Approximately 35,000 students in Ohio are members of military families. Frequent moves and family separations through deployments, as well as reintegration issues make life especially challenging. Ohio offers a number of programs to assist military families. View the Infographic
Educator License Fees Waived for Veterans and Those in the Military
The Ohio Department of Education is eliminating fees for educator licenses to recognize the contributions of military families. Beginning Jan. 2, 2015, the fees for any initial Ohio educator license, permit or certificate – or for a renewal – will be waived for candidates who are veterans or current service members of all branches of the United States Armed Forces, including the National Guard or Reserves. Spouses of active duty services members also may receive a license free of charge. Learn More
Purple Star Award
The Purple Star Award for military-friendly schools recognizes schools that show a major commitment to students and families connected to our nation’s military. Schools that earn the award will receive a special Purple Star recognition to display onsite. Learn More
Troops to Teachers
Troops to Teachers is a national program, funded by the U.S. Department of Education and administered by the Department of Defense through an agency called the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES). The program helps eligible military personnel begin new careers as teachers in PK-12 public schools where their skills, knowledge and experience are needed most. Learn More
Month of the Military Child
In 1986, the Secretary of Defense designated each April as “The Month of the Military Child” and all branches of services provide special days and events to honor their children. This commemoration recognizes the contributions that military children make as their parents, guardians and families serve our nation. Because of their resilience and ability to deal with life-changing events, military children are an inspiration and a source of pride for our nation.
Northwest Local Schools has a staff member available in each building to assist military families in the district.
W.S. Stinson Elementary Military Family Support Contact
Lori Marina, (330) 854-4646, mariani.l@northwest.sparcc.org
NW Primary Military Family Support Contact
Dr. Jim LaRiccia, (330) 854-5405, lariccia.j@northwest.sparcc.org
Military Family Resources
Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission - Ohio is one of 50 states involved in the Interstate Compact for Educational Opportunities for Military Children, which is working to ensure that military children are properly enrolled in schools, have eligibility for school activities and have assistance in meeting graduation requirements. Learn about the compact on this website. For for additional information, contact ODE staff members Pete Lupiba, the council’s state commissioner, at Pete.Lupiba@education.ohio.gov | Working with Ohio’s Military Kids: what educators need to know
Veterans Executive Order Report - A comprehensive look at what state departments, boards, commissions and our institutions of higher education can do to support Ohio’s veterans and service members, and to make our state an ideal home for veterans seeking to launch their civilian careers.
House Bill 488 - Revised Code to require state institutions of higher education to award credit for military training, to increase penalties for certain theft, deception, and identity fraud offenses when the victim is an active duty service member, to allow for a civil action for victims of identity fraud, to make other changes regarding state support and benefits for veterans and their spouses, and to clarify membership in the State Teachers Retirement System.
Health Care Licensing for Military Members and Spouses - If you or your spouse is a current or retired member of the armed forces of the United States, or a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States, including the Ohio national guard, the following information is provided to help you in obtaining licensure or certification by the Ohio Board of Nursing.
Ohio National Guard’s Family Readiness Program - This program provides information and tools for Ohio families, including educational resources, youth camps and recreational opportunities.
Ohio Inter-service Family Assistance Coalition (ISFAC) - The ISFAC serves as a statewide “safety net” in support of Ohio military families. The ISFAC connects military families with national, state, regional and community resources as well as volunteer support services.
Army OneSource - Army OneSource, Army Child, Youth and School (CYS) Services works with parents, students and schools to mitigate the challenges resulting from children switching school systems because of family relocation or deployment of a parent.
Touching Base - Touching Base is a quarterly U.S. Department of Education newsletter for the military community.
