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Yokota schools help kids with military moves

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Taylor A. Workman
  • 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

The 374th Airlift Wing hosted a team of professionals from the Military Interstate Child Compact Commission (MIC3) on May 10, 2023, at Yokota Air Base, Japan, to amplify the educational resources available to service members and their families.

The team held training sessions with families, teachers, students, administrators, and military leaders, with more than 300 individuals taking the opportunity to learn more about the resources offered from MIC3.

The compact aims to assist military kids in transitioning from one school district to another when undergoing a military move. The professionals tackled the most common challenges and questions related to eligibility, enrollment, placement, and graduation during their visit.

“The purpose of the compact is to keep children on track to graduate from school,” said Cherise Imai, MIC3 Executive Director. “We want to ease the stress families experience so they can focus on the mission and acclimating to where they move to faster.”

The MIC3 professionals also spent one day with the U.S. Yokosuka Naval Station, one day with the U.S. Camp Zama Army Post, as well as the time spent at Yokota Air Base.

Knowledge of the MIC3 program would have directly assisted a military move to Germany, which has different education standards, said a Yokota parent attending the training. “This meeting was eye opening since we could’ve avoided a lot of stress to my children. Knowing your child's rights and having the knowledge to help guide them through a smooth transition process is a must. As a parent, knowing MIC3 is out there protecting children is a blessing.”

This resource has been adopted by all 50 States and the Department of Defense Education Activity and is helping kids moving back to the U.S. or locations with DoDEA schools.

Assistance eligibility is offered to children of active-duty members of the uniformed services, National Guard and Reserve on active-duty orders, commissioned officers of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the United States Public Health Service (USPHS), and members or veterans who are medically discharged or retired for one year. The Compact also covers students of members who have perished while on active duty service.

Parents can contact the Yokota School Liaison Program Manager to inquire about transition assistance for children in the above categories at 225-6980 or can learn more information on https://mic3.net/.