Tips for the Holidays during the Pandemic
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(Also available in Spanish)
Check out this article written by Caroline Miller and published by Child Mind Institute for tips to reduce stress, help kids cope, and make new traditions.

Check out these five ideas published by understood.org which can reduce disappointment and show your child that there are different ways of celebrating.

(Also available in Spanish)
Self-Care is much needed for parents, especially before, during and after the holidays. Read this article written by Rae Jacobsen and published by Child Mind Institute to learn about prioritizing your own well-being benefits your whole family.
School Resources for Missouri Families
The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) has officially been postponed to 2021 by the U.S. Department of Education. Read more about this postponement in the article written by Stephen Sawchuck posted in Education Week.

DESE remains committed to remove barriers and provide public schools leaders the flexibility they need to remain focused on the health and safety of their students, staff members and communities. Click on the link above to view topics.
Virtual Meetings: Strategies, Tips and Resources
Circumstances may prohibit participants from attending special education meetings in person. In these situations, technology allows one or all of the individuals to participate through the Internet or telephone.
In this article The Center for Appropriate Dispute Resolution in Special Education (CADRE) has collected resources, tips and strategies for meaningfully participating in a virtual meeting.
It's time to nominate for the 2020 Missouri Inclusion and Youth Leadership Awards
The Governor’s Council on Disability is seeking nominations for the 2020 Inclusion and Youth Leadership Awards. Please help recognize, honor and celebrate the individuals, agencies, and organizations that have demonstrated leadership and inclusion by improving the lives of individuals in the disability community, especially during the pandemic.

If you know of an individual or organization in Missouri that has stood out this year in their efforts to include people with disabilities in employment, housing, leisure activities, or technology, please nominate them for the Inclusion Award at https://disability.mo.gov/gcd/inclwin.htm   

To recognize a young person in the disability community (ages 16-26) that has affected positive changes in inclusion through leadership and advocacy, please nominate them for the Youth Leadership Award at https://disability.mo.gov/gcd/youthleadershipaward.htm   

Nominations can be completed online or submitted by email/mail/fax and will be accepted through 1/31/21.


Upcoming MPACT Webinars in December and January
Click on the blue links below to register:
December 2020 Trainings:
Special Education Law
Special Education: What I Need to Know
January 2021 Trainings:
Special Education Mediation

Understanding the IEP Process

Steps to Success- First Steps Parental Rights

Steps to Success: Parental Rights

Steps to Success: Understanding the IFSP

Be Determined

Steps to Success- Parental Rights
¿Qué es MPACT? (Español)

McKinney Vento Overview

How to Write Measurable Goals

Steps to Success: Parental Rights

Steps to Success: Understanding the IFSP

The Art of Effective Advocacy

Understanding the IEP Process
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: Request Training Here!
MPACT Mentor Volunteer Program
What is an MPACT Mentor Volunteer?

Mentors are trained volunteers who, upon request, provide support to families of children with disabilities throughout the special education process. A mentor does not represent or speak for a parent or family member, but a mentor does help empower an individual to become a strong educational advocate for his or her child. MPACT mentors are screened and receive training and supervision from MPACT staff.
Help bring smiles to families all over Missouri by shopping on Amazon Smile! All you have to do is click the link below and shop!
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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