Fall Into IEPS Webinar Series | | | | |
September 14, 2026, 11:30 AM-1:00 PM
Special Education Law: A Brief Overview
September 15, 2026, 11:30 AM-1:00 PM
Understand the Evaluation Process
September 16, 2026, 11:30 AM-1:00 PM
Understanding the IEP Process
September 17, 2026, 11:30 AM-1:00 PM
Disagreement Resolution Processes
September 18, 2026, 11:30 AM-1:00 PM
The Art of Effective Advocacy
To register click the links or flyer
| | Family Employment Awareness Training (FEAT) | | |
Family Employment
Awareness Training (FEAT)
October 2–3, 2026
Junior League of Kansas City MO
9215 Ward Parkway
Kansas City, MO 64114
Families, youth and young adults, educators, and professionals are invited to explore employment possibilities, connect with community resources, hear success stories, and learn about supports that can help young adults with disabilities prepare for and succeed in employment.
*FEAT is free to attend, but registration is required.
Register at MOFEAT - MPACT
Call: 800-743-7634
Email: info@missouriparentsact.org
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Parents are their child's best advocate. Parent Participation at Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings helps ensure each child's unique strengths, needs, and goals are understood and supported.
MPACT videos and fact sheets are available to help you learn more about the IEP components and evaluation process. Access the IEP Components Fact Sheets or watch the IEP Components Video.
Learn about the laws that protect students with disabilities and find information about the IEP process, special education compliance, and family resources on the DESE Special Education webpage. DESE Special Education Resources.
DESE Individualized Education Program (IEP) Forms
The new year means time to plan and prepare for your child's IEP. Review sample IEP forms to better understand the IEP process, prepare for meetings, and participate confidently in developing your child's educational plan.
Missouri State Plan for Special Education Part B (ages 3-21) and Part C (birth-3)
See how Missouri is improving early intervention and special education services for children and youth with disabilities, and track statewide goals and progress.
CADRE AI Guides for Special Education and Early Intervention Advocacy.
Learn how to use AI confidently and safely to support your advocacy, protect your child's privacy, and strengthen collaboration with your child's team.
To explore any of the shared resources above, click on the title.
| | Military Connected Families | | Military One Source New Parent Support Program offers free, voluntary parenting education and support to help families navigate the transition of welcoming a new child. Trained home visitation professionals provide information, resources, and personalized support to help families balance everyday demands, build confidence, and thrive. | | | Missouri Family Resources | | See something? Say something. Courage2Report Missouri provides a safe and confidential way for students, families, and community members to report concerns about school safety, including bullying, threats, and other concerning behavior. Reports can be made online or by calling 866-748-7047. | | Share Your Story with Missouri First Steps! | | |
Every family’s journey is unique. If your child has received Early Intervention services through Missouri First Steps, your experience can make a difference for others.
MPACT and DESE invite you to share how these services have supported your child and your family. Your story may inspire, encourage, and guide other families just getting started.
Click HERE to Share Your Story
| | Educational Surrogate Program | | |
Some young children in the First Steps program do not have a parent or qualified adult to make important educational decisions on their behalf. When a child is a ward of the State or does not have an identified educational decision maker, they need someone to speak up for them — someone like you.
An Educational Surrogate helps make sure the child’s needs are heard and their services are appropriate. In this role, you have the same rights as a parent when participating in the First Steps program and can take part in meetings, planning, and decision-making to support the child’s learning and development.
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Click the links to learn more or to become an Educational Surrogate
| | Special Education Advisory Panel | | |
The purpose of the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Special Education Advisory Panel is to provide policy guidance on special education and related services and carry out the specific and general functions outlined in the law.
Learn more about becoming a SEAP Member Q &A or access the Nomination Form.
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First Steps is Missouri's Early Intervention program designed to support infants and toddlers, from birth to age three, who have developmental delays or diagnosed conditions linked to developmental disabilities. This program, guided by federal law (Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, IDEA), is here to empower families with the tools and resources they need to help their child grow and succeed. First Steps is completely voluntary and focused on helping your child reach their full potential during these important early years. It's all about giving your family the support you need to help your little one thrive! Click below to learn more.
Parent Information
| | Accessible Educational Materials | | The National Center on Accessible Digital Educational Materials & Instruction (NCADEMI): Understanding Accessible Educational Materials (AEM): A Guide for Families is designed to help parents and caregivers of students with disabilities learn what AEM are, how to know if their child might benefit, and how to begin the process of securing the right supports. Every student deserves access to learning materials that meet their needs—and this guide can help you make that possible. | | | |
Even after your child graduates, MPACT services are still available to both you and your young adult until they turn 26. We understand that moving from high school to adult life can be challenging, but we can assist you in finding helpful resources and connections to make the path toward independence a bit easier.
Transition to Adulthood - MPACT
| | MyVoice - stands for Missouri Youth Voices of Independent & Collective Education. A group created by a variety of young adults who share the passion of creating a new education environment where all students feel safe to use their voice. Check out the VIDEO or the MPACT MyVoice webpage. | | | | |
The Adult Ally Toolkit is for any adult who wants to show up with and for young people in real and meaningful ways—whether you’re a teacher, parent, youth worker, organizer, mentor, or just someone who cares.
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Missouri Connections is a comprehensive, online, career development and planning program that is provided free of charge to all Missouri citizens. his program supports the career development efforts of schools, community organizations, and adult job seeker programs.
| | Journey to Self-Determination Series | | |
The online resource, Your Journey to Self-determination Series by CADRE provides relatively short introductions to key concepts and skills needed to support students in becoming self-determined and engaging in their educational planning.
Access the series HERE.
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Short on Time? We got you covered! Navigating the special education process can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to do it alone. We created a 10-part video series to guide families through each key step of the special education journey under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Each short video breaks down a specific part of the process—from evaluations and eligibility to IEP meetings and progress tracking—so you can become a confident partner in your child’s education. Click HERE and scroll down on the webpage to access the videos and resources.
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In-Person Training Opportunities
Scan the QR code or click the flyer to register
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Family Employment
Awareness Training (FEAT)
October 2–3, 2026
Junior League of Kansas City MO
9215 Ward Parkway
Kansas City, MO 64114
Families, youth and young adults, educators, and professionals are invited to explore employment possibilities, connect with community resources, hear success stories, and learn about supports that can help young adults with disabilities prepare for and succeed in employment.
*FEAT is free to attend, but registration is required.
Register at MOFEAT - MPACT
Call: 800-743-7634
Email: info@missouriparentsact.org
| | | First Steps to Early Childhood | | |
Our Steps to Success on-demand training helps parents understand the shift from an IFSP (Part C) to an IEP (Part B), including when to start planning, key differences, and eligibility changes. Watch anytime and feel confident about the next step.
Also available are the downloadable training resource documents.
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All MPACT trainings are free of charge! If you would like to schedule any MPACT training in your area or for your organization
please click on the link HERE.
| | View all upcoming MPACT trainings HERE. | | Make A Difference, Join MPACT Today! | | |
MPACT is funded in part or whole by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs Grant No.H328M250163. The contents of the website, however, and any documents cited herein do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U.S Department of Education.
Copyright © 2025 MPACT. All rights reserved
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