About School Liaison

School Liaison Program – NAWS China Lake

The School Liaison Program (SLP) provides support for military-connected students and their families by offering guidance, resources, and school navigation assistance for grades PreK–12. As part of Navy Child & Youth Programs, the School Liaison serves as the primary connection between installation leadership, local school districts, and military families to promote academic continuity and smooth transitions during PCS moves.

Who the School Liaison Supports

Category Description
Military Families Active Duty, National Guard, Reserve, and dependents living on or off installation
DoD Civilians DoD employees and their dependents within the approved catchment area
Gold Star Spouses Surviving spouses of service members who died from a combat-related incident
In Loco Parentis Adults acting in place of a parent for eligible PreK–12 military children

How the School Liaison Can Help

Service Area Support Provided
Enrollment Guidance Information on school options, boundaries, and registration requirements
School Transfers Assistance with inbound and outbound PCS-related transitions
Special Education Support navigating the special education process and available resources
College Readiness Resources for post-secondary planning and preparation
Community Connections Partnerships, outreach, and referrals to on- and off-base agencies

Why the School Liaison Program Matters

Challenge Impact on Military Families
Frequent Relocation Families move every 2.9 years on average
Multiple Schools Students may attend up to nine schools before graduation
Deployment Stress Deployments can increase stress for students and families

Core Services

Service Description
School Transition Services Support during PCS moves to help “level the playing field” for military students
Deployment Support Resources for educators and families during deployment cycles
Command & School Communication Connection between installation leadership, schools, and community partners
Home School Support Information on local policies, legislation, and available resources
Partnerships in Education (PIE) Volunteer networks supporting youth and school communities
Post-Secondary Preparation Access to college and career readiness resources
Special Needs Navigation Referrals and assistance with EFMP and local education agency processes