Early Care and Education Connections | |
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What is an Early Care & Education System?
Missouri’s ECE system is comprised of multiple programs that work with families and professionals to improve early childhood experiences for all Missouri children. These programs include home visiting, child care and preschool. Through collaborative efforts with state agencies, providers and communities, Missouri is working to ensure that families and other caregivers have the knowledge, resources, skills and tools available to help children grow to be safe, healthy and successful learners.
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Parent Options for Summer Third Birthdays | |
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Parents of children who are eligible for First Steps, eligible for Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE), and who have summer third birthdays April 1 through August 15 may choose to: (1) continue First Steps services until school starts in the fall after the child’s third birthday, or (2) transition to ECSE on the child’s third birthday. If the child is in the process of eligibility determination for ECSE, First Steps services must continue after age three until the child’s eligibility for ECSE is known. If the child is determined ineligible for ECSE, First Steps services after age three will end. If the parent does not pursue ECSE, First Steps services are unavailable after age three. To read more, follow this link HERE
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What is Dyslexia?
Dyslexia is a language-based learning disability. Dyslexia refers to a cluster of symptoms, which result in people having difficulties with specific language skills, particularly reading. Students with dyslexia usually experience difficulties with other language skills such as spelling, writing, and pronouncing words. Dyslexia affects individuals throughout their lives; however, its impact can change at different stages in a person’s life. It is referred to as a learning disability because dyslexia can make it very difficult for a student to succeed academically in the typical instructional environment, and in its more severe forms, will qualify a student for special education, special accommodations, or extra support services.
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Learn more about Dyslexia on our MPACT website HERE.
Check out these MPACT Resources on Dyslexia
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Watch the MPACT Videos "Dyslexia: Signs and Symptoms" and "Dyslexia Treatment and Student Rights" --->
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Military Family Resources | |
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If you have a family member with special needs, you may require additional resources and steps to properly care for your family. The Exceptional Family Member Program Family Support is available to assist you with special education, financial planning, child care, and much more to help your family thrive. For more information, click HERE.
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Innovative, community-led solutions to advance the mental health of children and youth
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has launched the Children and Youth Resilience Challenge. This initiative invites proposals for community-led solutions to promote the resilience and mental health of children and youth affected by COVID-19 and other disasters. Proposals that advance equity for historically underserved communities are encouraged. Community-based and youth-led organizations, youth-serving entities, and individuals are eligible to apply. Proposals are due July 7, 2023. Read more HERE.
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Click the image below to download MPACT's infographic on Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) for Justice Involved Youth | | |
Special Education Advisory Panel (SEAP) | |
Career One Stop Get My Future | | |
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Hey, have you checked out this website Career One Stop: Get My Future? There you can find useful information on how to create a great resume, explore careers that interest you, complete your high school education, secure a job, and much more. | |
Accessibility Resources in Missouri | |
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Leisure Activities are the connection to participating fully in community life. Individuals with disabilities shall have access to social, recreational, and cultural activities. This tab presents some adventure and recreational activities and organizations. Provided by the State of Missouri's Disability Portal, Sponsored by the Governor's Council on Disability, these links provide a wealth of information relating to accessible leisure and travel. Check out the portal HERE.
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Looking for the best Wheelchair Accessible trails around Missouri? Find the top-rated wheelchair-accessible trails in Missouri. Whether you're looking for an easy short, wheelchair-accessible trail or a long wheelchair-accessible trail, you'll find what you're looking for.
Click HERE to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews on Trail Link.
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Are you preparing to obtain, renew or update your driver's license or non-driver photo ID? Review the Missouri Department of Revenue's Other Information about the Missouri Driver License section of their Missouri Driver and Nondriver License website to learn how to add designations including Deaf or Hard of Hearing notation, Permanent Disability indicator, voter registration, and more! Click HERE to view the webpage.
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Missouri offers a variety of accessible playgrounds that provide fun and inclusive play opportunities for children of all abilities. These playgrounds are designed to meet the needs of children with physical, sensory, and cognitive disabilities, ensuring that all children can play side by side. Some popular accessible playgrounds in Missouri include the Delta Woods Park in Blue Springs, the City Park in Columbia, and the Gordon Moore Park in Alton. These playgrounds feature wheelchair-accessible equipment, sensory play areas, and incorporate elements of nature to enhance the play experience. Families and caregivers can rest easy knowing that these playgrounds are safe, secure, and welcoming to all children. Click here to find some playgrounds near you HERE.
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Sunny Summer Opportunities | | |
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The Dream Big camps offer a great opportunity for disabled students aged 14-21 to explore various in-demand careers. During the camp, they will get to interact with professionals from different industries, who will guide them on how to navigate their educational and career paths successfully. The students will also learn about "adulting" with a disability throughout the week. For more information, visit starkloff.org/dreambig. | | |
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The Springfield-Greene County Park Board boasts numerous inclusive opportunities throughout the summer. Check out the list HERE which includes fun and educational activities such as outdoor, equestrian, farm, archery, ice park, and more! | | |
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Published by 417 Magazine, there’s something for every kid at one of these summer camps in and around the Ozarks. Click HERE to check them out! | | |
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The Boone County Boys and Girls Club Summer Day Camp There are new themes, sports, games, STEM, arts and safe field trips will be offered weekly. Attendance is open to all children ages 5-18, regardless of place of residence and offered at all three locations. | | |
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State of Missouri Fishing Permit Exemption:
The following exemptions apply only to fishing permits and to Missouri residents who are:
- diagnosed with a corrected vision of 20/200 or less.
- diagnosed with 20 degrees or less field of visual concentric contraction
- permanently unable to move without the aid of a wheelchair.
- diagnosed with cerebral palsy or a mental disability and cannot fish alone. Must be accompanied by a licensed adult angler.
View the Exemption Form details HERE.
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Camp Mudd, hosted by the YMCA of Columbia, MO, is an affordable outdoor camp experience for the families and children of the Columbia area during the summer months. Our program is designed to make summer a fun time of learning, exploring, and making new friends. Each weekly session is designed around a theme and includes an exciting field trip or activity. | | |
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National Park Access Pass:
The Access Pass, part of the America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Series, is available free for US citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities. The pass may be obtained in person at a federal recreation site or through the mail using an application form. Read more about the Access Pass, and other passes, HERE.
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Art Inspired Academy:
Art Inspired Academy offers the opportunity for individuals with and without disabilities to participate in creative arts classes such as theatre, movement, music enrichment, and art. We provide inclusive classes in a community setting that collaborates with existing programs and provides support for individuals with disabilities. Click HERE to view available classes.
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Missouri Botanical Garden Summer Programs:
Check out various Summer Family Programs at the Missouri Botanical Garden. From tales and trails reading programs to viewing butterflies at the butterfly house these activities are bound to beat Summer boredom for your family. Click HERE to learn more about these garden programs.
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Wonderland Camp offers programs for campers ages 6 to 106! People with all types of abilities and challenges are welcomed, and staff helps adapt all our activities and events to meet campers’ needs. | | |
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Camp Barnabas is a unique ministry providing Christian camping experiences to individuals with special needs and chronic illnesses, along with their families. | |
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Look for an MPACT Coordinator or Mentor at these events!
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Date: Saturday, June 10
Time: Main Event is Noon to 6 PM
Location: Delmar & Hamilton (5900 Delmar) and St. Louis Artworks (5959 Delmar) St. Louis, MO
Activities at businesses in the 5800 and 5900 blocks of Delmar
Event Highlights:
Celebrate a Juneteenth kick-off in the Delmar Loop with art, music, and food.
The event will open with a Drum Call by Baba Kunma. Performances include African Dance by Spirit Angel of African Dance, and Red Black & Brass Band. DJ KP will be the DJ for the event.
Look for live art including a community mural painting and activities at St. Louis Artworks.
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Disability Employment Awareness Month Poster Contest | |
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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
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The 19th Annual Missouri Youth Leadership Forum
(MO-YLF) will be held July 18-22, 2023
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The Missouri Youth Leadership Forum is a unique career leadership-training program for high school students with disabilities, ages 16 – 21. Youth delegates are selected from their local communities to cultivate leadership, citizenship, social, and career development skills at this summer program.
For information and application for the Virtual Leadership Forum, click HERE.
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Upcoming MPACT Webinars
Click on the links below to register
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Understanding the IEP process
June 6 @ 12:00 - 1:30 PM
Location: Compass Health Network 913 South Pershing Street Salem, MO 65560
How to Write Measurable Annual Goals
June 15 @ 12:00 - 2:00 PM
Location: 675 E Mt Vernon Blvd, Mount Vernon, MO 65712
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View all upcoming MPACT trainings HERE. | |
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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.
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We're Looking For You; Apply Now! | |
Make A Difference, Join MPACT Today! | |
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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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