More than 14,000 Arkansans are currently serving in the military, with more than 5,200 children of military families attending public schools in Arkansas. As families transfer from state to state for military service, their children can encounter significant social and academic issues. To help military students adjust and transition into Arkansas schools, many districts have District Military Education Coordinators.

DMECs serve as a central point of contact for military families, either to assist in addressing the challenges encountered by the students or to direct them to the appropriate school staff member. DMECs also conduct professional development for school staff regarding the legal rights of children of military families, the social and academic challenges they face, and resources available to assist military families. They also may assist in planning and carrying out recognition programs and activities for Month of the Military Child each April. Per ACA 6-4-309, school districts having either 20 or more children of military families enrolled or 3,000 students enrolled overall are required to designate a staff member to serve as a DMEC. 

Each spring the Arkansas State Council of the Military Interstate Children's Compact Commission recognizes outstanding DMECs for their exceptional work in support of children of military families. Nominations can be made at District Military Education Coordinator Nomination Form - Google Forms and are due by March 31, 2021. Awardees will receive a certificate of recognition from the Arkansas State Council of the Military Interstate Children's Compact Commission.

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