The health of military children is often impacted by aspects of military like multiple deployments and frequent moves. At all ages, children can face difficulties with separations and with shifting family dynamics once the deployed family member returns home. As a result, children may demonstrate behavioral adjustment issues in the classroom.

In an effort to recognize and support our nation’s smallest and youngest heroes, Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury and other Defense Department organizations are focusing on resources that support military children and parents this month—Month of the Military Child. On April 28, DCoE is hosting a webinar, “Supporting Military Children in School Settings” from 1 to 2:30 p.m. EDT. You are invited to join in the discussion, share your thoughts and ask questions directly to subject matter experts.

The webinar will address these systemic issues and highlight collaborations between family and school personnel. These collaborations can be instrumental in protecting the emotional and mental health of our smallest heroes. Learn from personal experiences about lessons learned and best practices to help support children in and out of school. To register or for more information, please email: DCoE.MonthlyWebinar@tma.osd.mil.

“The Department of Defense is deeply committed to ensuring that among the many sacrifices our war fighters and their families are making on behalf of our nation, that the education of their children will not be among them. To that end, DoD is working in collaboration with the Department of Education, states and local educational agencies to support world-class educational opportunities for children of military families,” Kathleen Facon, chief of Educational Partnerships for the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) said.

Guest speakers:

• Ms. Kathleen Facon, chief of Educational Partnerships for the Department of Defense Education Activity

• Dr. Michael Faran, director of Child, Adolescent and Family Behavioral Health Proponency at Madigan Army Medical Center

• Ms. Barbara Thompson, director of Department of Defense Office of Family Policy/Children and Youth

Parents, family members, educators and health care providers are all encouraged to participate! Join in live Tweeting and follow DCoE on Twitter @DCoEPage during the webinar.