Military Childrens Collaborative Group

Military Childrens Collaborative Group's (MCCG) mission is to advocate, educate, outreach and support all military connected children, be it Active Duty, Guard Reserves, Veterans and Fallen. Over 2 million children endure the stress of their loved one's military lifestyle, from training, multiple deployments, reintegration to civilian life, often with visible or invisible wounds (PTSD), or the loss of the Fallen. They typically move 6 - 9 times between Kindergarten and High School. Yet 70% do not live on base, but within our communities. In partnership with federal, state and local officials, schools, organizations and other stakeholders, we collaborate to ensure that every military connected child receives the support, recognition they deserve, for they serve our country too. Count Our Kids - MCCG’s first initiative is to educate and assist schools, healthcare and children’s organizations, urging them to include a self-identifier on their enrollment forms in order to learn what child is connected to the military, along with what stage. San Diego, Orange County and LA Unified school districts have begun using self-identifier enrollment forms. Plans are to expand adoption by other school districts. Salute the Kids - MCCG and the Orange County Dept. of Education created a toolkit that is easy for schools to access and download from Materials help principals plan and produce a school assembly to recognize and support military connected students and honor their personal sacrifices MCCG co-hosts April Military Child Month events and proclamation ceremonies. Support the Kids - Working with the Orange County Council, Boy Scouts of America, the military child awareness program includes a webinar for Scout Leaders, “How to Support Military Kids” and designs for two patches, one for Scout leaders and the other for Scouts to earn. MCCG partners with Wives of War's support group for a children's event, with science, art, and other activities.