MOAA joined other military service organization and military friendly companies in the COVID-19 Military Support Initiative (CMSI) earlier this year to address the impact of the pandemic on military families. Led by Blue Star Families and the Association of Defense Communities, CMSI established working groups to address key issue areas and deliver recommendations to federal and local level stakeholders and policymakers.
CMSI’s key takeaways on K-12 education are more important than ever as schools begin opening and administrators adapt to a new normal.
The CMSI education working group addressed five key focus areas:
- Access to Learning
- Social and Emotional Wellbeing
- Learning Gaps
- Transition
- Individualized Education Plans (IEPs)/Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP)
Meeting the Need
The MOAA Foundation used information gleaned from the CMSI Pain Points Poll to tailor programs to fit the current needs of military families. One example: The poll showed many military families did not have access to the technology needed to provide a virtual learning workspace for their child; with many working parents shifting to telework, it is difficult for some families to share workstations or purchase additional computers to ensure everyone in the family can work simultaneously.
In response, The MOAA Foundation recently expanded eligibility for the MilSpouse Remote Telework Grant Program to ensure military spouses can continue working while their children participate in remote schooling. Learn more about the program, and find the application, at this link.
MOAA Knows Why You Serve
We understand the needs and concerns of military families – and we’re here to help you meet life’s challenges along the way. Join MOAA now and get the support you need.
