Educator Guide to Support the Month of the Military Child (April)

The San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE) is proud to recognize and celebrate the Month of the Military Child in April, during which time we honor the history and contributions of military families. Observance of the Month of the Military Child was established in 1986 by then-Defense Secretary Caspar Weinberger. Each year, the Department of Defense, along with national, state, and local government; schools; military-serving organizations; companies; and private citizens, recognize military children and their families.

We aim for SDCOE to be a place where, in accordance with our board goal of providing educational opportunities and support so that all students are successful, we prioritize the needs of children from military families. As we celebrate our military families, it is important that we also address any barriers or unique challenges that children of military families may face in their efforts to thrive. We all know that America is stronger, both here at home and on the world stage, when we harness the strength of every voice and every community that makes up our nation. 

Supporting Military Families In Schools

Intentionally learning about our military students, families, and colleagues — during Month of the Military Child and throughout the year — builds understanding, fosters inclusion, and nurtures partnerships. It is important for military children to see their cultures and families represented in their classroom and school communities. Please note that every school district has a military liaison to serve as a primary point of contact within the school district for military-connected students, families, and schools.

Celebrating Military-Connected Families 

• Learn about military families and show appreciation for their contributions
• Wear purple on April 9 (Department of Defense Education Activity) and 23 (Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission)

Purple Star Schools

The California Department of Education has designated 87 San Diego County local educational agencies as Purple Star Schools. Each has a dedicated webpage and point-of-contact to act as a liaison to military families and the school during the enrollment and acclimation period. Training to prepare staff and special programming is provided to meet the educational and social-emotional needs encountered by highly mobile military-connected students transitioning to new schools. 

Resources For Educators

• Resources to Support Military Families, SDCOE
• Purple Star School Designation Program, California Department of Education
• 2025 Purple Star Schools, SDCOE
• Month of the Military Child, Department of Defense Education
• Month of the Military Child, Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission
• Taking Care of Our Military Children, One Source
• School Resources to SuppSchool Resources to Support Military-Connected Students at Military-Connected Students, Penn State

Books by Grade Level

Please find the books below and additional resources:

• SDCOE’s Equity Library.
• Books for Military-Connected Students, Penn State
• Book List, United Through Reading (UTR)
• Tell Me a Story Books (TMAS), Military Child Education Coalition

Grades Preschool-3

• At the Mountain’s Base by Traci Sorell
• Twenty-One Steps: Guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier by Jeff Gottesfeld, illustrated by Matt Tavares
• I Will Lend You My Daddy by Becky King, illustrated by Valerie Valdivia
• My Mommy is a Hero by Hannah Tolson 
• My Daddy is a Hero by Hannah Tolson 

Grades 4-8

• Mercedes and the Chocolate Pilate by Margot Raven
• Night Catch by Brenda Ehramntraut and Vicki Wehrman
• Crow Call by Lois Lowry and Bagram Ibatoulline
• While You Were Away by SoldierMom

Grades 9-12

• The Impossible Knife of Memory by Laurie Halse Anderson
• A Marine, a Stray Dog, and How They Rescued Each Other by Craig Grossi
• Purple Heart by Patricia McCormick
• Fallen Angels by Walter Dean Myers
• The Things a Brother Knows by Dana Reinhardt