Partnering on Early Education for Military Kids

Practicing Connection

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The collaboration you'll hear about in this episode not only filled a critical gap for military families, but also strengthened the bonds between the base and the local community.

In this replay episode, originally published in July, 2024, co-hosts Bob Bertsch and Jessica Beckendorf talk with Lisa Sapp and James Yracheta about a collaboration between Malmstrom Air Force Base and the Great Falls (MT) School District, to provide military-connected kids access to the Transitional Kindergarten program.

In addition to providing early childhood education, the program helped military families with their child care needs.

Lisa Sapp is the school liaison and James Yracheta is the former Child and Youth Services Flight Chief at Malmstrom AFB. Lisa and James share insights into how the partnership with Great Falls Public Schools got started and the factors that have helped it thrive.

Links and resources from this episode:

• Transitional Kindergarten pilot program takes off

OneOp Academy is a free online series designed for anyone interested in positive change, whether you're an educator, community leader, student, or just passionate about supporting families.

This year's Academy spotlights the unique challenges facing military connected youth, from mental health to resilience education to community support.

 Explore the 2025 OneOp Academy and register today at oneop.org/series/2025academy