We Grow Together May Webinar Series | |
Let Your Voice Be Heard! MSBE and DESE Need Your Feedback | |
|
The Missouri State Board of Education and Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) want to hear your thoughts on the future of education in our state. A survey has been designed to gather feedback from families, educators, community members, and business leaders — on the areas that should be prioritized in Missouri’s public PK-12 schools education plan. The information gathered from the survey will be used to guide the state’s education programming in the future. Your participation will help the Board and DESE to have a more complete understanding of the needs across the state. The survey is easy to complete and should take only about 10 minutes. Your responses are completely anonymous, and your input will be kept confidential.
Please access the survey by clicking the link HERE.
The deadline to complete the survey is Friday, April 21, at 5:00 p.m.
| |
Child Abuse & Neglect Prevention Month | |
|
April is designated as Child Abuse & Neglect Prevention Month nationally & in Missouri. It is a month to highlight & make an extra effort to create awareness about the importance of strengthening families & preventing child abuse & neglect. Click the link to learn more about Child Abuse Prevention in Missouri HERE.
| |
|
Resources from missourikidsfirst.org
Join us in bringing awareness to the importance of community-based support for all children and families.In times of crisis and economic insecurity, child abuse and neglect rates increase. COVID-19 has added stressors to the lives of parents and caregivers. As the Prevent Child Abuse Missouri Chapter, we saw a drop in child abuse and neglect reporting last year as children were more isolated than normal. We are still working to understand the pandemic’s repercussions for child abuse and neglect incidents. We know that positive childhood experiences in nurturing environments provide a strong foundation for physical and mental health, learning, and social skills. We can build healthier, safer communities that thrive if we work together to support families. So, join us this April to support healthy childhoods and families!
Every adult is essential to creating better tomorrows for all children! Learn how YOU are essential in preventing child abuse and neglect by clicking HERE.
| |
MPACT Supports Military Families | |
|
Here at MPACT, we recognize that as a military family you face unique challenges. Click HERE to be directed to MPACT's military initiative webpage for information about how we serve you and other families.
| |
|
Month of the Military Child | |
|
In celebration of Month of the Military Child, for our Voices From the Field interview, we interviewed Dorothy Bosworth and Jolynn Lee who work with the Specialized Training of Military Parents (STOMP) Program at the ED-funded Partnerships for Action, Voices for Empowerment (PAVE). They discuss their experiences as military spouses and parents of children with exceptional needs.
| |
It’s the Month of the Military Child! We’re so excited to join Military OneSource in celebrating awesome MilKids all April long. | |
Military Child Abuse Prevention Toolkit | |
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. The Department of Defense campaign aims to help families build resilience during uncertain times and raise awareness of a key protective factor shown to increase children’s resilience: the stability of a caring adult in their lives – whether a family member, teacher, coach or another positive figure. The campaign encourages adults to step up as positive role models, support parents in the military community and Stand Up for #MilKids. Click HERE to read more! | |
|
Early Learning Supporting Military Families | |
|
Families are essential in the development of young children. Many families are tasked with finding ways to balance the demands of their children and their careers. For military families, these demands are combined with the duties and responsibilities of military members. There are more than 1.6 million military children whose families move an average of every two to three years. Month of the Military Child, which is celebrated in April, is a time to celebrate military children and their importance in the military community. In this issue, we have included resources to support military children and families. We would like to thank you for your sacrifices during this month and throughout the year. Click HERE to read more!
| |
First Steps Focused-Kindergarten Screening | |
First Steps Parent Success Story | |
|
Our son was born 12 weeks early and spent a 70 day stay in the NICU. When he was discharged, we began working with first steps immediately knowing that he would likely have developmental delays due to his prematurity. Every milestone felt impossible at first, and took time. But with the help of OT, PT, and speech, he is thriving! Walking, completing puzzles, climbing playground equipment, and speaking in small sentences. If it wasn't first steps, I am not sure he would be walking or talking. We are so thankful to every therapist that has put in the time to work with
him and teach us skills as parents so we can be in the best position to help him thrive.
| |
Recursos en Español Para Sus Familias | |
April 2023 is Second Chance Month
Second Chance Month aims to inform and highlight the many opportunities for state, local, and tribal governments and community-based service providers to build meaningful second chances for our returning community members.
During the month of April 2023, the National Reentry Resource Center, in partnership with the Bureau of Justice Assistance, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, and Second Chance Act training and technical assistance providers, will host live webinars across a range of reentry topics including behavioral health, education, family engagement, housing, youth reentry, and more. Click HERE to register for the webinars.
Other Resources:
Second Chance Month Flyer
Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention
| |
Special Education Advisory Panel (SEAP) | |
Summer Vacation on Your Mind? | |
Learning to get around not only expands job options, it’s a ton of fun. Don’t just take our word for it. Meet Matthew and Martin, two young men in the UK talking about the freedom and self-esteem that comes with travelling independently – and not needing your mom to pick you up anymore. | |
|
Accessible Transportation | |
|
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates that public transportation systems become accessible to people with disabilities and that paratransit services are available and accessible to individuals who are unable to use public transportation.
The availability of transportation is not the only barrier. Students must also know what systems of transport are available, how to access them, how to plan their travel, and how to execute their travel plans safely.
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires public schools to provide “transition services” to youth with disabilities to prepare them for the transition from school to adult life. While accessible transportation and transportation training is not mentioned within IDEA, the ability to use available transportation systems may be critical to a student’s transition into the adult world.
| |
Spring and Summer Camp Opportunities* | |
|
Check out these various virtual and in-person camps, specially designed for children, youth, and adults with varying abilities offered in Missouri:
Alphapointe Youth Services Programs- Alphapointe offers Art, adventure, and technology camps, day camps, and a college preparatory program.
Camp Barnabas- Camp Barnabas is a unique ministry providing Christian camping experiences to individuals with special needs and chronic illnesses and their families.
Camp Hickory Hill- Camp Hickory Hill sustains a community, culture, and medically sound program of support for persons with diabetes, especially children, using our camp environment to foster education, self-reliance, confidence, an active lifestyle, and skill in the successful management of diabetes.
Wonderland Camp- 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.
Camp Rainbow- The Camp Rainbow Foundation provides free camp experiences and programs for children and families affected by childhood cancer and blood-related diseases.
Camp Quality USA- Camp Quality serves children with cancer and their families by providing year-round programs, experiences, and companionship at no cost.
Recreation Council of Greater St. Louis- Annually, the Recreation Council publishes a complete guide of a summer day, overnight, specialized, and inclusive programs showing you dates, cost, and detailed description of the program.
Train Your Brain Summer Day Camp at Washington University-
Designed with fun in mind, Train Your Brain Summer Camp will support your child in using the critical skills needed for successfully planning a project and carrying out the plan.
| |
*Disclaimer: These spring and summer camp programs listed here are not endorsed by MPACT nor exhaustive of available camp opportunities. These links are provided for informational purposes only. | |
|
The 19th Annual Missouri Youth Leadership Forum
(MO-YLF) will be held July 18-22, 2023
| | |
|
|
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.
| |
|
Upcoming MPACT Webinars
Click on the links below to register
| |
|
Dispute Resolution Processes
Apr 18 @ 1:00 - 3:00 PM
Location: Foster Adopt Connect 1802 W. 32nd Street Ste F Joplin, MO 64804
| |
|
Special Education: What I Need to Know
May 2 @ 12:00 - 1:30 PM
Location: Compass Health Network 913 South Pershing Street Salem, MO 65560
| |
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.
| |
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
| | | | |
