Supporting Military-Connected Children: How MCEC is Leading the Way 

Military-connected children face unique challenges, often navigating frequent transitions and periods of separation due to the nature of military life. Understanding how to support these children can make a significant difference in their academic, emotional and social well-being. For more than 25 years, the nonprofit organization Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC) has provided crucial resources, training, and guidance for professionals, parents, and students. 

Here’s how MCEC can support you in helping military-connected children thrive.

Professional Services

MCEC offers online and in-person training to equip professionals across education, healthcare, and other sectors to address the needs of military-connected children. Through its Learning Hub, professionals can access free, research-informed courses for professional development.

Have you heard about Purple Star Schools? MCEC is the national advocate for the Purple Star School Initiative, which prepares schools to better understand and respond to the educational and social-emotional challenges military-connected children face, giving them a “soft landing” during school transitions.

Parent Support

MCEC empowers military parents through webinars and in-person workshops, offering a wide range of topics relating to educational challenges and the military lifestyle.

The Tell Me A Story® (TMAS®) family literacy event helps children ages 4-12 build resilience and foster strong peer and parent connections through literature and their own stories. 

Student Achievement

The Student 2 Student® (S2S) program is a peer-to-peer, student-led program connecting military and civilian students, fostering peer support and easing transitions. High school sophomores and juniors who are active in their S2S program are eligible for a scholarship to the Frances Hesselbein Student Leadership Program, a week of training that enriches leadership and team-building skills. 

Programs and Resources for All

The MCEC 360 Summit is a community-wide, multi-faced event providing training for students, parents, educators and other youth-serving professionals to support military families.

Community Coordinators serve as liaisons to local and military communities, while also implementing MCEC programs, trainings, and initiatives.

SchoolQuest™ is a free, interactive tool designed to support highly mobile military-connected families with making the best choices before, during, and after a transition to improve academic success and social well-being. MCEC also offers the Military Child Well-being Toolkit for resources and the MCEC Podcast that delivers real-life stories and expert insights.

For personalized help, Military Student Consultants provide concierge support to parents, professionals, and students.

 

Visit the MCEC website to explore resources, start training, or learn more about programs. You can play a vital role in the lives of military-connected children, ensuring they are equipped to face the unique challenges of military life with resilience and confidence.

 

Learn more about our TEACH Program and partners here.