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Back to School Bootcamp Webinar Series

IEP Components

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires that the Individual Educational Program (IEP) contains specific information. This “fact sheet” will provide you with basic information on the Notification of Meeting, Required Meeting Participants, Development of the IEP including the topics that describe and drive development of goals and supporting educational and related services that are needed to meet the student’s individual needs.

In/Out of State Transfer Information

Are you looking for guidance on how students changing school districts from within and outside of Missouri access special education and related services they received in another school district? The links below will connect you to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s Standards and Indicators and explain the legal requirement and what is needed to assure a smooth transfer process.

https://dese.mo.gov/media/pdf/transfer-students-state


https://dese.mo.gov/media/pdf/transfer-students-out-state

OSEP Fast Facts

The U.S. Department of Education collects information from states about infants, toddlers, children and youth with disabilities who receive early intervention services, special education or related services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The Office of Special Education Program’s Fast Facts summarizes key facts related to specific aspects of the IDEA. The information presented includes child count, educational environments and settings, and discipline.


https://sites.ed.gov/idea/osep-fast-facts-school-aged-children-5-21-served-under-idea-part-b-21/


https://sites.ed.gov/idea/hand-in-hand-school-aged-children-5-21-served-under-idea-part-b-21/


https://sites.ed.gov/idea/osep-fast-facts/

Early Childhood Corner

Are you ready to be part of something GREAT?

The Missouri Early Childhood State Advisory Council (ECSAC) is looking for volunteers!


ECSAC is looking for individuals who are passionate about:

  • Improving the lives of Missouri’s youngest citizens;
  • Partnering with the Office of Childhood to Expand Access to High-Quality Programs and Services, Improve the Quality of Programs and Services, Strengthen Community Leadership, Modernize Systems, Improve Operations; and
  • Recruiting, retaining, and supporting an effective childhood workforce


Current vacancies on the ECSAC include:

  • Four parents of children with disabilities age twelve or younger, with knowledge of, or experience with, programs for infants and toddlers with disabilities. One of those parents must be a parent of a child with a disability age six or younger
  • One representative of a local educational agency in Missouri.
  • One early care and education provider.


If this describes you and your role, Apply Now to serve on the ECSAC.


Visit these resources for more information about the ECSAC:

Missouri State Systematic Improvement Plan

Overview of the Missouri State Systematic Improvement Plan (SSIP):

Each component in the Missouri Part C SSIP includes a description of key stakeholders and their role in developing Phase I of the SSIP. Throughout Phase I, the state primarily used three existing stakeholder groups that were already familiar with the Part C program: the State Interagency Coordinating Council (SICC); the Early Childhood Outcomes (ECO) work group; and the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (the Department) early learning team. Click HERE to learn more.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

What you should know:


"Did you know that The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a Federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. The law applies to all schools that receive funds under an applicable program of the U.S. Department of Education. FERPA gives parents or eligible students the right to request that a school correct records which they believe to be inaccurate or misleading. If the school decides not to amend the record, the parent or eligible student then has the right to a formal hearing. After the hearing, if the school still decides not to amend the record, the parent or eligible student has the right to place a statement with the record setting forth his or her view about the contested information. Read more about FERPA HERE.

Preparing Your Military-Connected Child for (Another) New School

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PCS season – when service members receive permanent change of station orders – is right around the corner, which means that military-connected children across the country are preparing to move and enroll in a new school. If you’re a parent or caregiver of a military-connected child, you’ve likely witnessed how challenging it can be for your child to start over and make new friends … again. However, there are steps you can take to ensure your child’s transition to a new school goes as smoothly as possible. Click HERE to learn more.

What's Next In Your Future?

If you need assistance with organizing your files in preparation for your transition to adulthood, we recommend using the Moving From High School to Adulthood: Record Keeping Tracker. This folder is designed to help you keep track of, record, and store all the necessary documents related to your journey towards adulthood. If you're interested in ordering, please send an email to PACER@Pacer.org. Click HERE to access more resources to keep you organized.

Accessible Educational Materials

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Accessible Educational Materials (AEM) are print and technology-based educational materials, including print and electronic textbooks and related core materials and technologies that are designed or enhanced in a way that makes them usable across the widest range of learner variability, regardless of format (e.g. print, digital, graphic, audio, video) or features. People with disabilities may experience barriers to the use of printed materials, digital materials, and technologies. Examples where barriers might occur include textbooks, digital documents, websites, apps, learning delivery systems, and electronic devices. To learn more about AEM click HERE to be directed to DESE's website.


New link to Assistive Technology and the IEP: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4SXPOtUh80

Become an Educational Surrogate

What is an educational surrogate? An educational surrogate is an impartial individual who fills the role of parent for a student with a disability whenever decisions are being made about the student’s educational placement and individualized education program (IEP) when there is no natural parent or other adult authorized to make educational decisions on behalf of the student. Click HERE to be directed to DESE's website to learn more. You can also watch a video about the program.


Look for an MPACT Coordinator or Mentor at these events! *

Featured left to right: MPACT Regional Coordinator Kelly, and MPACT Mentors Ashton and Aimee.

Last Saturday, on 07/29/2023, MPACT was present at the SPS back-to-school bash, which saw a turnout of over 6,200 participants. SPS students, parents, and families came together to celebrate and kick off the new school year. As a part of the event, more than 4,000 backpacks were distributed among SPS students.

"What a beautiful, rainy day to come together to celebrate the start of the school year," said Superintendent Grenita Lathan. "We're here to celebrate the start of the school year and support your family as we all prepare for a great year ahead."

Back to School Fairs Near You

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Back-to-school fairs in Missouri provide a valuable opportunity for students and families to gather information, access resources, and prepare for the upcoming school year.


It's important to note that specific details and offerings can vary from one back-to-school fair to another in Missouri. To gather accurate and up-to-date information about back-to-school fairs in your local area, you should check with your school district, community organizations, or local government offices for announcements and event details.

East Central Missouri

Your copy should address 3 key questions: Who am I writing for? (Audience) Why should they care? (Benefit) What do I want them to do here? (Call-to-Action)


Create a great offer by adding words like "free" "personalized" "complimentary" or "customized." A sense of urgency often helps readers take an action, so think about inserting phrases like "for a limited time only" or "only 7 remaining"!

Northeast Missouri

Back 2 School Bash

Join us on August 12, 2023, from 9 am - 12 pm for FREE School Supplies to celebrate the start of the school year! 852 Booneslick Rd. High Hill, MO 63350

You can pre-register your child for a backpack that will be pre-packed and available for pickup at the pre-registered table on the event day. To be eligible for your backpack of supplies, you will need to complete this form in its entirety. This process only guarantees one bag of supplies for each individual child registered. Pre-register HERE.

Central Missouri

Lebanon Back to School Fair

We are SO excited to announce the 2023 Back to School Fair! This year's event will be a full, in person event at the Lebanon Middle School cafeteria. We loved how well the event went last year at this location and are hoping this year will be even better!! It was so amazing to see all the community participation. We love our little town!

We will be offering school supplies, hygiene items, haircuts, and more.

Registration will be at the event. No preregistration required.

For more information call 417-664-2290 or feel free to message.


Benton County Smart Start Fair and Health Fair

The Benton County Smart Start Back to School Fair will be held on Thursday, August 10, 2023, at the John Boise Middle School Cafeteria from 3:00pm to 6:00pm. You do not need to pre-register! If you live in Benton County, you qualify!


Crocker R-II School District Back 2 School Fair

Free school supplies, gifts, coupons, and information from community organizations and local businesses. This event will occur on August 10, 2023, from 6:00-8:00.

Southeast Missouri

West Plains Back to School and Health Fair

This event will help prepare students in West Plains and the five surrounding school districts for school. The Drive-thru event is August 12, 2023 from 9 AM to 11 AM.


*New Madrid Family Resource Center Back to School Fair

This event is hosted by the New Madrid Family Resources Center in collaboration with University of Missouri Parent Link. Enjoy a day of family fun August 11, 2023 from 9am-1pm.

Please note that the events listed here are not endorsed by MPACT and may not include all available opportunities. These links are provided solely for informational purposes.

Summer Days Call for Lemonade

Disability Employment Awareness Month Poster Contest

All Missouri residents are invited to showcase their artistic talents by submitting original artwork. The winning poster will be featured on the GCD’s 2023 poster 

celebrating National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM).

 

National Disability Employment Awareness Month is celebrated nationwide each October to celebrate the contributions of workers with disabilities and raise awareness about the value of an inclusive workforce.

 

Find out how you can participate at disability.mo.gov/gcd/PosterContest

 

Posters must be submitted by September 15. The contest is open to all Missourians. Poster themes for your artwork should be Inclusion, Employment and/or Community. Questions? Call 573.751.2600

Upcoming MPACT Webinars

Click on the links below to register

Special Education What I Need to Know

August 7 @ 6:00 - 7:30 PM


Understanding the Evaluation Process

August 14 @ 6:00 - 7:30 PM


Understanding the IEP Process

August 21 @ 6:00 - 7:30 PM


Disagreement Resolution

August 28 @ 6:00 - 7:30 PM

In Person MPACT Training

Click on the links below to register

Art of Effective Advocacy IEP Clinic

August 11 @ 10:00 - 12:00 PM

Location: 801 Main St 801 Main Street New Madrid, MO 63869


Art of Effective Advocacy

August 17 @ 12:00 - 2:00 PM

Location: 675 East Mount Vernon Boulevard, Mount Vernon, MO 65712


Positive Behavior Interventions

August 17 @ 5:00 - 6:00 PM

Location: Foster Adopt Connect 1802 West 32nd Street Suites F & G Joplin, MO 64804


Positive Behavior Interventions: Challenging the School to Prison Pipeline

August 30 @ 5:00 - 7:00 PM

Location: 4025 South Ward Avenue Caruthersville, MO 63830

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.

We're Looking For You; Apply Now!

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.

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