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June Webinar Series

Mental Health Awareness Month

Mental Health Awareness Month has a rich history, dating back to 1949 in the U.S. It serves as a crucial reminder that millions of individuals navigate the complexities of mental health conditions every year.

During the month of May, NAMI actively participates in the nationwide effort to amplify awareness around mental health. Through combating stigma, offering vital support, fostering public education, and advocating for policies that prioritize the well-being of individuals with mental illnesses and their loved ones, NAMI plays a pivotal role in this movement. This designated month offers a unique platform to not only spotlight valuable mental health resources and NAMI's programs but also to tailor content to specific groups such as caregivers, youth, young adults, and underrepresented communities. It's an opportunity to inspire individuals to take meaningful actions towards mental health advocacy and support.

Mental Health Awareness Month is more than just an observance. It’s an opportunity to focus on mental well-being for yourself, your family, and your friends. To help you do that this May and set a year-round precedent, The National Council on Mental Wellbeing highlights Four Ways Forward.

You can positively impact your mental health and community by raising your voice, prioritizing self-care, celebrating mental well-being, and making a difference for others. Download the free toolkit today to learn how to get started!

Mental Illness is a health condition that results due to changes in one’s emotions, thinking, and behavior. It can have a varying effect on one’s social, professional, and personal life. While it is a treatable condition, it can sometimes be lifelong for some individuals. Find RESOURCES from MMHF

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Missouri

ARE YOU IN CRISIS? FEELING OVERWHELMED? NOT SURE WHERE TO TURN? Help available 24/7


CALL, TEXT, CHAT or VIDEOPHONE

If you or someone you know is being bullied, there are things you can do to keep yourself and others safe from bullying.


Early Childhood Resources

First Step Parent Story:

My little girl was born at 28 weeks due to HELLP syndrome she spent 2 months in NICU. We have been in the First Steps program since the week we came home. She has passed her milestone appropriately for her adjusted age. Our First Steps team has been amazing and very active in her development. At 8 months old she is starting to crawl. She is 12 pounds and has just started to eat baby food. She is also able to roll. 

The Kay Family



Click HERE to share your First Steps story.

Click the image to take the First Steps Parent Survey

First Steps Summer Third Birthday Resources

Watch DESE's video on First Step

Summer Third Birthdays

Click the image below to access First Steps Parent Handbook on Transition.

Transition to Adult Life Resources

Life is an incredible journey filled with transitions, each marking a significant milestone in our growth and development. One of the most remarkable transitions we experience is when we prepare to leave high school and venture out into the world as young adults. This pivotal moment is where MPACT shines, offering a comprehensive array of resources, training, information, and support to empower young adults and their families as they navigate the exciting path from high school to adult life.

Got Transition® is the national resource center on health care transition (HCT). Its aim is to improve the transition from pediatric to adult health care through the use of evidence-driven strategies for clinicians and other health care professionals; public health programs; payers and plans; youth and young adults; and parents and caregivers.

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form. This form helps students apply for federal aid like grants, work-study, and loans. The new "Better FAFSA" takes less than 20 minutes to finish and can give students up to $7,395 in aid that doesn't need to be paid back.


Check out these resources for help:

  1. Video: What is FAFSA?
  2. FAFSA Checklist & Timeline for Students & Families
  3. Pro Tips for the 2024-2025 FAFSA Form
  4. FAFSA "How To" Videos
  5. FAFSA Bootcamp Webinar Recording


For more information about the FAFSA process, check out StudentAid.gov 

Users can click “Español” at the top right side of the page or choose Spanish as their preferred language if they have a StudentAid.gov account.

Missouri Career Technical Education (CTE) combines academics and occupational skill training to prepare students of all ages. Training programs are offered in Agriculture, Business, Health Sciences, Family and Consumer Sciences, Skilled Technical Sciences, Technology and Engineering, and Marketing and Cooperative Education.

Click HERE to learn more.

2024 Transition Training Institute – Facing the Future—Together



The 2024 Transition Training Institute will be held in person from June 26 to 28, 2024, in Columbia, MO.


The institute will focus on programs and structures to support students in graduating and moving toward postsecondary goals. Various presentations will focus on compliance, work-based learning, self-advocacy, employment, social/emotional intelligence, and career readiness, emphasizing students with special needs.

If you have questions, please contact Marsha Campe at 573-751-2512 or Marsha.Campe@dese.mo.gov. Click HERE to register.

Summer School vs Extended School Year

Extended School Year (ESY) Policies from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Learn more HERE

Understood shares information for Extended school year services: What you need to know. Click HERE to access their website.

Check out this articleServices Beyond the School Year for Students With IEPs, published by GreatSchools.org Staff.

Military Connected Familes

MCEC helps children growing up in military families by providing them, their parents, and professionals with programs, resources, and guidance—helping the child stay on course academically, socially, and emotionally.

The National Military Family Association (NMFA) has been on a mission to stand up for, support, and enhance the quality of life for every military family through bold advocacy, innovative programming, and dynamic and responsive solutions.

Missouri Assistive Technology KAT Program

The Kids Assistive Technology program (KAT) can provide limited funding for assistive technology, vehicle access modifications, and some home access modifications for children under age 21. Applications for children in families of lower income receive priority.


The purpose of the KAT Program is to provide help when:


  • No other funding source is available.


  • When more than other funding sources is needed to cover the costs of the needed assistive technology or access modifications.


Applications for children in families of lower income receive priority. The MoAT website provides more information on eligibility requirements.


Funding must be provided by late September 2024, so APPLY NOW!

Assitive Technology and the IEP it is never too early to plan ahead.

Challenging the School to Prison Pipeline

Click the image below to visit the website

MPACT Webinars

Click on the training titles to register

Back to the Basics


Special Education Law

June 3, 2024, 6-7:30 PM


Understanding the Evaluation Process

June 4, 2024, 6-7:30 PM


Understanding the IEP Process

June 5, 2024, 6-7:30 PM


Dispute Resolution

June 6, 2024, 6-7:30 PM


The Art of Effective Advocacy

June 7, 2024, 6-7:30 PM


The Art of Effective Advocacy

June 17, 2024, 11:30am-12:30pm


MPACT In-Person Training

Understanding the Evaluation Process

June 6, 2024, 1-3 PM


Student Led IEP

July 18, 2024, 1-3 PM


Whosoever MV Inc.

675 E Mt. Vernon Blvd. Mt Vernon, MO 65712

(lunch provided for participants)


View all upcoming MPACT training HERE

MPACT On Demand

Steps to Success Webinar Series

This series of trainings was developed for parents of children, birth to age three. The training series helps parents understand the First Steps Program and teaches them

effective communication and advocacy skills, and helps them prepare for

Early Childhood Special Education.

Click HERE to register for these FREE on-demand trainings.

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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