to Sure Start

DoDEA Sure Start Program

Sure Start is an exemplary, research-based preschool program that serves military children and families living overseas. In addition to offering a high-quality educational program that reflects best practices in the field, Sure Start also provides health and nutrition, social, and parent involvement services. Close collaboration between families, schools, and the installation community is viewed as essential and a required part of the program.

This multipronged approach to the delivery of services distinguishes Sure Start from all other DoDEA programs. At the same time, Sure Start ensures that participating children receive the same uncompromisingly excellent education that all DoDEA children are guaranteed.

Sure Start Program Eligibility

Sure Start’s first responsibility is to the four-year-old child, who turns four by September 1 of the enrolling school year, of a military or eligible Department of Defense (DoD) employee whose rank is Enlisted (E) E1-4; General Schedule (GS) GS1-4; or Non Appropriated Fund (NAF), NAF 1-2 rank equivalent at the date of application. (Note that the application date is not to exceed six months before the first day of the following school year).

Sure Start Parent Volunteer Requirement

An underlying premise of the Sure Start program is that children’s lives are enriched when parents participate actively in classroom life. Parent involvement in Sure Start is mandatory. Agreement to thirty hours (3.5 hours/month) of parent participation in the classroom (per parent) is a precondition to your child's enrollment.

Each parent in two-parent families are expected to contribute volunteer time equally. When/If a parent is on long-term deployment or sea duty (at least 90 consecutive days), then the volunteer schedule will be modified.