Holiday Event Tips

Big gatherings can feel chaotic for kids who struggle with self-control. Here are five ideas from Understood to try at home that can make hosting family events more fun for everyone.



Click HERE for tips

Kids with sensory processing challenges may not eat holiday foods, and your relatives may not understand why. Learn how to advocate for your child and keep the peace at the table.



Click HERE to learn more.

November is National Veterans and Military Families Month



Use the information highlighted in this downloadable fact sheet to help you celebrate the strengths of military families and their contributions to the military community and our nation. Click HERE

November is Youth Homeless Awareness Month

November was first declared as National Homeless Youth Awareness Month in 2007. Since then, November has been a time to acknowledge those children and families experiencing homelessness.

As many as 2.5 million youth per year experience homelessness. Along with losing their home, community, friends, and routines as well as their sense of stability and safety, many homeless youth are also victims of trauma. While trying to survive on the streets, youth are exposed to countless dangers, with an increased likelihood of substance abuse, early parenthood, impulsivity, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and a vulnerability to being trafficked.

The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) has compiled a list of helpful resources for parents and caregivers, children and teens, mental health providers, child welfare workers, juvenile justice professionals, and policymakers.



Click HERE to read more.

OSEP Policy Support 22-02

This letter and list of resources provides guidance and describes important principles that states, school districts, school staff, parents, families, and others may find helpful in ensuring that highly mobile children with disabilities receive required special education and related services designed to meet their unique needs in a timely manner.

For more information, click HERE

November is National Gratitude Month

November is National Gratitude Month and it is time to show some gratitude! Isn’t it amazing how something as simple as gratitude can give new meaning to life? Research states that people who practice gratitude every day are not only happier but also healthier. So if you were looking for reasons to be thankful, then these benefits should be just the motivation you need. Click HERE to learn more

MPACT would like express our gratitude to the families we serve for trusting us to provide educational support. We look forward to continuing to empower families to become their child's best advocate.

Do you need an idea to help teach your child about the importance of gratitude?

Click HERE to get instructions on how to create a Family Gratitude Jar.

Being part of a military family can be filled with many surprises, challenges, and opportunities. Learn more about this from Parent Center Hub by clicking HERE

Informal Removals Matter

Valerie C. Williams

Director, Office of Special Education Programs



As the Office of Special Education Programs’ (OSEP’s) director, I have heard parents share stories that follow a concerning plot line: their child’s behavior has caused a disruption and they must be picked up immediately to help their child “calm down.” Forced to abruptly abandon their workday commitments, these parents rush to their child’s school and take their child home. Sometimes this removal from school is for part of a school day, sometimes longer.

These removals often go uncounted, are not reported as suspensions, and fly under-the-radar built to ensure that the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act’s (IDEA’s) discipline protections are exercised. Until now, OSEP had not given these removals a name. Now, we call these removals “informal removals.”

In July 2022, OSEP released the most comprehensive IDEA discipline requirements guidance package since the law was passed in 2004. Notably, this guidance highlights evidence-based practices that address behavior using proactive and preventative strategies and:



Defines informal removals; click HERE

Describes situations in which informal removals could indicate that a child’s IEP does not appropriately address their behavioral needs (Question C-3); click HERE

Describes how informal removals could constitute a disciplinary removal (Question C-6); click HERE

Read the full article click HERE

Fullmind - A resource from National Partnership for Juvenile Services

Monday November 27th

11am -12:30 pm

Understanding the IEP Process

Tuesday, November 28th

11 am - 12:30 pm

Special Education:

What You Need to Know

Wednesday, November 29th

11 am - 12:30 pm

Disagreement Resolution

Thursday, November 30th

11 am - 12:30 pm

The Art of Effective Advocacy

View all upcoming MPACT trainings HERE.

Transition: Helping Youth Envision Life after High School 

Becoming an adult involves much more than reaching a certain age or completing a certain number of high school credits. Youth should learn the skills they will need as adults in school, at home, and in the community. Read more HERE

Missouri Youth Leadership Forum Opportunities

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is seeking nominations for the following individuals to serve on the Special Education Advisory Panel (SEAP):

Parents of Children with Disabilities, Individuals with Disabilities ( Parents must have children between the ages of 3 and 26, and the child must have/had an Individualized Education Program (IEP), Teachers, Local Education Officials, or Administrators of Programs for Children with Disabilities,

At this time, the panel is in need of representation from the southeast and northeast areas of the state, but all applicants will be given consideration.      

Persons interested in being considered for appointment (self-nominate) or having others considered are asked to complete a nomination form found HERE. Mail or fax the information to:



Lina Browner, Executive Assistant

Office of Special Education

Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

P. O. Box 480

Jefferson City, MO 65102

fax: 573-751-3910