Resources for Students and Families

 

The resources on this page are meant to assist military-connected students and their families with educational transitions according to the Military Interstate Compact.

Installation Liaison Contact Information

School Liaison Program Managers are the central point of contact for military families, school districts, and commanders on PreK-12th grade school matters.  They advocate for military-connected students at the local, state, and national level.  School Liaisons are committed to outreach, advocacy, and partnership initiatives that generate real-time solutions for military-connected students as they face global educational challenges and transitions.

School Liaisons serve Active Duty, DoD Civilians, Retirees, Guard and Reserve, eligible family members to include NOAA, USPHS, foreign national employees, and contractors assigned to the installation.

Local Resources

Military and Family Readiness Center (M&FRC)

The Military and Family Readiness Center (M&FRC) is a resource hub that supports military families by offering services like financial counseling, relocation assistance, career development, deployment resources/support, and family support. The goal is to help service members and their families navigate the challenges of military life and ensure they have the resources they need to thrive.

• Schriever SFB
• Peterson SFB
• US AFB
• Buckley SFB
• Fort Carson

DragonFly Landing: Colorado Springs, CO

DragonFly Landing Family Services helps families in El Paso County who are struggling to access and understand the many different support services available to them. The program focuses on simplifying the process for families by guiding them through the system, helping parents and caregivers get the support they need, and ensuring they understand how the services work together to help their loved ones.

Supports focus on children on the Autism Spectrum, learning and/or developmental delays, and aggressive behaviors. They may also provide transportation to and from school, with in school interventions if needed.

Health Solutions by Transdev

IntelliRide by Transdev is the transportation broker for non-emergency medical and non-medical transportation services for the State of Colorado. They also manage credentialing for urgent transportation providers throughout the state of Colorado. Call 719-766-4660.

HopSkipDrive

HopSkipDrive is a ride service designed specifically for kids. It provides safe, reliable transportation for children, whether it's for school, extracurricular activities, or appointments. The drivers are experienced and undergo background checks to ensure safety. Parents can schedule rides, track their child's journey, and receive updates throughout the ride. It's a convenient option for busy families who need reliable transportation for their kids.

Joint Initiatives (JI)

Joint Initiatives is an organization focused on supporting children, youth, and families by offering resources and programs that promote education, well-being, and community involvement. They work with local organizations to improve the lives of young people and help families access the services they need to thrive. Their goal is to create a strong, supportive community for youth and families.

For Universal Pre-K, they can assist with the application process, providing information/overview of the program, support with Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs), Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), and 504's entering the program, and more.

Mount Carmel (Colorado Springs, CO)

Mount Carmel Veterans Center is an organization that provides support and resources for veterans, those currently serving, and their families. They offer services like counseling (adults and children), a food bank, eye exams (adults and children), job assistance, and help with adjusting to life after military service.

Parent Challenge

Parents Challenge is a program dedicated to helping parents learn about their education options for their children Kindergarten through Senior year in high school. Qualifying participants can receive reimbursement for educational costs. Call 719-306-8557

PEAK Parent Center

PEAK Parent Center is a nonprofit organization that supports families of children with disabilities. They offer resources, information, and advocacy to help parents navigate special education services and other resources for their children. The goal is to empower families and ensure children with disabilities get the support they need to succeed in school and life.

Pikes Peak Interagency Transition Team (PPITT): Colorado Springs, CO

Pikes Peak Interagency Transition Team (PPITT) is an organization that provides support and resources for parents of children with disabilities or special needs. They offer information, guidance, and connections to services that help families navigate challenges and advocate for their children's needs. The goal is to empower parents and improve the lives of children with disabilities.

The Arc 

The Arc is a nonprofit organization that advocates for and supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). They work to ensure individuals with IDD have access to services, education, employment, and opportunities to live fulfilling lives. The Arc also advocates for policies and laws that protect the rights of people with disabilities.

The Resource Exchange (TRE)

Advocating for independence and inclusion, The Resource Exchange partners with children and adults who have a variety of disabilities, delays, mental health or long-term care needs. We do this using a person-centered approach in coordinating care, promoting choices, and collaborating with community partners. TRE provides early intervention services at no cost to families who have a child under three with a developmental delay and free screenings for speech, vision, ABA/OT, and Behavioral needs. Call 719-577-9190.

CHILD FIND Services, including preschool, are provided at no cost to families for children age three and up with developmental delays. First, you will need to know the school district where you live. 

Child Find phone numbers by school district:

• D2 Harrison: 719-538-1395

• D3 Security-Widefield: 719-391-3378 D8

• Fountain-Ft. Carson: 719-304-3550

• D11 Colorado Springs: 719-520-2542 D12

• Cheyenne Mountain: 719-475-6140, Ext. 17

• D20 Academy: 719-234-1755

• D38 Lewis Palmer: 719-757-1435

• D49 Falcon: 719-494-8751

• Pikes Peak BOCES: 719-570-7474 x1713 and 719-380-6203 (for El Paso County: Calhan RJ1, Edison 54JT, Ellicott 22, Hanover 28, Miami-Yoder 60-JT, Peyton 23)

• Ute Pass BOCES: 719-685-2166 (Manitou Springs, Cripple Creek-Victor, Woodland Park)

National Resources

Blue Star Families

Blue Star Families is an organization that supports military families by providing resources, programs, and community connections. They focus on improving the well-being of service members and their families, offering support in areas like career development, education, and mental health. Their goal is to strengthen military families and help them thrive during the challenges of military life.

Home Front Military Network

Home Front Military Network is a nonprofit organization that supports military families, veterans, and service members by connecting them to local resources and services. They offer help with things like housing, financial assistance, mental health, and employment. The goal is to provide military families with the support they need to thrive, especially during tough times.

Military Child Care (MCC)

Learn about MCC's Child and Youth Programs to receive care through the Child Development Center (CDC), School Age Center (SAC), or Youth Programs (YP.) This website will allow you to look at all of the bases for enrollment.

The Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC)

The Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC) is an organization dedicated to supporting the education and well-being of military-connected children. They provide resources, advocacy, and programs to help these children overcome the challenges of frequent moves, school transitions, and family separations, ensuring they receive the best possible education and support. 

Military Homeschoolers Association

The Military Homeschoolers Association aims to elevate the voices of under-resourced homeschooling military families, addressing unique challenges posed by mobile lifestyles and military service demands.

Military Interstate Compact Commission (MIC3) and MIC3 Rulebook 

MIC3 (the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children) is an agreement between U.S. states to help make it easier for children of military families to move between states without facing educational challenges. The compact creates rules and procedures to address things like transferring school records, adjusting to new graduation requirements, and supporting the emotional and academic needs of these children. The goal is to reduce disruptions and make transitions smoother when military families relocate.

Military OneSource

Military OneSource is a free resource for active-duty military members, their families, and veterans. It offers a wide range of support services, including help with finances, mental health, relocation, and family life. The website provides confidential counseling, information, and tools to help military families navigate the unique challenges they face, all available online or by phone 24/7.

Operation We Are Here 

The "Children" page on Operation We Are Here offers resources and support specifically for children in military families. It provides information, activities, and tools to help kids cope with the challenges of having a parent in the military, such as dealing with deployment, relocation, and other transitions. The goal is to give children the emotional support they need and help them understand and manage their feelings during these times.

Tutor.com

For military families, Tutor.com offers free online tutoring services to help students with their schoolwork, no matter where they are stationed. It provides students with access to live tutors for help with their schoolwork. Students can connect with tutors in various subjects like math, science, and English, and get one-on-one assistance at any time. It's a convenient way to get extra support for homework or studying, available 24/7.

United Through Reading (UTR)

United Through Reading is a program that connects military service members with their children by allowing them to read books aloud on video, even when they are far apart. Through the program, military parents can record themselves reading a story and send the video to their child, so they can still share the experience of reading together, no matter the distance. The goal is to strengthen the bond between parents and children during deployment or separation.

Wear Blue: Run to Remember

Wear Blue: Run to Remember is dedicated to honoring and remembering military service members who have died while serving. The organization hosts running events and encourages people to wear blue to show support for fallen heroes and their families. It’s a way to raise awareness, promote remembrance, and foster community among those who have lost loved ones in service to the country.