Services for a CYS registration appointment. Go to your appointment prepared with this registration checklist. Due to the current COVID climate, there is a 60-day extension on health assessments. For more information on this and other requirements specific to your situation, please contact Parent Central Services. 

What are my childcare options if CYS can't provide spaces for my school-age children?
Patrons are encouraged to find off-base childcare options. Go to the Child Care Aware of America website and find an alternative childcare provider. Additionally, you can check out the new resource available through militaryonesource.mil. This is a new program the Department of Defense is providing for Active Duty Service Members, allowing families to find, hire and pay for hourly, flexible and on-demand care. The benefit is the free monthly subscription to a national online service to search for care. This new service is not available to DOD civilians. If required, CYS will provide a statement of non-availability for CCAoA care to begin the process for the fee assistance. Patrons should contact CCAoA regarding subsidy information, as the availability varies by service. Additionally, school districts are partnering with local organization such as Boys and Girls Club, YMCA Care and Right At School. Please contact your assigned school to inquire about options in your neighborhood.

Can I leave my children home alone? 
Please refer to the Home Alone Policy for information.

What if they have an older sibling watching them?
Please refer to the Home Alone Policy for information. Additionally, consider signing up your teens for a Red Cross-certified babysitting course at Hillside Youth Center. Call +1(253)967-4441 for signup and requirements.

Can I watch my neighbor's kids while they work?
There are strict regulations over childcare on base to ensure safety. If you're regularly providing childcare in your home (more than 10 hours a week), you must be registered with Family Child Care as an authorized provider. This is required whether or not you're being paid for childcare. Unauthorized childcare providers are at risk of losing government quarters. We encourage you to join the nine JBLM households registered with Family Child Care and become a provider! As an authorized FCC provider, you'll receive paid training, subsidies and earn up to $2,000 per month. For more information on starting your work-from-home career that moves with you, attend the Aug. 18 Family Child Care Provider Orientation from 6-8 p.m. in the MWR HQ (2013-B N. 3rd St., room 233). Learn more by calling +1(253)967-3039 (sign up is not required). New FCC providers may qualify for a $1,000 signing bonus to be paid in installations. If you're an FCC provider who just moved to JBLM, you may eligible for a $1,000 retention bonus after setting up your FCC home here at JBLM.

My children are enrolled at a School Age Center and will need help with their schoolwork during the day. What is CYS doing to support their education?
Educating children is the responsibility of the school district; however, during these unprecedented times, CYS will partner with you and your child to ensure that your child's continued education is facilitated in a safe and healthy environment conducive to learning. The childcare teams at the SACs are preparing to assist students with remote learning. CYS staffers will do their best to facilitate your child's learning log-in (at the right time) and technical support; however, they will not be able to provide each child with individualized learning support. Each staff member is responsible for 10 children and will be trying to get each logged on to the right site at the right time. 

Where does my child attend school?
Your child(ren) will attend schools in the district in which they are zoned. This is a boundary state, so the address you select has a school and school district associated with it. On-base schools are part of Clover Park School District. There are six elementary schools on JBLM. There are links to all of the school districts (approximately 20) in the communities surrounding Joint Base Lewis-McChord in the "Finding Your School" section here. Only about 20% of JBLM families are able to get on-base housing and attend on-base schools.

• If you live on McChord Field, your elementary school is Carter Lake, you will attend Thomas Middle School and your high school is Clover Park High School.
• If you live on Lewis Main, your school is designated by where you live. You must check the address on your housing contract (Welcome Home), go to the district website http://apps.schoolsitelocator.com/index.html?districtCode=49275 and type in your address. You will receive the school name, address and phone number. Elementary schools are based on housing areas, the middle school is Thomas Middle School. Lakes High School is the designated high school for all of Lewis Main and Lewis North areas.
• If you live on Lewis North, in Beachwood, Eagle View or Meriwether areas, visit http://apps.schoolsitelocator.com/index.html?districtCode=49275 for the elementary school. Your middle school is Thomas Middle School and your high school is Lakes High School.

Can my child attend on-base schools if we live off base?
In Washington there's a waiver process to request to attend another school outside of your zoned school. Receiving a waiver is dependent on the space available in one of the on-base schools for the grade(s) you need. Call the Clover Park School District at +1(253)583-5000 or visit http://www.cloverpark.k12.wa.us/Dept/StudentServices/Enrollment_Checklist.aspx for further information regarding waivers. If the waiver is approved, the parent is responsible for transportation and the requirements of the waiver. We recommend families also have a backup plan in their zoned school district in case their waiver request is not approved.
I live on Joint Base Lewis-McChord. Where do my children register for school?
Once you register for school, your assigned school will begin sending you communication about the upcoming school year and specific information about your students as that information becomes available. 

I'm considering private school for my student. Are all private schools mandated to follow the county recommendations? 
Yes, the private school fall under state oversight. 

If I choose to home school, what financial/instructive/administrative resources are available? 
Home school is a family choice and by definition the parent picks up the cost of the curriculum and any instructional necessities. However, the Department of the Army has a grant available through AER to assist with learning needs due to COVID. If you’re considering the homeschool option, you’ll need to file an Intent to Home School form with the student services department of your district and find a curriculum that will provide you measurable objectives so you can keep track of the learning obtained. Learn more from Washington State’s Laws Regulating Home-Based Instruction.

What are my childcare options if CYS can't provide spaces for my children (birth through 5 years)?
Patrons are encouraged to find off-base childcare options. Go to the Child Care Aware of America website and find an alternative childcare provider. Additionally, you can check out the new resource available through militaryonesource.mil. This is a new program the Department of Defense is providing for Active Duty Service Members, allowing families to find, hire and pay for hourly, flexible and on-demand care. The benefit is the free monthly subscription to a national online service to search for care. This new service is not available to DOD civilians. Once you select a CCAoA provider and make arrangements for care, go to Parent Central Services to obtain a statement of non-availability. The reason for identifying a provider first is the statement of non-availability is only valid for 10 days. Patrons should contact CCAoA regarding subsidy information, as the availability varies by service.

How can I join the CYS team?
Join the MWR Team as a child and youth program assistant! Attend our job fairs listed here and at fb.com/JBLMcys.

What can the School Support Services team do for my family?
Your School Liaison Officers at JBLM give you assistance with school registration and transition. We help with questions about compliance and solutions regarding the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children to ensure your family receives the same opportunities for educational success as other children, without any penalty or delay due to your PCS. We provide two-way communication between the school and parent. We help you connect with homeschool co-ops or support groups. We provide answers to your questions about special education (IEP or 504 Plans in place), schools, homeschooling, special education, scholarships, transitions and more.

I have other questions. Where do I go for more information?

• For CYS registration information, email USArmy.JBLM.IMCOM.List.DFMWR-CYS-Registration@mail.mil
• A certificate of non-availability, if required, is available from Parent Central Services after selecting and registering at an authorized Child Care Aware of America location, by calling +1(253)966-2977. (Patrons are encouraged to go to the Child Care Aware of America website and find an alternative childcare provider. Patrons should contact CCAoA regarding subsidy information, as the availability varies by service.)
• Check out the new resource available through militaryonesource.mil. This is a new program the Department of Defense is providing for Active Duty Service Members, allowing families to find, hire and pay for hourly, flexible and on-demand care. The benefit is the free monthly subscription to a national online service to search for care. This new service is not available to DOD civilians.
• The three school liaison officers in the School Support Services office are monitoring all the school district decisions and are planning with the CYS teams to determine how we can best support virtual learning for children in our care. To reach the team, call +1(253)967-7195.
• For information about your child's school, schedule or other specific information, please reach out to the district or school principal directly. 

Where does my child attend school?
Your child(ren) will attend schools in the district in which they are zoned. This is a boundary state, so the address you select has a school and school district associated with it. On-base schools are part of the Clover Park Public School System. There are six elementary schools on JBLM. There are links to all of the school districts (approximately 20) in the communities surrounding Joint Base Lewis-McChord in the "Finding Your School" section below. Only about 20% of JBLM families are able to get on-base housing and attend on-base schools.

What day does school start/end?
School districts determine their academic calendars individually. Please see the Local School District Calendar 2024-2025 for additional information and links. Most schools start just before or immediately after Labor Day. Schools here close by mid- to late June.

Can my child attend on-base schools if we live off-base?
Receiving a waiver is dependent on the space available in one of the on-base schools for the grade(s) you need. Contact the Clover Park School District at +1(253)583-5000 for further information regarding waivers. If the waiver is approved, the parent is responsible for transportation and the requirements of the waiver.

I live on Joint Base Lewis-McChord. Where do my children register for school?
If you live on McChord Field,
your elementary school is Carter Lake, you will attend Thomas Middle School and your high school is Clover Park High School.
If you live on Lewis Main,
your school is designated by where you live. You must check the address on your housing contract (Welcome Home), go to the district website http://apps.schoolsitelocator.com/index.html?districtCode=49275 and type in your address. You will receive the school name, address and phone number. Elementary schools are based on housing areas, the middle school for Lewis Main is Thomas. Lakes High School is the designated high school for all of Lewis Main and Lewis North areas.
If you live on Lewis North,
in Beachwood, Eagle View or Meriwether areas, see the following website:
http://apps.schoolsitelocator.com/index.html?districtCode=49275 for the elementary school. Your middle school is Thomas Middle School and your high school is Lakes High School.

At what age can my child start school?
In Washington, a child must be 5 on/before Aug. 31 to attend kindergarten unless they have attended kindergarten in another state that permits earlier entrance. A child must be 6 on/before Aug. 31 to attend 1st grade or must have completed kindergarten. Kindergarten is not mandatory in Washington. All kindergarten programs are full-day in Washington.

Can I enroll my child into school if they do not meet the state age requirements?
The age requirement, or mandate, is not set by the local district; rather it is set by the state educational governing body. However, if your child has begun that grade in a different state, it is possible that the child may be eligible. Contact your school district for further details.

I am moving to the area. How do I enroll my child in school?
Enrollment is handled at the local level. You will register at the school in which you are zoned. Most school districts provide a couple of weeks in the spring and again before school starts to register. Refer to the individual school district’s website for more information.

Is before- and after-school care available on- or off-base?
CYS provides an on-base before- and after-school program from students in kindergarten through 5th grade and an after-school open recreation program for middle school and high school students. Inquire at your assigned school for off-base options or contact Parent Central Services at +1(253)966-2977 to find out what's available in your area.

Can School Support Services assist me in choosing a school?
School Support Services can provide guidance on how to select a school. However, because educational success depends on myriad factors, such as the needs of the child, academic goals, extra-curricular interests and housing decisions, it is not possible for School Support Services to recommend a “best” school. We can help you determine what school your child attends from your chosen address.

Local Scholarship Information
Please see this link for a listing of websites with local scholarship information.

Click here to find your child's school.

Schools served by PSESD 121:

• Auburn
• Bethel
• Clover Park
• Eatonville
• Federal Way
• Fife
• Franklin-Pierce
• Peninsula
• Puyallup
• Steilacoom
• Sumner
• Tacoma
• University Place

Schools served by ESD 113:

• North Thurston
• Olympia
• Rainier
• Tenino
• Tumwater
• Yelm

The Puget Sound Educational Service District 121 serves many districts east, west and north of Joint Base Lewis-McChord. Follow this link for information.

The Educational Service District 113 serves many districts south of JBLM. Follow this link for information. 

Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction 
For information about schools, districts, home-based instruction, early learning, special education, teacher certification, assessment, school report cards, demographics and many more resources, visit this page.

Special Education Ombudsman at the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction for Washington State
Click here to go directly to the ombudsman and learn about support provided to parents, guardians and students with disabilities.

Testing 
March2Success is a free program that helps students prepare for standardized tests.

Free Tutoring for School-Age Children of Federal Employees

School Support Services provides school-aged youth with educational opportunities, resources and information necessary to achieve academic success. A branch of Child & Youth Services, School Support Services features School Liaison Officers, 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.

They support JBLM families 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.

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 are 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.

Sponsors for your middle school or high school teens are available either through the youth program or school. 

Youth Sponsorship Program

The Youth Sponsorship Club can help your teen learn about their new community and make new friends. Getting involved quickly helps children and teens fit in and feel less stress associated with their PCS move. All it takes to join the club is a visit to the school age or youth center or contact the School Liaison Officer.

Youth Sponsorship Registration

Contact your School Liaison Officer to request a sponsor.  You can download and use the Youth Sponsorship Request form below to help your SLO pair your child with a compatible sponsor. To request a youth sponsor fill out the form and email to: usarmy.jblm.imcom-fmwrc.mbx.slo@mail.mil.

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 Center for Parent Information and Resources offers education, acronyms, tools, webinars and a directory of local Parent and Information Training Centers to help parents advocate for their children. The center focuses on proactive support and personal accountability. 

Military OneSource has a range of resources to help with caring for a family member with special needs including education, health care, legal, financial points of contact, EFMP, School Liaisons, etc.

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

Free sponsored online training for educators and parents on a host of special education topics at

DirectSTEP course listing 

DirectSTEP registration

test block

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.

You can find more about our local by visiting our EFMP Program

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.

Homeschool Programs with MWR

Expand your homeschool options with MWR! Meet other homeschool families, share curriculum ideas and have fun while learning.

Outdoor Recreation Many trips with Outdoor Recreation listed at JBLMmwrRegistration.com can be modified to fit your students’ needs. Book a private trip with other homeschool families any time of the year and incorporate educational elements. Get outside and explore your world!

JBLM Libraries
The libraries offer diverse programs catering to all ages. Use computers, printers, and copiers, 3D printers, study and conference rooms, gaming centers free online resources and the Makerspace at McChord Library with Cricut and embroidery machines. Online resources including Scholastic BookFlix, Scholastic Teachables, Tutor.com, Scholastic ScienceFlix and Mrs. Humblebee’s Academy.

• Homeschool Hub at McChord Library, 4th Mondays from 1–2 p.m.
• Chess and Board Game Club at Grandstaff Library, Mondays from 2–4 p.m.
• LEGO® Club at Grandstaff Library, Thursdays from 2–4 p.m.

Hillside Youth Center
Child & Youth Services at Hillside Youth Center offers a free open-rec program for youth in grades 6–12. Hillside activities take place 2:30–7 p.m. during the school year and 1–7 p.m. during school breaks. Transportation to and from the center is free. Call for details! Also, the youth center can assist you with finding a sponsor through the Youth Sponsorship Program. For more information on the Youth Sponsorship Program, email JBLMyouthSponsorship@gmail.com or call the center.

Arts & Crafts Center
The center offers classes on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. During the hour-long sessions, students will learn art history, technique, key terms and creative development. Each month will focus on a period of art history and practice key styles and structures of the era. Lessons are suitable for ages 4–17 and are taught in a group setting. Cost is $15 per student per class, and parents are expected to attend. A variety of activities open to all ages are also offered: ceramics painting, pottery wheels, mosaics and lessons in drawing and acrylic painting. Children are to be accompanied by adults at all times while at the Arts & Crafts Center. 

Child & Youth Sports
Build your youth’s skills with leadership, teamwork and self-confidence with
Child & Youth Sports. Have fun and learn the fundamentals with recreational youth league sports and camps. View the current youth sports calendar online. Applicable fees may apply for sports activities. Call CYS Sports for questions and Parent Central Services for enrollment assistance.

Homeschooling in WA State

Washington State requires a Letter of Intent to homeschool that is filed with the school district where you reside. For more information please see the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) website. https://www.k12.wa.us/student-success/learning-alternatives/home-based-instruction. We recommend reviewing the information on the OSPI website and then contacting the local school district directly to obtain a copy of the letter of intent once you know where you will be residing. Each school district has their own version of the letter of intent form.

A copy of the Washington State Homeschool Law is linked here and a list of the local school districts that includes contact information.  If you know where you will be living we can help you determine which school district you will be living in.

Hillside Youth Center offers a free open-rec program for youth 6th-12^th grade, including homeschool families, and they also have the Youth Sponsorship Program.  For more information on the Hillside Youth Center and Youth Sponsorship Program call 253-967-4441.

Additional Resources for Homeschooling in the State of Washington

·         Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI)

https://www.k12.wa.us/student-success/learning-alternatives/home-based-instruction

·         Washington Homeschool Organization:

https://washhomeschool.org/

·         Homeschool Legal Defense Association:

https://hslda.org/

·         Facebook - Homeschoolers of JBLM: Co-Op

https://www.facebook.com/groups/601134023561776/

·         AER - Home School & Remote Education Assistance Program
 

Joint Base Lewis-McChord Child and Youth Services Homeschool Partnership

What CYS Offers:
Cascade School Age Center, 2402 Bitar Ave, Lewis Main
Through a CYS Homeschool Partnership, students in grades K–5 are invited to Cascade School Age Care, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. during the Clover Park School District school year. CYS follows the district’s schedule for early release, school out days and school breaks. Children younger than 5 years old must always be supervised by parents. Cascade School Age Care offers:

• A safe, friendly space for students’ projects, activities and academics.
• A meeting space for homeschool families — great for curriculum planning, homeschool group gatherings and other activities.
• A gymnasium and field for gross motor activities. Sports equipment is available for on-site use (basketball, football, soccer, etc.).
• Art room space for projects. Bring your own supplies for your arts and crafts.
• A quiet area for academic work.

All families are required to complete a registration form with CYS if you’re utilizing the space as a homeschool family. You must always provide line of sight supervision of all children while in the facility. Contact School Support Services to reserve your time and space. For more information, call Cascade School Age Center.

Washington State Laws Regulating Home-base Instruction

Home-based Learning-District Contact list

Standardized Achievement Tests for Home-Based Instruction

Homeschool Programs with MWR

More than 500 private schools operate in Washington, serving over 80,000 students. Private schools must be annually approved by the State Board of Education. A private school is a nonpublic school that conducts a program of kindergarten and at least grade one, or a program of any or all grades one through twelve. Private schools must be approved by the State Board of Education as offering a program that ensures a sufficient basic education to meet usual graduation requirements and that meets reasonable standards for the health and safety of private school students.

For more information about Private Schools and to see the list of state approved private schools in your area please see https://www.sbe.wa.gov/our-work/private-schools.

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.

We can help you find information and resources for academic and behavioral support, including:

Tutor.com for U.S. Military Families makes live tutors available online 24/7 to help with more than forty core subjects and standardized test preparation.  

Homework Support: Child & Youth 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. 

Support/Resilience Programs:  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 non-medical sessions are anonymous and may occur in individual, couple, family or group settings. Child Behavioral Specialists are located on the installation in Child & Youth Services programs, and in highly-impacted schools located on and off the installation.

Military OneSource has access to free non-medical counseling that’s anonymous and available online, by phone or in person. Twelve free sessions may occur in individual, couple, family or group settings.

Real Warriors is a multimedia behavioral health support center with tips for helping children cope with deployments and reunions.

National Military Family Association produces MyMilitaryLife, a free iPhone and Android app that provides Families with credible information tailored to your needs. 

Army One Source

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

JBLM Resources 

As we progress through the school year in this time of change, MWR is here to help! We have tons of resources that can make life easier and more fun. Check out some of what we offer.

Thrive Initiative

The Thrive Initiative is a suite of evidence-informed parenting programs that are designed to empower parents and caregivers as they nurture children from birth until 18 years of age. The Initiative includes a series of face-to-face and online parenting programs and a range of online resources and interactive learning modules to meet the families where they are.
 

Resources for Teaching from Home

 This library offers printable activities for any pre-K to 6th grade subject: math, science, reading comprehension, STEM, writing and beyond. Download printable lesson plans, reading passages, games and puzzles, and skill sheets.

Get live help from a tutor. Chat 24/7 with a tutor for elementary-K12 through college algebra, essay writing, calculus, physics and more. 

500+ online courses facilitated by professional instructors in more than 30 subject areas from computer training to yoga.

Determine Lexile measures of books read. Find books to read by grade level with Common Core and then curriculum connections.

This a digital literacy resource that pairs classic video storybooks with related nonfiction titles to reinforce early reading skills and develop real-world knowledge. This cultivates key reading skills, supports reluctant readers and ELL students, and builds fluency, vocabulary, and reading comprehension.

Offering more than 50 complete units of study with over 6500 science-related assets in a variety of media, ScienceFlix provides students with a better understanding of science concepts and iceas through hands-on projects, videos, multiple text types, interactive features and more. 

Offering dozens of units to supplement social studies and science core curricula learning, TrueFlix helps students improve literacy skills, build content-area knowledge, and cultivate the critical skills necessary for academic success and college and career readiness.

Resources for Researching

Millions of articles from 17,000+ scholarly peer-reviewed journals, popular magazines, and news sources in subject areas such as criminal justice, economics, history, psychology and science.

A fully searchable and browsable collection of authoritative references, including Britannica's latest article database, hundreds of articles not found in the print Britannica, Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary (Tenth Edition), the Britannica Book of the Year, and thousands of links to other World Wide Web sites selected by Britannica editors.

Covers a range of the most-studied topics for middle schoolers including cultures, government, people, history and science with newspaper articles, magazines and primary sources.

Elementary students can learn about a variety of topics, including endangered species, famous musicians, fitness and space exploration with easy-to-read entries and a large image collection.
 

Resources for Fun

Select from more than 30,000 thousand award-winning films and documentaries available from Kanopy. Access classic films, world cinema, popular movies, plus a whole lot more educational and entertainment films from anywhere, anytime, with any device.

With over 110,000 ebooks, eAudio books, and streaming movies, this collection has something for everyone. Check out the children and teen collections as well.

Hundreds of magazines available to you to read on your mobile device. Titles like the Economist, New Yorker, Men's Health, Quilting, and 4 Wheel and Off-road are available and there is something for everyone. 

Everything listed and more is available to use when you have a library account. Check out http://mwrlibrary.armybiznet.com/screens/resources.html for a full list of resources as well as instructions for accessing our licensed resources.

What are Common Core State Standards and Assessments?

The Common Core State Standards (CCSS) focus on developing the critical-thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills that students need for entry-level careers, freshman college courses and workforce training programs. The standards detail what K-12 students should know at the end of each grade. Most states and the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) have adopted the standards in English Language Arts and mathematics. There are two assessments being developed to measure student success (Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers and Smarter Balanced). The decision of which assessment to use is determined by individual state education agencies.

www.scholastic.com/teachers/article/common-core-assessments

http://parcconline.org/parcc-assessment  

www.smarterbalanced.org  

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 methods of collection vary from state to state.

www.usa4militaryfamilies.dod.mil/MOS/f?p=USA4:HOME:0  

www.militarychild.org/military-student-identifier

What are Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) Schools?  DoDEA is a civilian agency of the Department of Defense that manages schools for military children (pre-kindergarten through K12) on a limited number of installations in the United States and worldwide. DoDEA operates the Domestic Dependent Elementary and Secondary Education Schools (DDESS) within the U.S. and the Department of Defense Dependents Schools (DoDDS) overseas. While DoDEA schools do not fall under federal education programs like No Child Left Behind (the Elementary and Secondary Education Act - ESEA) there is a formal agreement between the Department of Education and the Department of Defense that provides for cooperative arrangements. DoDEA schools use the Common Core State Standards and follow the accountability guidelines mandated for all public schools receiving ESEA funds.