Deployment: Strategies for Working with Kids in Military Families

Military kids face many unique stressors and difficult transitions related to deployment, relocation, separation from loved ones, and changes in family structure. Caring for these kids requires a clear understanding of the challenges and triumphs military families deal with so that you can offer the best support possible.

Based on current research and best practices in child development and early education, Deployment provides purposeful information and theory-based strategies to help you:

• know what to expect when working with military kids, including the common challenges among infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and schoolagers
• offer emotional support for children ages birth through twelve
• understand the unique ways play support military kids' emotional, social, cognitive, and physical development
• enhance quality child care programs using multiple intelligences theory and the Reggio Emilia approach
• develop partnerships with families and stay connected with children and families after deployment or relocation
• expand your familiarity with the special issues military families face, including repeated or extended deployments and dealing with death and grief