It’s never too early to start your transition planning. Here are some things you can do even before you have official orders:

• Request copies of your children’s records from the school they have been attending. Make sure you hand carry these to your new location.
• Request copies of your children’s immunization records and hand carry these to your new location.
• Research deadlines in your new location, such as dates for school registration, sports try-outs, and other extracurricular activities sign-ups.
• Research withdrawal requirements and potential accelerated withdrawal opportunities at your current school.

Use the following resources to help navigate your children’s education needs and make school transitions smoother.

• Your installation school liaison is your main point of contact for pre-K - 12 education. School liaisons provide an array of transition support for children. They can help with information about school districts and boundaries, and campus specific programs and activities to ensure you find the best fit for your child’s educational and extracurricular needs. School liaisons can also help with transferring school records and credits, registering for classes, locating after school activities and much more.
  
  School liaisons are experts in transition support and well versed in the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children. If your child will be attending a public or Department of Defense Education Activity school, learn more about successful educational transitions in this Guide for Parents from the Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission.
   
• Education consultants at Military OneSource can help connect you to a wide variety of education resources, including information about local schools and help finding a tutor in the area for your child.
• If your family has a child with special needs, your local school liaison can connect you with your installation Exceptional Family Member Program, as well as help you navigate your local school special education program. Learn more about EFMP family support and special needs resources.

There are several ways you can gather information about local school options at your next duty station.

• Your installation school liaison office can provide information about local schools and programs, as well as assist with a variety of transition issues such as transferring credits, registering for classes, locating extracurricular activities and more. They also provide deployment support, college, career and military readiness, scholarship information and more.
• Education consultants at Military OneSource can provide information about local schools and help you find a tutor in the area for your child.
• For information about Department of Defense Education Activity schools, visit the DODEA website.
• The U.S. Department of Education website offers information about student loans and grants, helpful data and statistics and tools such as this Search for Public Schools from the National Center for Education Statistics.

Choosing the right school for children is a priority for families. Some things to think about when choosing a school are:

• What is the student to teacher ratio? How are behavior problems handled? How is different learning styles supported? How are teachers supported? What are expectations for students?
• Does the school offer specific subjects or activities your child is interested in, such as arts, music, foreign language, STEM, JROTC, sports, etc.?
• Does the distance from installation to school fit your family’s needs? Especially if you have young children, is school close enough for a quick pick up if they get sick?
• Is there a before and after care program at the school or child care in the area that serves the school?
• Finally, and most importantly, take a tour of the school.