Sesame Street for Military Families

Frequently Asked Questions

About Sesame Street for Military Families

What is Sesame Street for Military Families?
Sesame Street for Military Families (SS4MF) is designed to enhance the well-being of military families using practical tools and knowledge. It’s a free, bilingual (English and Spanish) website providing parenting resources and emotional support for military families and their children. The site offers research-based videos, articles, printable activities, and digital materials that help families navigate everyday routines and major transitions. From coping strategies for children of deployed parents to support for multiple separations, injuries, grief, and caregiving, SS4MF empowers families to manage change, develop preparedness skills, foster strong family bonds, and feel proud of their journey. Military families can rely on SS4MF to feel seen, supported, and never alone.
How did SS4MF and Sesame Workshop begin supporting military families?
SS4MF — now the central hub for Sesame Workshop’s support of military families — began its commitment in 2006 with Talk, Listen, Connect, a groundbreaking multimedia initiative designed to help children cope with the challenges of deployment. As military needs have evolved, the initiative has expanded into more activities for military families during transitions, addressing topics such as homecomings, visible and invisible injuries, and grief. Along the way, new programs emerged, including television specials, a USO family tour, and the creation of welcoming Sesame Rooms in military centers. In 2015, Families Near and Far — an earlier platform — was redesigned for easier, more accessible use on any device. was redesigned for easier, more accessible use on any device
How has this work evolved into today’s website?
For nearly two decades, Sesame Workshop, the global nonprofit behind Sesame Street, has continued listening to families and refining its approach through evidence-based research. Through collaboration with the Department of Defense, SS4MF has grown into a comprehensive online resource for military families, featuring materials that address the evolving needs and challenges of the military community. Resources are developed in close collaboration with military families to foster resilience, promote overall health and well-being, and strengthen family connections.
Where else can I find SS4MF?
In addition to ss4mf.org, follow SS4MF on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates. For more support and resources for military families, DoD’s Military OneSource is a good place to start.

Accessibility

Is the SS4MF website accessible to those with disabilities?
Yes. SS4MF is committed to providing a great experience for all users.  Every effort has been made to follow the Section 508 Standards of accessibility. Considerations on this site include:
  • The site uses Alt text for images.
  • Multimedia includes captions and the ability to navigate video controls with a keyboard.
  • It does not use color to convey vital information and uses the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG AA standard) for color contrast of elements. Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), and WCAG AA specifically, refers to a set of accessibility guidelines to make web content more accessible to people with disabilities.
  • The user has the ability to navigate the site using a keyboard.
Feedback

For specific information or to report concerns about accessibility please email us at MilitaryFamilies@sesame.org. We try to respond to feedback within three business days.

Limitations and alternatives

Despite our best efforts to ensure accessibility, there may be some limitations. Below is a description of known limitations and potential solutions. Please contact us if you observe an issue not listed below.
  1. Audio descriptions of video: We do not currently provide additional audio descriptions for videos but the nature of our content typically includes rich descriptions within the original audio.
  2. Interactive Games: There are some older games available on the site that are not fully accessible but there are alternative activities on the same topics.

Contact Us

I still have questions about the SS4MF website. Who do I contact?
If you have additional questions about how to use the site, or if you are having continued technical difficulties, you can send an email to MilitaryFamilies@sesame.org.
Where can I order promotional items or printed books? Is there a fee?
Promotional items and our bilingual printed books are available at no cost for service providers to distribute to children and families for free! Please email us at MilitaryFamilies@sesame.org. for the order form.