FAQ

What is a School Liaison and how can they help me?
School Liaisons (SL) help by providing you with educational information on your new area (based on residence) and link you up with a SLO in your next duty station if you are leaving. SLs also offer resources on deployment support, are the liaison between command, schools and military families, work with commands and schools on the Partnership in Education program, can help families navigate the special needs programs in districts, and offer information and support for Home School and Post Secondary preparation.

How do I choose a school?
We know the importance of choosing a school that best meets the needs of your child(ren). Even though we are unable to make direct recommendations for schools, we are available to help you acquire information and research the schools in your area and within NRSW. We can provide overall information on districts as well as help you determine what schools you might be mapped to once you have a residence.

What is the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)?
ESSA was signed by President Obama on December 10, 2015, and replaces the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act. 

Highlights include:

• Upholds critical protections for America's disadvantaged and high-need students.

• Requires that all students be taught to high academic standards that will prepare them to succeed in college and careers.

• Ensures that vital information is provided to educators, families, students, and communities through annual statewide assessments that measure students' progress.

• Helps to support and grow local innovations—including evidence-based and place-based interventions developed by local leaders and educators.

• Sustains and expands investments in increasing access to high-quality preschool.

• Maintains an expectation that there will be accountability and action to effect positive change in the lowest-performing schools, where groups of students are not making progress, and where graduation rates are low over extended periods of time.

For more information, please visit: https://www.ed.gov/ESSA

What are the health and immunization requirements?
Immunization and health check up fact sheet for the California Dept of Education can be found at: www.cde.ca.gov/ls/he/hn/cefimmunization.asp. California schools are required to check immunization records for all new student admissions at TK/Kindergarten through 12th grade. Almost all California school children are required to be fully vaccinated in order to attend public or private school, regardless of their parents' personal or religious beliefs. SB 277 went into effect on 01 July 2016.Before entering the 7-12th grades, California schools will check for 1 dose of Tdap (or DTP/DTaP given on or after the 7th birthday. Once you determine where you will live and what school your child will attend, you should also check with your school to be sure there are no additional district requirements.

What are the School Registration procedures?
Inform your school district and school site of your upcoming arrival.  Registrars and front desk staff will advise on the process.  Some sites have online registration options.  Expect to fill out Registration Forms and provide birth certificate and immunization copies.  Also provide proof of residency or mention that you are awaiting on-base housing (which will require later verification).  It is recommended to send IEP/504 documents at the time of registration.  Use the “Checklist for School Moves” located on this sidebar to ensure that you hand carry all necessary documents. 

What do I do if I’m on a housing wait-list or am in temporary housing?
Most military housing areas and school districts within school boundaries of military housing are familiar with thissituation. We recommend that you ask your local housing office for a letter indicating that you are on the waitlist,and list the potential waitlist timeline. Most times this is all the schools need to proceed with registration. If you have questions or issues, please contact your SL.

What is the Interstate Compact and what can it do for my family?
The Interstate Compact seeks to make transition easier for the children of military families so that they are afforded the same opportunities for educational success as other children and are not penalized or delayed in achieving their educational goals. More information can be found at: www.mic3.net

What options are there for before and after school care?
Start looking for care early.  Begin by asking your school or district what they offer.  If they do not have any on-site care, they may be able to advise regarding community options. Installation options and sign-ups are available at www.militarychildcare.com.  If you are still having difficulty, contact your School Liaison and they will work with you to navigate options.

What do I do if I’m moving with a child with special needs?
In the Navy, your School Liaison can help you with the special needs navigation of the school or district that you are planning to send your child(ren) to.  If you are Active Duty, you should also contact the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) to ensure that you are enrolled and that you have all information and resources that they offer.  At NAWS China Lake, you can call them directly at the Fleet & Family Support Center at 760-939-4545.

Can School Liaison Officers advocate in an IEP/504 meeting for my child?
The Navy School Liaisons are not able to advocate on your behalf nor are they able to attend the meetings.  School Liaisons offer information and resources.  They can also help you find the right people to talk to at the school or district.  If you ever have issues with your IEP/504 or school, please call your School Liaison since they also have many community resources that can offer guidance and direct assistance.