Researching Schools and Childcare in Preparation of Your PCS Move

MILITARY RESOURCES

Childcare

The DOD has a well-established program of childcare services available through its Child Development Centers. Beyond the CDC’s, each installation offers Child Development Homes, which are a great option if you and your spouse work outside of the CDC’s hours, which are usually 0600 – 1800, weekdays only. Each branch has its own website with relevant information, which you can find here:

Air Force

Army

Army Reserve

Coast Guard

Marine Corps

National Guard

Navy

Schools

The DOD has recently declared the education of military children as a high priority. To that end, they have consolidated the information on the different branches’ Student Liaison Officer Programs on one webpage. The mission of the School Liaison Officer (SLO) is: “to provide military commanders with the support necessary to coordinate and advise military parents of school-aged children on educational issues and needs and to assist in solving education-related problems.” Having known personally and worked with our local SLO when I decided to homeschool my son due to concerns about our local elementary school, I can strongly recommend the SLO as a fabulous resource. Contacting the SLO at your new duty station ahead of your move is a great way to get some timely and potentially “inside” information about the local school district and the individual schools, teachers and principals.

There is no denying that PCS moves are complicated for families with school-age children. But if you begin researching your spouse’s new duty station early in the process and make use of all the resources available, you should have no problem finding out what you need to help you locate the right schools and caregivers for your children. Some communities have more resources than others, as do some installations. Not every option will be available in every location. Knowing that up front will allow you to be prepared and start making your plans accordingly. Remember, no matter what the educational and childcare resources at your new duty station, you will always have the most priceless resource available to you: other military spouses!