Special Education Laws and Regulations

To access the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Federal Regulations, Missouri State Plan for Special Education, Procedural Safeguards, Parent's Bill of Rights, and more. Click HERE

MPACT videos and fact sheets

are available to learn more about the IEP components and evaluation process.

Click HERE for access to the fact sheets or HERE for the IEP Components video.

DESE Individualized Education Program (IEP) Forms

New year means time to plan and prepare for your child's IEP.

Click HERE to be directed to sample IEP forms.

Parent Participation

We believe that a child's best advocate is their parent! This is why it is so important for parents to participate in their child's IEP meeting. Even IDEA includes the wording that schools "...shall take steps to ensure that one or both of the parents of a child with a disability are present at each IEP meeting..." To learn more about parent participation at IEP meetings, click HERE

Meaningful Parent-School Communication

As a parent or caregiver, you have a key role in your child’s education—you can help bridge your child’s transition from home to school and give them the best chance at success in learning and in life. While your child’s education begins at home, this tool provides you with a set of questions to ask and important issues to consider when approaching your child’s teachers, principals, and counselors about his or her

development. To support this communication, The U.S. Department of Education has released I HAVE A QUESTION ... What Parents and Caregivers Can Ask and Do to Help Children Thrive at School: A Parent Checklist. 

Are you a parent or guardian in search of childcare for a child with a special needs or challenging behaviors?  

Sometimes the process of searching for and beginning care can be overwhelming. United 4 Children Inclusion Specialists can offer Inclusion Services Letter to assist you as you work to ensure that your child’s special needs are met.  

• Give you a list of childcare providers to contact on your own, or, with a release, we can make initial contact to providers for you.
• When contacting providers, we identify who has vacancies and special needs training or experience. 
• Provide on-going assistance and counseling to your family regarding appropriate childcare options and resources available. 
• Provide on-site observation, technical assistance, short-term consultation, and training for the childcare provider caring for your child to ensure your child’s individual needs are met. 

Supporting Students’ Social, Emotional, Behavioral, and Academic Well-Being and Success: Strategies for Schools to Enhance Relationships With Families

Developed by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, and the Office of Safe and Supportive Schools, this fact sheet illustrates ways to improve communication and collaboration between schools and families to support students’ needs. Strategies described include engaging families in decision-making processes around student support, discipline, and school climate.

Click the picture on the left to download the fact sheet.

MO DESE Educational Surrogate

Educational Surrogate is an impartial individual who fills the role of parent for a student with a disability whenever decisions are being made about the student’s educational placement and individualized education program (IEP) when there is no natural parent or other adult authorized to make educational decisions on behalf of the student. 

Information regarding how to apply to be an Educational Surrogate HERE

Educational Surrogate Q&A HERE

How to become and Educational Surrogate Video HERE 

The Exceptional Parent (EP) Magazine Releases 2024 Navigating Special Needs Resources Guide. The issue is packed with inspirational stories, expert insight, and valuable resources for families/caretakers of children, youth, and young adults with disabilities and special healthcare needs. Click HERE

Military OneSource from the Department of Defense is your 24/7 gateway to trusted information, resources, and confidential help. When MilLife happens, it’s your “first line of support” — giving service members and military families tools to stay well and thrive. Click HERE for more information.

Safe Is Strong a website that provides resources to strengthen the health and safety of military-connected families with young children. Click HERE to learn more.

Self-determination is about youth with disabilities taking control of their lives. The I'm Determined Project offers resources for youth, families, and educators around self-determination. Click HERE for resources, videos, a transition guide, downloadable brochures, and more. Funded by the VA Department of Education.

Missouri Connections is a comprehensive, online, career development and planning program that is provided free of charge to all Missouri citizens. Click HERE to find out more about Missouri Connections. Click HERE to learn more about how K-12 students can learn about themselves, their options, and how to create a plan to make career dreams a reality.

Missouri Youth Leadership Forum

The Missouri Youth Leadership Forum (MYLF) is a FREE five-day, four-night leadership training and career awareness program for high school students with disabilities. Held at the University of Missouri (Mizzou) in Columbia, MO. It provides training in leadership, self-advocacy skills, and career awareness. The Youth Leadership Forum enables young adults who have a disability to learn from each other and from successful adults with disabilities who are recognized leaders and role models. Click HERE for the MYLF application and more.

If you have questions, need assistance filling out your application, or need an alternative format, please email gcd@oa.mo.gov or call the Governor's Council on Disability office at 573-751-2600 or 800-877-8249

The Art of Effective Advocacy

January 23, 2024, 11 am to 12:30 pm

Disagreement Resolution

January 30, 2024, 11 am to 12:30 pm

Graduation Requirements

February 6, 2024, 6 pm to 7 pm

Solving the Employment Puzzle

February 13, 2023, 6 pm to 7 pm

Writing Post-Secondary Goals

February 20, 2024, 6 pm to7 pm

IDEA Transition Requirements

February 27, 2024, 6 pm to 7 pm

Understanding the IEP Process

January 23, 2024, 10 am to 12 pm

Veterans Elementary School

790 Veterans Rd, Hannibal, MO 63401

Understanding the IEP Process

January 25, 2024, 6 pm to 8 pm

The Library Center, Grafton Conference Room

4653 S Campbell Avenue, Springfield, MO 65810

Understanding the IEP Process

February 27, 2024, 10 am to noon

The St. Louis Arc

1177 N Warson St Louis, MO 63132

View all upcoming MPACT training HERE

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, 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.