FAQ

The School Liaison Program at NAWS China Lake provides guidance, resources, and school navigation support for military-connected families. Below are answers to common questions about school transitions, enrollment, special education, and available services.

What is a School Liaison and how can they help me?

Overview School Liaisons provide educational support for military families, offering information about local schools, district policies, and available resources.
How They Help • Provide school and district information based on your residence
• Connect you with a School Liaison at your next duty station
• Offer deployment-related education support
• Serve as the link between commands, schools, and families
• Support the Partnership in Education (PIE) program
• Assist with navigating special education processes
• Provide resources for homeschooling and post-secondary planning

How do I choose a school?

Support Provided While School Liaisons cannot recommend specific schools, they can help you research districts, understand boundaries, and identify which schools you may be mapped to once you have a residence.
What You Can Expect • District overviews
• Boundary and zoning information
• Guidance on comparing school options
• Support for families relocating within NRSW

What is the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)?

About ESSA ESSA, signed in 2015, replaced the No Child Left Behind Act and outlines federal education policy for K–12 schools.
Key Highlights • Protects disadvantaged and high-need students
• Requires high academic standards
• Ensures annual statewide assessments
• Supports local, evidence-based innovations
• Expands access to high-quality preschool
• Maintains accountability for low-performing schools
More Information Visit: https://www.ed.gov/ESSA

What are the health and immunization requirements?

State Requirements California schools must verify immunization records for all new TK–12 students. Most students must be fully vaccinated to attend public or private school.
Key Notes • SB 277 (2016) removed personal and religious exemptions
• Grades 7–12 require at least one Tdap dose
• Districts may have additional requirements
More Information California Dept. of Education: www.cde.ca.gov/ls/he/hn/cefimmunization.asp

What are the school registration procedures?

Steps to Register • Notify the district and school of your arrival
• Complete registration forms (online options may be available)
• Provide birth certificate and immunization records
• Provide proof of residency or housing wait-list documentation
• Submit IEP/504 documents during registration
Helpful Tip Use the “Checklist for School Moves” to ensure you hand-carry all required documents.

What if I’m on a housing wait-list or in temporary housing?

What To Do Request a letter from the housing office confirming your wait-list status and estimated timeline. Most schools accept this for registration.
Need Help? Contact your School Liaison if you encounter issues or have questions.

What is the Interstate Compact?

Purpose The Interstate Compact ensures military children receive consistent educational support and are not penalized during transitions.
More Information Visit: www.mic3.net

What options are available for before and after school care?

Where to Start Ask your school or district about on-site programs. If none are available, they may recommend community options.
Installation Options Visit www.militarychildcare.com for on-base programs and sign-ups.
Need Assistance? Your School Liaison can help you navigate available options.

What if I’m moving with a child with special needs?

School Support The School Liaison can help you understand district processes and available services.
EFMP Support Active Duty families should contact the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) for enrollment and resources.
NAWS China Lake EFMP: 760-939-4545

Can School Liaisons advocate in an IEP/504 meeting?

Advocacy Role School Liaisons cannot advocate or attend meetings on your behalf. They provide information, resources, and referrals.
How They Support • Help you understand processes
• Connect you with district contacts
• Provide community resources for additional guidance