By Janecze Wright
Fort Hood Public Affairs

FORT HOOD, Texas — The Fort Hood Child and Youth Services program connected military families with essential support and learning tools during its Homeschool Resource Fair Aug. 28 at the Bronco Youth Center.

The event featured 16 vendors from local and regional organizations who offered educational tools, curriculum options, and support tailored to the needs of homeschooling families.

“The goal is to provide partner information for those families that home school here on Fort Hood to ensure that they know they have a community and supports available to them,” said Kristine Caparco, Fort Hood CYS school liaison officer. “We hope that when they come to this event, not only are they going to get information about curriculums and opportunities to do homeschool activities with their families, but that they’re all coming out her together and having that opportunity for them to make that connection and communicate.”

Caparco emphasized that military families often need flexible educational options to adapt to frequent moves and changing duty assignments.

“When we do the Homeschool Resource Fair, our goal is always to have new partners that are coming out to keep it current for the families,” she said. “We want (homeschooling to be a viable, reliable option for families, because we know the transitions that are happening so much when you’re homeschooling.”

Among the families attending was military spouse Sarah Sherlock, who shared that homeschooling had been the best solution for her child with special needs.

“It works better for our lifestyle. (Children) all learn differently and it can be difficult trying to find out what helps them learn the best. It’s the best I can give my kids and be involved with them,” she said.

Caparco noted that consistency is key—especially during permanent change of station moves—and events like this help families build a strong local support network.

“It’s going to provide a little consistency with the transitions that we know are going to happen with PCS (permanent change of station). So, this is a great way to provide a little bit of consistency,” she said.

“For those that are new to the program, having an opportunity to talk to someone that’s a veteran that has been homeschooling for a while or maybe somebody that’s new to homeschooling here in Texas, they have the opportunity to make a connection here at this event.”