2014 Annual Report

M I L I TA R Y C H I L D E D U C AT I O N C OA L I T I O N

2 0 1 4 A N N U A L R E P O R T

Photo by Susan Connolly

Serving the children of those who serve us all.

Photo by Adrian Buckmaster

Photo by Susan Connolly Cover photo by Lauryn Hinton Photography

MILITARY CHILD EDUCATION COALITION® www.MilitaryChild.org 1

The Military Child Education Coalition is the nonprofit organization that solely exists to help the military child thrive in the face of transition, separation, and mobility.

Table of ContentsLooking Back on 2014 ...........................................................2

Organization Highlights ........................................................ 3

Organization Modifications .................................................4

External/Internal Oversight .................................................4

Board of Directors ..........................................................4

Science Advisory Board ................................................4

National Advisory Board ...............................................5

2014 Highlights .......................................................................6

Programs, Services, and Professional Development .....8

Spheres of Influence ............................................................ 12

The MCEC Community ...............................................................13

Professional Memberships ......................................... 13

Partnership for Parent Education .............................. 13

Professional Partnerships ........................................... 14

Investment Partners ..................................................... 15

2014 Financial Report .......................................................... 16

Accreditations and Standards ........................................... 17

Our MissionTo ensure inclusive, quality educational opportunities for all military-connected children affected by mobility, family separation, and transition.

Military Child Education Coalition®(254) 953-1923 • (254) 953-1925 (fax)909 Mountain Lion CircleHarker Heights, Texas [email protected] #10261

To advance our mission and reach 7 million people annually, MCEC focuses our energy on

5 Outcomes:1. the educational needs of military and veteran-

connected children are recognized at a national level and receive appropriate support,

2. students thrive and succeed in our education system and become college, career, and life-ready,

3. parents are empowered to be informed, proactive supporters, making positive impact in the academic, social, and emotional needs of their children,

4. education professionals possess the knowledge to identify and respond to complex needs of military and veteran-connected children, and

5. state and local communities are responsive in supporting military and veteran-connected children during times of transition, family separation, or trauma.

MILITARY CHILD EDUCATION COALITION® 2014 ANNUAL REPORT2

Looking Back on 2014A Message from the MCEC Chairman of the Board, and President and CEO

This past year was clearly one with many challenges for our country, our Armed Services, and our military families. With the continued force structure uncertainties, the unintended consequences of sequestration, and the discussions of another BRAC, to the ongoing debates over college and career readiness standards within our education system, 2014 was a year typified by change and ambiguity.

Our Nation has always asked much of our services members and their families, and that will not change in the foreseeable future. Our military forces will continue to deploy to faraway places, and their families will continue to make sacrifices, experience turmoil, and face uncertainties about their future.

So as we did in 2014, and will continue to do in the years ahead, MCEC will remain resolute in our commitment to helping military and veteran-connected children thrive and succeed in the face of high mobility, frequent transitions, and family separations.

As we increased both the breadth and depth of our mission reach in 2014, we will continue to actively seek partnerships and expand services based on analysis of response from program participants, educators, military leadership, and family members.

We are extremely proud of the success that the Military Child Education Coalition has enjoyed in the past year. We are sincerely grateful for the generous contributions made by both financial donors and those who labored on our behalf. Without the loyal commitment of those who care about military-connected children, fulfilling our mission would not be possible.

Our military and veteran-connected children will continue to require our best efforts as we move forward in years ahead. We know the challenges will be great but we accept them willingly, knowing that through our combined Coalition efforts, we can provide the solutions that are needed now and tomorrow…for the sake of the child.

Military Kids – Our Nation’s Future …for the sake of the child

General (Ret) Benjamin Griffin, USAChairman of the BoardMilitary Child Education Coalition

Dr. Mary M. KellerPresident and CEOMilitary Child Education Coalition


Organization HighlightsIn our role as the nationally recognized nonprofit organization representing military-connected children, we continually develop and sharpen our efforts in the areas of national and state policies and initiatives, partnerships with key organizations, and expand our Coalition with key stakeholders and those connected to military families.

Partnership efforts focus on key stakeholders within both the MCEC and those outside of the organization. These partnerships help us achieve those policies and initiatives favorable to military-connected children and help to enhance our presence and voice at the local, state, or national level. Partnership efforts include the following:

K-12 Schools (Public/DoDEA/Charter/Private)MCEC continues to strengthen our relationships with high-density local education agencies in need of assistance, resources, and training. Through engagement, requirements gathering, and gap analysis, we pursue new opportunities for establishing MCEC programs. We are increasing our understanding of and relationships with charter and private schools, and will sustain our strong connection with DoDEA.

Higher Education InstitutionsWe have modified MCEC membership rules to enhance appeal for MCEC membership and we will highlight and acknowledge select institutions who are signees to the OEE Guiding Principles at our 2015 National Training Seminar. We continue to develop and expand relationships with new colleges and universities across the U.S.

Professional AssociationsMCEC continues to create or strengthen relationships with those in the charter, private school, and homeschooling education space as well as those associations in the college and career readiness space e.g. College Board, Achieve, and Fordham. We continue to enjoy and leverage strong relationships with TEPSA, MISA, PTA, and others within the education field.

Major FoundationsThe George W. Bush Institute recognized MCEC as one of only 25 veteran-serving organizations identified to participate in their study of VSO best practices. In 2014, MCEC received generous support from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the GE Foundation. We will continue to meet our grant obligations with such foundations while improving relationships for future grant opportunities.

Collective Impact NonprofitsWe remain engaged and represent military-connected children’s needs with White Oak, Points of Light, and the Dixon Center, to name a few. We are strengthening our relationship with the Franklin Project supporting national service. Finally, we are actively maintaining a connection with the White House Joining Forces Initiatives team.

Government Select GroupsMCEC is an active voice on the Secretary of Defense’s and Secretary of Veterans Affairs’ Roundtables. We will sustain our active relationship with Department of Education staff. We remain engaged at the three and four star flag officer levels with each of the armed services within DoD and the USCG. We include their participation in our annual National Training Seminar.

Our Values…for the sake of the child.

Leadership Research

Collaboration Inspiration

Service Inclusivity

Advocacy Impact


Organization ModificationsThe MCEC had noteworthy changes in leadership and staff. In an effort to build organizational capacity and improve programs and services, Todd A. Buchs began serving as the Vice President of Programs and Business Development on October 8, 2014. The Training and Services Department transformed into four sections aligned with our four primary lines of operation: student programs, parent programs, professional development programs, and our Military Student Transition Consultant program.

Science Advisory Board

Board of Directors Officers:

General (Ret) Benjamin Griffin, Chairman

Brigadier General (Ret) Robert “Bob” Gaylord, Vice Chairman/Treasurer

Brigadier General (Ret) Earl Simms, Vice Chairman/Secretary

Bruni Bradley, Vice Chairman

Richard M. Lerner, PhD* – Co-ChairColonel (Ret) Stephen J. Cozza, MD,

U.S. Army, Co-ChairRon Avi Astor, PhDLieutenant Colonel Jeffrey S.

Bergmann, PhD, U.S. ArmyLieutenant Colonel Eric M. Flake, MD,

FAAP, U.S. Air ForceSarah L. Friedman, PhDKenneth Ginsburg, MD, MS EDLeanne Knobloch, PhDJanice Laurence, PhD

Members:

Renee BostickThe Honorable Chet EdwardsBarbara GentryPatti HunsekerLil IngramDenise Jelinski-HallRobert Muller, PhDCommand Sergeant Major (Ret)

Mark S. RipkaAli SaadatEd Van BurenJoyce WardMary M. Keller, EdD, President/ CEO, ex officio

Members Emeriti:

Cathy FranksDr. William “Bill” HarrisonLieutenant General (Ret) Don JonesDr. James MitchellKathleen O’BeirneRobert “Bob” RayMary Jo ReimerSandy SchwartzPatricia “Patty” ShinsekiGeneral (Ret) Thomas A. “Tom” SchwartzLieutenant General (Ret) H.G. “Pete” TaylorZoe Trautman

External and Internal Oversight and ReviewThe MCEC initiatives and programs are rigorously and consistently evaluated. We continue to design and conduct research and thoughtfully incorporate good science into the range of implications for military-connected children and youth regarding academic, social, and emotional issues.

Using external and internal oversight, review, and evaluation processes, we strive to ensure the integrity of all programs and services. Part of the external oversight and review process resides with our 22-member volunteer Board of Directors that provides guidance to the MCEC activities.

Additionally, our Science Advisory Board, comprised of 19 volunteer professionals representing the fields of psychiatry, psychology, medicine, mathematics, research, public policy, and grief and loss specialties, provides guidance to the MCEC in developing its evidenced-based programs and services. We have internal quality control systems which consist of continuous evaluation and improvement. Program participants routinely complete evaluations identifying strengths, weaknesses, and recommendations for improvement.

Lieutenant Colonel Keith M. Lemmon, MD, FAAP, U.S. Army

Jacqueline V. Lerner, PhDAnn Masten, PhDMichael Matthews, PhDCaptain Joseph G. McQuade, MD, U.S. NavyRonald S. Palomares, PhDColonel Rebecca I. Porter, PhD, ABPP,

U.S. ArmyPaula K. Rauch, MDColonel (Ret) Sook Chun Ryo, MD, U.S. Army Michelle D. Sherman, PhD

*MCEC Board Member

Barbara Day, Vice ChairmanDawn Goldfein, Vice ChairmanDavid G. Henry, Vice ChairmanRich Lerner, PhD, Vice ChairmanCathe Robling, Vice ChairmanRobert “Bob” Utley, Vice Chairman


National Advisory CommitteeMrs. Charlene AustinThe Honorable Valerie BaldwinMrs. Patricia “Tosh” BarronThe Honorable Carolyn H. BecraftMr. Douglas BelairGeneral (Ret) and Mrs. B.B. Bell (Katie)Ms. Dona BushongThe Honorable and Mrs. John Carter (Erika)Mr. Ed CaseyGeneral (Ret) and Mrs. George Casey (Shelia)General (Ret) and Mrs. Peter Chiarelli (Beth)Lieutenant General (Ret) and Mrs. Kurt Cichowski (Laura)Mr. Mike CohenDr. Dan DomenechAdmiral (Ret) and Mrs. Walter Doran (Ginny)Mrs. Lea Ann EdwardsGeneral (Ret) and Mrs. Larry R. Ellis (Jean)Ms. Lucy FitchLieutenant General (Ret) and Mrs. Phil Ford (Kris)General (Ret) Tommy R. FranksVice Admiral (Ret.) William “Bill” French (Monika)Command Sergeant Major (Ret) and Mrs. William J.

Gainey (Cindy)The Honorable Pete GerenMr. Roy GibsonThe Honorable Robert L. Gordon IIIMajor General (Ret) and Mrs. Mark R. Hamilton (Patty)Lieutenant General (Ret) Charles R. HeflebowerRear Admiral (Ret) and Mrs. Leenert Hering (Sharon)General (Ret) James T. Hill and Dr. Toni HillLieutenant General (Ret) and Mrs. William Ingram (Lil)Major General (Ret) and Mrs. Robert Ivany (Marianne)Lt Gen (Ret) and Mrs. Darrell Jones (Holly)Mr. Gary KnellLieutenant Colonel (Ret) Luke KnittigGeneral (Ret) and Mrs. Leon J. LaPorte (Judy)General (Ret) and Mrs. David McKiernan (Carmen)General (Ret) and Mrs. Craig McKinley (Cheryl)Mr. Drayton McLane, Jr.General (Ret) and Mrs. Duncan McNabb (Linda)Lieutenant General (Ret) and Mrs. Thomas Metz (Pam)Major General (Ret) and Mrs. Paul Mock (Karen)General (Ret) and Mrs. Richard Myers (Mary Jo)The Honorable Danny Pummill, MNSS, MMASGeneral (Ret) Dennis J. ReimerMr. Matthew “Matt” RogersGeneral (Ret) and Mrs. Norton Schwartz (Suzie)General (Ret) and Mrs. Henry H. Shelton (Carolyn)Lieutenant General (Ret) Stephen M. SpeakesLieutenant General (Ret) George J. Trautman IIIDr. Philip “Uri” TreismanMs. Kirsten WhitePhoto courtesy of brittanymorganphoto.com


Advocating for Children,Accomplishing Our Mission

A few highlights of 2014

College and Career Readiness AdvocacyThe Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC) vision is to ensure a quality education for some of our nation’s most underappreciated and uniquely challenged students, whose parent(s) is a Veteran or is currently serving in the Active Duty, National Guard, or Reserves. Advocating for the implementation of clear and consistent academic standards across every state ensures that these students have the opportunity for success beyond high school. Our focused efforts to promote college and career readiness have garnered support from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the GE Foundation. Through our network of military families and education professionals across states and in communities, we have been able to provide video and print resources designed to help students prepare for life after high school.

Military Student Data IdentifierThe MCEC continues to advocate for and support the inclusion of a military-connected student identifier in state public school data systems to help us better understand and track the academic progress of these students as they move through their K-12 school years. The well-being of military-connected students depends on a network of informed supportive educators who are aware and can identify early signs of academic, emotional, or physical challenges. There is a lack of reliable available data about military-connected students. This is critically important to the understanding of policy and practice related to school success, academic achievement, and/or opportunities. Accurate information about military children will better enable:

• Timely transition support for mobile military students

• Increasing understanding about easing transfers

• Decreasing confusion that can result in delays in services, lack of credit, or missed opportunities

• Improvement in identification, confidence, and reporting of accurate school completion data

• District and campus awareness of military-connected student populations

• Accurate considerations of the needs of military-connected students in special programs

MCEC:

Military Student Identifier Status

MCEC also recognizes the below states as they have either been adopted by administrative rule or legislated but not yet fully implemented:

16. Alabama

17. Illinois

1. Alaska

2. Arkansas

3. Florida

4. Indiana

5. Minnesota

6. Missouri

7. Montana

8. Nevada

9. North Carolina

10. Oklahoma

11. South Carolina

12. Tennessee

13. Texas

14. Virginia

15. Washington

18. Maine

19. Michigan


Laying the Groundwork Convenings – National and Regional The National Convening took place April 2-3, 2014, in Washington, DC. Respected policy and thought-leaders gathered in a collaborative effort to identify critical issues and solutions to safeguard academic success for military-connected students through the year 2020. Eighty-two participants from thirty states and multiple educational and advocacy organizations convened for a day and a half. Key action items included: > Implementation of consistent academic standards of rigor

> Full Implementation of the Military Interstate Children’s Compact

> Implementation of a military student identifier across all states

> Development of communities of practice among those professionals with a common interest in military children’s success from cradle to career

• The post-event online evaluation of the Convening indicated that 97% of participants felt the Convening focused on academic issues most important to military children, and 94% felt they had received information and resources to better support military children.

• Outcomes from the National Convening were shared with the participants and other interested parties through emailed updates. In the coming year, the MCEC plans to:

> Further share the outcomes with its stakeholders through its e-newsletter

> Maintain email contact with National Convening “alumni” to share success stories

> Use the outcomes to help create focus for the MCEC’s work through the year 2020

Regional Convening in Partnership with Killeen Independent School District (KISD). Within KISD, there are a host of initiatives that are directed at creating and sustaining great teaching and learning in every one of the approximately 2,800 classrooms. Coordination of effort across campuses and within the community is an integral part of the ongoing improvement strategies. MCEC worked with KISD to hold a Regional Convening that served as a gathering for educators, community leaders, various professionals, and others to collaborate around identifying and proposing solutions to issues associated with military and veteran-connected children. Focusing on students in fourth through ninth grades, the process was facilitated by MCEC staff. The Regional Convening led to the development of a set of action steps to advance KISD’s efforts within three areas: Academics, Advocacy, and Access to Opportunity.

“One of the challenges associated with leading the district toward continuous improvement is to remove, or at least mitigate, wasted motion. Involving large numbers of staff and community members for a day and a half is a sizable commitment, one that has to add value to the business of the school district. MCEC is uniquely qualified to ensure that the time spent was both useful and productive. They bring years of experience in addressing military and veteran children educational issues. I encourage other districts to enlist them to conduct similar events. I applaud MCEC for structuring a Convening that moved KISD closer to meeting the needs of the military child and providing high quality educational experiences to all students.”

Dr. Robert Muller, then Superintendent of KISD, and now an MCEC Board Member

New Publications• Life After High School – Being College Ready was published and distributed through the MCEC’s On the Move®

magazine. It was also designed as a stand-alone pamphlet that is included in professional development courses and shared with MCEC partner organizations. In addition, the “Common Core State Standards” MCEC insert has been included in professional development courses and will continue to be integrated into the curriculum.

• Two videos were produced in 2014: > www.concentusmediagroup.com/video/MCEC/changing-schools.mp4 - “Let’s Talk about Changing Schools”

> www.concentusmediagroup.com/video/MCEC/Gates1-mainline.mp4 - “Roadmap to Readiness – In College and For Life”


Collaborative Hub “Homeroom”In 2014, MCEC developed and implemented an interactive online community entitled “Homeroom.” This interactive tool and resource is for those interested in helping military and veteran-connected kids. Adults and children (with secure credentials) can participate in discussions and connect with other MCEC Homeroom community members, all helping to come up with creative solutions to issues facing military-connected children.

2014 National Training SeminarMCEC’s 16th Annual National Training Seminar (NTS) is a globally-recognized, premier training event for anyone interested in serving and supporting military-connected children. The event provides a unique opportunity for our more than 700 attendees to engage with senior military and education leaders. Our 2014 NTS focused on Academics, Service, and Wellness, and provided in-depth coverage of current issues relevant to military-connected children during this period of significant change and challenge.

George W. Bush Institute’s Military Service InitiativeIn the spring of 2014, The George W. Bush Institute selected the MCEC as one of 25 veteran serving nonprofit organizations for inclusion in their study on relevant measures of impact and effectiveness in serving veterans and their families. MCEC was honored to host their research team at our offices for several days of in-depth interviews and data collection. Their project culminated in February, 2015 with a Summit, where the findings were released and MCEC was recognized for its contributions.

Programs, Services, and Professional DevelopmentThe MCEC capacity to deliver real-time, relevant programs and services that meet the needs of students, parents, and professionals is unparalleled. These high quality programs are standards-based and focus on local communities and institutions. The MCEC programs and services are used daily in school districts and trainings throughout military-connected communities. These services include student and parent programs, professional development, trainings, and events. These are some of our significant outputs in 2014:

Student Programs:

Student 2 Student Programs

Feeling like the perpetual new kid can be stressful - Student 2 Student® (S2STM) programs at the elementary, middle, and high school levels bring military and civilian kids together to welcome new students, create a positive environment, support academic excellence, and ease transitions. 100% acceptance is a hallmark of this program. S2S has been available in high schools since

2004 and in middle schools through Junior Student 2 Student® (JS2STM) since 2006.

In 2014, the MCEC extended its highly successful S2S program onto the elementary campuses with Elementary Student 2 StudentTM (ES2STM). This is an elementary program designed to increase awareness and address school transitions and concerns affecting mobile elementary school students through a faculty-led model. A team consisting of four campus staff members, one district-level staff member, and two parents, attends an extensive, highly interactive, 12-hour training to identify transitional student needs, and create a customized campus model.

MCEC was able to train 34 elementary campuses this year. Our 2014 eS2S participants, responding in the post course survey, collectively estimated that their new knowledge will reach and influence 13,299 students and 1,874 colleagues.

Trainings

S2SHigh

Schools

JS2SMiddleSchools

ES2SElementary

SchoolsNew in 2014!

792

342 416 34


Bernard Curtis Brown II Memorial Space Camp Scholarship Established in 2002, the scholarship was created in memory of 11 year-old Bernard, a

military-connected passenger on the hijacked airliner that crashed into the Pentagon on

September 11, 2001. The scholarship gives military-connected children

the opportunity to have a week-long Space Camp experience combining the worlds of science,

service, and learning.

A great deal Quite a bit Somewhat Not much

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80%

60%

40%

20%

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Program Benchmarks

Military ............ 69Civilian ............. 52

57+43z57%43%

Cumulative Totals of the 7-year ProgramBased on 121 participants

Frances Hesselbein Student Leadership ProgramIn the Frances Hesselbein Student Leadership Program,TM students learn leadership, team building, how to inspire others, listening skills, a sense of patriotism, civic duty/responsibility, and tolerance, and they share these lessons when they go back to school.

98%

felt Parent to Parent provided the knowledge needed to help support their child

to

A Military Child Education Coalition® Initiative

TM

TM

to

A Military Child Education Coalition® Initiative

Parent to ParentTM workshops address academic, social, and emotional issues associated with a military family lifestyle. Parent to Parent began in 2006.

378

Cumulative to Date

43,023Events Children & Parents

Parent Programs:

Impact of parents surveyed:

99%

will use info learned to support their child’s educational needs

13,700178,489

Workshops

Parents

Cumulative to Date

96%

of parents surveyed said they will share the information they learned with other parents

300,000+

number of children impactedbased on DoD average number of

children per household.

Tell Me A StoryTell Me A StoryTM, developed in 2005, promotes early literacy and empowers children and their parents to open family discussions on difficult topics such as separation and transitions.

93%

will use info learned to support their child’s emotional needs


ConnectednessLow levels of connectedness correlate with lower grades, poor attendance, behavioral and emotional problems. Students and parents reported the MSTC increased their connectedness to:

School Personnel Capacity BuildingSchool personnel reported the MSTC increased their capacity to support military and veteran-connected students with:

73+14+2+2+9+z 86+3+5+2+zStudents:73% community87% school89% peers91% families

Parents:89% installation86% families 94% school96% community

95%

98% 99%

98%

Deployment/reintegration

Abilityto cope

Studentbehavior

Moving/transition

Living in the New Normal: Helping Children Thrive through Good and Challenging TimesTM

These institutes, practicums, and public engagements explore how concerned adults can support military-connected children’s resilience in our changing military climate.

Participants reported increased awareness, momentum to implement actions, and desire to network on behalf of military families to share information and resources received.

Supporting Military Children through School TransitionsTM Social/EmotionalThis two-day training is an interactive opportunity focusing on the social and emotional implications of transition for the military-connected student.

Supporting Children of the National Guard and Reserve InstituteTM

This two-day training focuses on the unique challenges faced by children of members of the National Guard and Reserve components.

Responding to the Military Child with Exceptional NeedsTM

This two-day training prepares educators, social service providers, parents, and community leaders to address the additional challenges associated with transitioning military-connected students with exceptional needs.

Workshops for Caregiver ParentsThis year, the MCEC developed and delivered a course on Caring for Children of Veterans for the Department of Veteran Affairs. This 30-hour training is intended for Veterans Administration clinicians and staff interested in conducting parent education workshops designed by the MCEC. Parent workshops embedded in this training feature practical ideas, proven techniques, age-appropriate strategies, wonderful resources, and networking opportunities.

1,143Trainings &

Engagements

35,546Professionals

Trained

InstitutePublic Engagement

Practicum

72,776 students Reach andInfluence of

303participants14,264 colleagues

36 events

3,000 served

141 events

3,521 served

Military Student Transition Consultants:

As school-based first responders, Military Student Transition ConsultantsTM (MSTCs) prove to be instrumental in achieving resolution in transition, academic, and special needs challenges.

1397,730

MSTCs

Direct student, parent, and educator contacts on military-

connected issues

2013

Professional Development:


Workshops for Youth-Serving Organizations (B&GCA)

Today, more than two million military-connected children live with perpetual challenges presented by frequent moves, parental and sibling deployments, and a host of life transitions that include reintegration and dealing with profoundly changed parents. The well-being of these children depends heavily on a network of supportive adults who are trained to identify early signs of emotional or physical challenge. The Military Child Education Coalition exists to serve these children from birth to adulthood and we acknowledge that the Boys & Girls Clubs of America also play a key role in providing supportive programmatic services and support for civilian, military, and veteran-connected children and youth. The B&GCA school and community sites provide an opportunity to meet the needs of military and veteran-connected kids through trained staff members.

We are committed to building a long-term partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America which begins with trust and aligns with the B&GCA strategic focus areas: Academic Success, Character and Leadership, and Healthy Lifestyles.

In 2014, in response to the Level 3 and 4 professional development needs of the B&GCA, the MCEC developed the following two certification programs:

The Basic Certificate Training Program will professionally prepare youth-serving staff to conduct youth development with military and veteran-connected children using current technologies and research-based methods.

Phase 1: Provide a 36.5 hour Basic Certification Program for select B&GCA staff to build their knowledge and skill sets on meeting the needs of veteran and military-connected children, with the understanding that the content can be generalized to all student populations served by the B&GCA. Themes of the training include strengths and stressors of children and youth; academic, social and emotional needs; strategies to address behavioral issues; academic support; building resilience in children and youth; and children with exceptional needs.

The Coach/Leader Certificate Program will professionally prepare select youth-serving staff to coach/lead site team staff members through a collaborative coaching model that helps employees self-reflect on their work, identify personal strengths and needs, and learn techniques, tools, and strategies to improve problem solving capabilities and maximize the service provided to military and veteran-connected children and youth.

Phase 2: Provide a 3-day, 22 instructional hour Implementation Coach Certification Program to select B&GCA staff who have successfully completed the 36.5 hour Certification Program. Completion of this training will enable them to assist site Boys and Girls Club staff to implement strategies learned in training through a coaching/leadership model.

Online CoursesMCEC developed two online professional development courses in 2014, opening up learning opportunities to professionals who are unable to attend our traditional face-to-face courses.

The Journey from “Welcome Home” to Now: Reunion, Reconnecting, RoutineTM course is designed to teach professionals who support military-connected children and youth the challenges and joys that children face during a time of reintegration following a family member’s return after an extended absence. The online course earns eight clock hours. Participants will learn strategies to help students adjust during the reunion, and during the journey of reconnecting and reestablishing family routine.

The Helping Military Children Discover Their S.P.A.R.C.: Strength, Potential, Aspirations, Resourcefulness, ConfidenceTM course provides participants with the knowledge needed to prepare young people to develop hardiness skills to help them meet personal and professional goals through identification of their sparks and interests while developing a growth mindset.


Military Child Education Coalition

Spheres of InfluenceK-12 Schools

(public/DoDEA/ charter/private)

PolicyCenters

YoungChildren

Organizations

ProfessionalAssociations

MajorResearch

Organizations

HigherEducation

Institutions

EducationArena

JoiningForces

Achieve

WhiteOak

GotYour 6

DixonCenter

America’sPromise

CollectiveImpact

Nonprofits

Franklin Project/Aspen Institute

CollegeBoard

Secretaryof DefenseRoundtable

ArmedForces

Secretary of Veterans Affairs

Roundtable

MilitaryInterstate Child

CompactCommission

(MIC3)

U.S. & State Departments of

EducationGovernmentSelect

Groups

USAA

Mattel

Gates

GE

Target

MajorFoundations

SidRichardson

BobWoodruff


The MCEC CommunityThe MCEC is a professional Coalition with a diverse community consisting of school districts, schools, colleges and universities, businesses and corporations, nonprofit organizations, military commands and installations, military families, and caring individuals from local communities across our Nation. During the past year, the Coalition enjoyed a 31% growth in the individual membership category and a 24% growth in membership overall. Each new addition to our membership strengthens our credibility, voice, and impact. Our community consists of nearly 45,000 friends and members.

Our website has more detailed information on the categories/types of membership and benefits. www.MilitaryChild.org/join

Professional Memberships

Partnership for Parent EducationThe MCEC has identified key partners across education, advocacy, and the military, working and communicating on behalf of College and Career Readiness Standards. These partners include such organizations as the National PTA, Hunt Institute, American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, Student Success Project, Core Knowledge, Alabama GRIT, MISA, Achieve, and more. These partnerships have allowed the MCEC to accomplish many other tasks for this grant, including speaking and panel opportunities, the use of partners’ resources in professional development and internal reference, and Common Core State Standards crisis intervention.

We are grateful for partnerships that enhance our ability to serve military-connected children around the world. Our collaboration with others empowers everything we do!

A NationalVoice MCEC represents the military and veteran-connected children we serve by participating in the Secretary of Defense’s and Secretary of Veterans Affairs’ roundtables, as well as continually engaging with senior leaders of the military departments and VA.

We maintained our role as a strong advocate for military and veteran-connected children and youth at the senior most decision-making levels of the U.S. government, on issues as diverse as sequestration and budget cuts to the need for early childhood education.

American Psychological Association American Society of Association

ExecutivesAssociation for Supervision and

Curriculum DevelopmentAssociation of the United States ArmyBetter Business Bureau

Blue AvocadoBoard SourceCentral Texas Human Resource

ManagementThe College BoardGreater Killeen Chamber of CommerceHampton Roads Chamber of Commerce

Harker Heights Chamber of CommerceInternational Association of

Continuing Education and TrainingNational Military Families AssociationPhil Delta Kappa

Photo


AchieveAgile MindAlabama GRITAir Force AssociationAmerican Association of Colleges for

Teacher EducationAmerica’s Promise AllianceAmeriCorpsArmed Forces Services CorporationThe Army MarathonAspen Institute/ Franklin ProjectAssociation of the U.S. ArmyBe the Change, Inc.Blue Star FamiliesCenter for Families and Military Family

Research Institute – Purdue UniversityCollege BoardDELLDeloitte Consulting LLPElizabeth Dole FoundationExpect More, Achieve MoreFrom the TopThe Future of Children – Princeton

UniversityGallup/Gallup Student Poll

Bill & Melinda Gates FoundationGot Your 6Hunt InstituteInstitute for Military and Veteran

Families – Syracuse UniversityHenry M. Jackson FoundationLeader to Leader InstituteLearning AllyMilitary Impacted Schools AssociationMilitary Kids ConnectMilitary Officers Association of AmericaMission ReadinessNational Association of Federally

Impacted SchoolsNational Math and Science InitiativeNational Military Families AssociationOperation Home FrontParent Teacher AssociationPre-K NowPoints of LightRed CrossSid W. Richardson FoundationSesame WorkshopState Collaborative on Reforming Education

2,876 volunteers contributed 205,678 hourstowards the MCEC mission during 2014!

Professional PartnershipsTAPSTexas A&M University – Central TexasTexas Elementary Principals &

Supervisors AssociationTufts UniversityTutor.comUnited Through ReadingUniversity of Southern CaliforniaThe USAA Educational FoundationU.S. Air ForceU.S. Air Force AcademyU.S. ArmyU.S. Coast GuardU.S. Department of DefenseU.S. Marine CorpsU.S. Military Academy at West PointU.S. National GuardU.S. NavyUSOWhite House - Joining ForcesBob Woodruff FoundationZERO TO THREE


Our Investment PartnersMilitary-connected children serve our Nation in their own way. They experience unique challenges and stresses that come with their family’s military service. Because of the involvement and support of our investment partners, these children have better stability. They are academically successful. They have positive relationships. They are life-ready. We sincerely appreciate and thank those who support our military-connected children.

Platinum ($100,000 and above)BAE Systems, Inc.Bill and Melinda Gates FoundationGE Foundation Got Your 6SAIC

Gold ($50,000 - $99,999)Deloitte Consulting LLP (In Kind)GenentechSerco, Inc.May and Stanley Smith Charitable TrustUSAA

Silver ($25,000 - $49,999)Bell HelicopterThe College BoardGreehey Family Foundation JPMorgan Chase and Co.Sid W. Richardson FoundationStar Charity Golf ClassicTarget CorporationTufts University (In Kind)University of Southern California (In Kind)Utley Education FoundationValero Energy Foundation

Bronze ($10,000 - $24,999)Association of Military Banks of AmericaThe Barron Family FundCDC LPDefense Credit Union Council, Inc.Donne Di Domani FedBid, Inc.Hunt CompaniesHumana L3 Communications CorporationLend Lease U.S. Community FundMattel Children’s FoundationMcDonald’s CorporationMcLane GroupMilitary Benefit AssociationNavy Seals FoundationNorthrop Grumman CorporationOshkosh CorporationMr. and Mrs. George PedersonTexas A&M University - Central TexasTextron Inc.Tutor.comThe University of Texas – San AntonioMr. & Mrs. Robert “Bob” UtleyZoetis

We appreciate these special friends for sponsoring company employee giving programs for MCEC:

BAE Systems, Inc.IBM

Lockheed Martin MicrosoftSerco, Inc.

Thank you to all of our donors. All gifts are deeply appreciated. These generous contributions make a difference in the lives of military-connected children.

Friend ($5,000 - $9,999)All American ChevroletMG (Ret) & Mrs. Kevin BergnerMajGen (Ret) Charles Bolden, USMC

(Honorarium)Mason C. Brown Family FoundationCapital Printing Company (In Kind)Foundation for Child DevelopmentGEN (Ret) & Mrs. Tommy FranksMrs. Barbara GentryB. Griffin Company, LLCManTech International CorporationOperation HomefrontRaydon CorporationSan Antonio Area FoundationSyracuse University - Institute for

Veterans and Military Families

DeloitteConsulting LLP

staff contributed an

incredible 841 hours of volunteer work

this past year!

Thank you!


Interest Income

Programs & Services

Contributions & Fundraising Events

Membership Dues

NTS Income

67+27+3+2+1z

2014 Financial Report:MCEC Statement of Activities and Changes in Net Assets

RevenueMCEC’s revenue for 2014 totaled $6,543,280. MCEC receives a majority of its funding through contracts with the various military services. MCEC had revenue from federal contracts which accounted for approximately 63% and 62% of revenue for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. In 2014, MCEC did not realize $325,000 of budgeted federal contract revenue due to reduced federal operating budgets. This decline in federal contract revenue in 2014 reinforces MCEC’s intent to increase our capability to generate more philanthropic revenue in future years.

ExpensesMCEC’s expenses for 2014 totaled $7,083,725. Eighty-six cents of every dollar received goes back to programs and services. In 2014, MCEC consciously absorbed contracted support services expenses, $273,000, that were not budgeted but deemed strategically essential to adjust to the dynamic landscape we were operating across. This changing environment necessitated that MCEC also increase our fund development capacity in the way of unbudgeted critical new staff hires in the amount $181,000.

Change in Net AssetsAt the close of 2014, MCEC realized a change of ($397,361) in its total liabilities and net assets. This end of year net assets posture represents the cumulative effect of (1) reducing our warehouse inventory stock value, (2) a reduction in the value of our temporary restricted cash accounts as a result of completing major grants in 2014, and (3) a reduction in the value of undesignated funds accumulated at year’s end.

Note: You may review the 2014 audited financial statements and Form 990 at the MCEC website. www.MilitaryChild.org

Dini Spheris ProjectIn March 2014, MCEC engaged Dini Spheris, a leading national nonprofit fundraising consultant firm, to conduct an assessment of MCEC’s development program. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the current MCEC development practices and recommend the best strategies for expanding the role of philanthropy at MCEC and building its philanthropic program as it decreases its dependency upon revenue from government contracts.

With the realities of federal sequestration, financial support from the military and defense contractors has begun a steady decline. The Board and leadership of MCEC recognize the need to grow its private philanthropy – especially from individuals – in order to continue its vital service to military families.

MCEC has significant potential for increased philanthropic support, but this increase will only materialize if MCEC makes the investment required to enhance the fundraising process.

MCEC is committed to this investment and invested through Dini Spheris additional professional advice and assistance in planning and implementing fundraising activities or other specific activities related to the MCEC mission. Services provided by Dini Spheris included: consulting services, recruitment services, prospect development and screening, budgeting and planning, and fundraising.

The Richards GroupIn 2014, the MCEC invested in a project with the nonprofit division of The Richards Group, a very well respected marketing and advertising company. The Richards Group assisted MCEC with updating our key messaging strategies and action plans in an effort to expand our mission reach to help more military families and children. The outcome of our project with The Richards Group enabled MCEC to (1) reach a wider audience of military connected families, (2) grow the pipeline of individual and corporate donors, and (3) increase the awareness among military and legislative decision makers.86¢ of every dollar received goes back to programs & services.

Programs & Services

Management & General

Fundraising86

+10+4z


Accreditations and StandardsBest of Charities

The Independent Charities Seal of Excellence is awarded to the members of Independent Charities of America and Local Charities of America that have, upon rigorous independent review, been able to certify, document, and demonstrate on an annual basis that they meet the highest standards of public accountability, program effectiveness, and cost effectiveness. These standards include those required by the US Government for the inclusion in the Combined Federal Campaign, probably the most exclusive fund drive in the world. Of the 1,000,000 charities operating in the United States today, it is estimated

that fewer than 50,000, or 5 percent, meet or exceed these standards, and, of those, fewer than 2,000 have been awarded this Seal.

International Association of Continuing Education and Training (IACET)IACET is the premier standards-setting entity for continuing education and training, and the organization promotes established standards as a benchmark for quality program delivery. IACET Authorized Providers are considered an elite group of educators dedicated to quality in continuing

education and training. As an Authorized Provider, MCEC processes must follow the ANSI/IACET 1-2007 Standard for Continuing Education and Training which have been thoroughly assessed by a third party.

Better Business BureauAwarded the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance National Charity Seal - demonstrates MCEC commitment to ethical practices and full accountability.

American Psychological AssociationMilitary Child Education Coalition® is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The Military Child Education Coalition® maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

National Board of Certified CounselorsThe National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) certification program recognizes counselors who have met predetermined standards in their training, experience and performance on the National Counselor Examination for Licensure and Certification (NCE).

Texas State Board of Social Worker ExaminersThe Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners (TSBSWE) regulates the profession of Social Work and is attached to the Texas Department of State Health Services. The MCEC meets all required standards and is compliant with the TSBSWE code of conduct.

Texas Education Agency (TEA)The Texas Education Agency is the state agency that oversees primary and secondary education. The agency also has programs supporting military families.

Council for Professional RecognitionThe Council for Professional Recognition administers the Child Development Associate®(CDA) Credentialing Program. The CDA Program is designed to assess and credential early childhood education professionals. The MCEC is listed as one of only ten Early Childhood Membership Associations that are particularly relevant to CDA Candidates and Child Development Associates.

ACCREDITEDCHARITY

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Military Child Education Coalition®, MCEC®, and associated programs, institutes, trademarks and design elements are owned and licensed by the Military Child Education Coalition. TM/© 2015 Military Child Education Coalition. All Rights Reserved.

Military Child Education Coalition®(254) 953-1923 • (254) 953-1925 (fax)

909 Mountain Lion CircleHarker Heights, Texas 76548

www.MilitaryChild.orgCFC #10261

Serving the children of those who serve us all.

2014 Annual Report

Documents

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military families

educational needs of

complex needs of military

veteran connected children

i t i o n

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