Free training on transitioning military children

Professionals and parents are invited to participate in a two-day interactive course on transitioning military children.

The professional development course will be held Aug. 4-5 and will focus on the impact of transitions on military-connected students.

Anyone concerned about the welfare of military children is invited to enroll in the two-day, face-to-face course. The course will take place at Churchill County School District Administration Office, 690 S. Maine St. from 8 a.m.– 4 p.m. with breakfast and a working lunch included. Participants are also eligible to earn Continuing Education Units.

School Liaison Officer Kim Arthur said she couldn’t be happier the organization is coming to Churchill County to train individuals who want to learn.

“Although I won’t be here for the training, I’m glad they’re able to come here,” she said. “This provides not only teachers but parents with the opportunity to be able to address transition concerns that impact children who are raised in a military home. Participants are able to educate themselves so they’re better able to assist military children.”

The Military Child Education Coalition is hosting the parents, professionals and interested adults in Fallon for the training course. The course, Supporting Military Children through School Transitions: Foundations, creates an environment for education, installation and community professionals to have access to professional networks, technologies, resources, and support systems available to military and veteran-connected youth.

Arthur said the organization-received funds through the military for the two-day training event. She said Superintendent Dr. Sandra Sheldon was kind enough to offer space at the district office for the training.

“I’m thankful Dr. Sheldon has offered us space to use for the training,” she said. “She has always been very welcoming and helpful when it comes to military training events and the students. She truly cares for the transitioning military children in our community and I appreciate her for all of the help she’s given them.”

The School Transitions: Foundations course helps professionals stay up to date on the dynamic and diverse K-12 school experience that impacts transitioning students.

The modules addressed include military lifestyle and culture, school transition perspectives and identifying local transition challenges, how the elements of transition and separation impact the military family using print media, current research and participants’ experience, interpret data from MCEC research and institute networking that addresses school transitions, analyze current transition practices/programs from entering and exiting mobile students and transition action plan.

MCEC is an accredited authorized provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training. MCEC is also a national board for Certified Counselors Approved Continuing Education provider (ACEP) and may offer NBCC-approved clock hours for events that meet NBCC requirements.

MCEC serves the children of those who serve in the military and encourages efforts that strengthen our military children and ensure opportunities for their quality education.

Founded in 1998, MCEC is a 501 global, nonprofit leadership and advocacy organization focused on ensuring quality educational opportunities for America’s four million military and veteran-connected children affected by mobility, family separation, and transition. For information, visit www.MilitaryChild.org.

“This is a great opportunity for parents and teachers and it’s free, you can’t beat that,” Arthur said.

Arthur also said on Aug. 10-11 from 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. for a free two-day workshop will take place at 1001 Juniper Dr. for military parents of children with special needs and professionals who work with children with special needs.

The workshop will guide families through multiple complex systems that exist in the military, educational programs and within their community.

Arthur is resigning from her position at the end of the month due to her husband accepting a job overseas. A new school liaison officer has been hired and will be introduced in a future article.