Supporting Ohio's Military Families
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
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.
Military Families Resources
| Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission - Ohio is one of 35 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 [email protected] | |
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. | Timeline (HB 98, Veterans EO, HB 488) |
| 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. |
| Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC) - The Military Child Education Coalition’s work is focused on ensuring quality educational opportunities for all military children affected by mobility, family separation and transition. | Voice for the Military Child: a newsletter for friends of the MCEC |
| 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. |
| Operation: Military Kids (OMK) in Ohio - OMK reaches out to youth who have a deployed family member to create community support networks through a variety of educational, social and recreational programs. |
| 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. |