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
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The Center for Appropriate Dispute Resolution in
Special Education CADRE
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CADRE’s comparison chart. The chart organizes and contrasts resolution options. | |
If you’ve tried resolving your concerns but still disagree, there are options available under IDEA, such as mediation, written state complaints, and due process complaints and hearings. CADRE offers family-friendly guides, videos, and a comparison chart to help you understand and navigate these processes.
View CADRE’s family guides and companion videos. These resources can support you in making informed decisions for your family.
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Understood provides expert-vetted resources, videos, and personal stories. | |
ADHD is a common condition that can make it hard to focus, manage emotions, and much more. It’s different for everyone. | |
Autism - New Flexible Assistance Program | |
The Office of Autism Services (OAS) was established in 2008 (633.210 RSMo) to provide leadership in program development for children and adults with autism spectrum disorders, including the establishment of program standards and coordination of program capacity.
The Northwest and East Missouri Autism Projects are currently transitioning to using the Family Flexible Assistance Program (FFAP) to help serve Missouri Autism Project Families in these two regions. The FFAP will streamline operations to provide easier access to services and support to more individuals with autism and their families. The FFAP will also allow families and individuals choice and flexibility in accessing resources, support, and services.
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Functional Behavior Assessments | |
Military Children School Transitions | |
Military children will experience on average 6-9 school transitions during their K-12 education, and some of these transitions may happen during the school year.
Listen as Dr. Jenny Cogbill discusses moving in the middle of the school year and the impact it has on students. She shares tips on how to best support military children.
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The Missouri Child Care Subsidy Program helps increase access to early learning by assisting eligible families with child care expenses. This support enables parents to work, attend school, or participate in job training programs.
Families may qualify if they:
- Have a child from birth to age 13, a child with special needs, or a child receiving protective services
- Require child care to work, search for work, attend school, or participate in job training
- Meet income guidelines (at or below 150% of the federal poverty level)
The program provides an opportunity for children to access quality care while parents focus on their goals. Families are encouraged to learn more and apply.
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Early Childhood Resources | |
CRIS Link- Missouri Home Visiting Referral System
The CRIS Link provides an easy way for anyone in Missouri to request early childhood (prenatal to age five) home visiting services. This one-stop resource connects families to the appropriate Regional CRIS Network based on their location and needs.
Select the family's county using the link below to access the referral form. Once submitted, the Regional CRIS Network matches the family with a home visiting program that fits their needs and eligibility. The assigned agency will then reach out to offer services. Click HERE to learn more!
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2025–26 FAFSA® Form Now Available | |
The 2025–26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form is now available for all students and contributors. Complete the form to apply for financial aid for college, career school, or graduate school.
Each state has its own deadline. In Missouri, apply by February 3, 2025, for priority consideration. Applications are accepted until April 1, 2025 (midnight Central Time). Check with your college or career school’s financial aid office for additional required forms.
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The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has released a helpful Fact Sheet to guide families and students with disabilities as they prepare for college. This resource highlights the civil rights protections under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, which require colleges and universities receiving federal funding to provide reasonable academic accommodations for qualified students with disabilities.
This fact sheet is an excellent tool for families to better understand their rights and advocate for the support their student needs to succeed in higher education.
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Tools for Life Transition Events | |
MO Youth Leadership Forum | |
The Missouri Youth Leadership Forum is a FREE five-day, four-night leadership training and career awareness program for high school students with disabilities.
It provides training in leadership, self-advocacy skills, and career awareness
Download 2025 MO-YLF Flyer
Download 2025 MO-YLF FAQ Sheet
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988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Whether you’re in distress or just want to talk about something on your mind, call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org anytime you need help. If you are worried about someone else, reach out to 988 and a local, trained crisis specialist at one of Missouri’s 988 centers will help you navigate the situation.
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The U.S. Department of Education is updating plans for its upcoming civil rights data collection. The effort, which generally takes place every two years, gathers information on enrollment, student access to courses and teachers, discipline, restraint and seclusion and much more.
Findings from the most recent civil rights data collection, which were unveiled last year, show that children with disabilities accounted for a larger percentage of students and they were more likely to experience restraint and seclusion, be suspended or expelled or referred to law enforcement.
Now, the Education Department is looking ahead to its data collection for the 2025-2026 and 2027-2028 school years. The agency is weighing whether to start collecting information on so-called “informal removals,” or situations when schools ask students to leave a program or activity without making any record of the incident or providing written notice. The move comes at the request of disability advocates.
Click HERE to learn more.
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Upcoming MPACT Webinars
Click on the blue links below to register
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Student Led IEP
February 12, 2025 @ 1-3:00pm
675 E Mount Vernon Blvd,
Mount Vernon MO. 65712
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Spring Into IEP Season
Thursday March 6, 2025 @ 11am-2:30 pm
Kansas City Public Library: Waldo Branch
201 East 75th St Room A
Kansas City, MO 64114
*Bring Your Child's IEP and other Education Documents
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View all upcoming MPACT trainings HERE. | |
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.
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Share Your Feedback with Missouri First Steps! | |
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. H328M090020-10. 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 © 2023 MPACT. All rights reserved
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