Make This Summer Work for Your Family
Summer can bring a welcome break from homework and busy school schedules, but for military families raising children with disabilities, it can also bring uncertainty. Therapies may pause, routines change, and for many families, summer is PCS season. While those transitions can be challenging, they also create an opportunity to prepare for the upcoming school year and make meaningful memories as a family.
Whether your child already has an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Section 504 Plan, or you are beginning to wonder if they may benefit from additional support, summer is a great time to explore resources that can help your family feel more confident before school starts.
Learn and Grow This Summer
Summer learning does not have to happen in a classroom.
Organizations like Varsity Tutors offer free online learning opportunities throughout the summer, including live classes, self-paced lessons, and enrichment activities for students of all ages. Families looking for additional academic support can use these resources to help reinforce skills without adding unnecessary pressure.
Military families may also benefit from organizations like Children of Valor, which are dedicated to serving military-connected children through educational opportunities, mentorship, and community support. Exploring programs like these can help children continue learning while building confidence and connections throughout the summer.
If you have concerns about your child’s learning, communication, behavior, or development, summer is also a good time to learn more about the special education process. Parents do not have to wait for the school to suggest an evaluation. If you believe your child may have a disability affecting their education, you have the right to request an evaluation through your school district.
Explore Your Community
Summer is also the perfect time to have fun together.
Many museums, children’s museums, zoos, and aquariums now offer sensory-friendly mornings or special events designed for children with sensory sensitivities. These programs often feature reduced noise, adjusted lighting, smaller crowds, and hands-on experiences that allow children to explore at their own pace. Because offerings vary by location, check your local attraction’s calendar before planning your visit.
Military families should also take advantage of the Blue Star Museums program. Each summer, active-duty military families, including National Guard and Reserve, receive FREE admission to thousands of participating museums across the country through Labor Day. Many participating locations include children’s museums, science centers, botanical gardens, zoos, and aquariums, making it an affordable way to explore a new duty station or enjoy family time close to home.
Local libraries are another hidden gem. Many offer sensory-friendly story times, adaptive programs, reading challenges, STEM activities, and inclusive events that are free for families throughout the summer.
Prepare for Back-to-School Success
One of the best things you can do over the summer is get organized.
Whether your family is staying put or preparing for a PCS, having your child’s records in one place can make school transitions significantly easier.
The free Partners in PROMISE Special Education Binder was created specifically for military families. It provides a place to organize IEPs, Section 504 Plans, evaluations, progress reports, communication logs, medical records, and important contacts. Instead of searching through emails or folders during enrollment or an IEP meeting, everything you need is easily accessible.
Summer is also a great time to review your child’s current goals, make notes about what worked well during the previous school year, and write down questions you want to discuss with your child’s educational team this fall.
Connect Before You Need Help
Navigating special education can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to do it alone.
Partners in PROMISE’s Special Education Parent Mentors understand both military life and the unique challenges of raising a child with a disability. Whether you have questions about the special education process, need help preparing for an upcoming meeting, or simply want to connect with someone who has walked a similar path, Parent Mentors offer guidance and encouragement rooted in lived experience.
Military families can also connect with their installation’s Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) Family Support office and School Liaison Program. Both are valuable resources for families preparing for a PCS or enrolling in a new school district.
Every Small Step Matters
Summer does not have to be filled with expensive camps or perfectly planned schedules to be meaningful. Reading together, exploring your community, organizing important paperwork, and connecting with trusted resources are all investments in your child’s future.
At Partners in PROMISE, we believe military families deserve access to the information, resources, and support they need to advocate with confidence. Whether you are preparing for a new school year, a PCS move, or simply looking for ways to make this summer both fun and productive, remember that you do not have to navigate special education alone. We are here to help every step of the way.
About the Author
Taryn Neary, PiP Social Media Manager
Hi, I’m Taryn—a Navy spouse of 15 years, a mom to three incredible kids, and currently soaking up life in Suffolk, VA. Being part of the military community has shaped so much of who I am, and it’s also what led me to my passion: helping military families thrive.
With a Master’s Degree in Digital Marketing and five years of experience in social media marketing, content creation, and strategic planning, I’ve had the privilege of working with nonprofits, military-affiliated organizations, and small businesses. I love crafting stories that connect, building strategies that make an impact, and helping provide military families with the resources that they need to navigate the challenges that come their way.
Navigating military life isn’t always easy, but I believe in the power of community and support. That’s why I’m so excited to be part of Partners in PROMISE, where I get to use my experience and skills to make a real difference for military families.
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