MPACT would like express our gratitude to the families we serve for trusting us to provide educational support. We look forward to continuing to empower families to become their child's best advocate. | |
MPACT offices are closed November 28th and 29th for Thanksgiving | |
Show Gratitude and Give Thanks | |
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November is National Gratitude Month
November is National Gratitude Month and it is time to show some gratitude! Isn’t it amazing how something as simple as gratitude can give new meaning to life? Research states that people who practice gratitude every day are not only happier but also healthier. So if you were looking for reasons to be thankful, then these benefits should be just the motivation you need. Click HERE to learn more.
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Being thankful often means slowing down to reflect on what truly matters and appreciating those who’ve made a positive impact on our lives. Use the ideas and activities from PBS KIDS to help your child explore thankfulness, from picture books about gratitude to fun ways to recognize what makes them feel good inside, like a favorite toy or a special moment with a loved one. | |
Thankful for our Caregivers | |
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November is National Family Caregivers Month, a time to thank and honor family caregivers.Caregivers play a big role in helping their loved ones, and this month reminds us how important they are. Let’s show our gratitude and support for all they do.
Here are some simple ways to make life a bit easier for the family caregivers you know:
- Provide Respite Care -Offer to spend time with their loved one so the caregiver can run errands, relax, or take a much-needed break. Even a small amount of time can make a big difference.
- Check in Regularly-Call or visit to listen without judgment or advice. Let them share their experiences and remind them how much their efforts are valued.
- Be Specific With Offers-Instead of saying, “Let me know if you need help,” offer something specific, like grocery shopping, driving to appointments, or babysitting.
- Help With Chores-Bring a meal, clean the house, or help with yard work. Easing their to-do list shows you care and makes their day a little easier.
- Keep Inviting Them-Even if they can’t come, extend invitations to outings or events. It shows they’re still included and helps them feel connected.
- Offer Encouragement-Send a thoughtful note, text, or small gift to show your appreciation. Simple gestures can brighten their day and remind them they’re not alone.
Free resources available to help caregivers navigate their caregiving journey:
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Military Families Awareness Month | |
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Explore these resources to celebrate the unique strengths of military families. Learn more about their vital contributions to the military community and our nation, and discover ways to support and honor these remarkable families.
Parenting Tips for Military Families: Guidance on addressing unique challenges, available on Military OneSource.
Education Resources for Military Children: Access information on school transitions, special education services, and more through the Military Child Education Coalition.
Check out resources from the Center for Parent Information Services, also known as CPIR. Resources Especially for Military Families
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Check out our video and resources for Military Connected Families.
MPACT Military Resources
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Youth Homeless Awareness Month | |
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November was first declared as National Homeless Youth Awareness Month in 2007. Since then, November has been a time to acknowledge those children and families experiencing homelessness.
As many as 2.5 million youth per year experience homelessness. Along with losing their home, community, friends, and routines, as well as their sense of stability and safety, many homeless youth are also victims of trauma. While trying to survive on the streets, youth are exposed to countless dangers, with an increased likelihood of substance abuse, early parenthood, impulsivity, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and a vulnerability to being trafficked.
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) has compiled a list of helpful resources for parents and caregivers, children and teens, mental health providers, child welfare workers, juvenile justice professionals, and policymakers.
SAMHSA has programs and resources to help prevent and end homelessness, including people with mental or substance use disorders.
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The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) at the U.S. Department of Education has a
Parent and Educator Resource Guide to Section 504 in Public Elementary and
Secondary Schools
The guide explains Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, which ensures students with disabilities receive the services they need without discrimination. It covers:
- School responsibilities in providing services to students with disabilities.
- Steps parents can take to secure those services.
The guide also defines key terms, explains the process for identifying and supporting students with disabilities, and outlines ways to resolve disagreements between parents and schools.
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The Epilepsy Foundation of Missouri and Kansas is here to support families and individuals who want to learn more about seizures and epilepsy. We’ve created a collection of easy-to-understand resources to help you get the information you need. If you’d like to learn more or have additional questions, please reach out to us atepilepsy@efmk.org. | |
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Check out Understood.org for Section 504 resources, and how the Section 504 plans remove barriers so students with disabilities can learn alongside their peers in general education. Also find tips and answers to common questions about 504 plans. | |
Early Childhood Resources | |
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Appropriate Identification of Children with Disabilities for IDEA Services: A Report from Recent National Estimates
Appropriately identifying children with disabilities—in ways that are timely, comprehensive, and accurate—is critical for ensuring that learners receive the supports they need to meet early milestones and succeed in school. In turn, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) charges states and school districts with: (1) finding all children, birth through age 21, suspected of having a disability; (2) evaluating them to determine if they are eligible for IDEA services; and (3) measuring and addressing racial or ethnic disparities in who is identified. Full article HERE
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Accessible Education Materials (AEM) | |
Accessible Educational Materials (AEM) are print and technology-based educational materials, including print and electronic textbooks and related core materials and technologies that are designed or enhanced in a way that makes them usable across the widest range of learner variability, regardless of format (e.g. print, digital, graphic, audio, video) or features. Check out the MO DESE website and video to learn more. | |
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Families play an important role in ensuring their child with a disability has access to the
educational materials they need to learn and succeed. The Family’s Guide to Accessible Educational Materials is designed for parents and caregivers of children who require accessible educational materials (AEM) for learning.
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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. | |
MO Youth Leadership Forum | |
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988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Whether you’re in distress or just want to talk about something on your mind, call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org anytime you need help. If you are worried about someone else, reach out to 988 and a local, trained crisis specialist at one of Missouri’s 988 centers will help you navigate the situation.
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Impulse Control Solutions for School and Home
Children with ADHD have difficulty telling right and wrong, so parents must be specific, stating clear, consistent expectations and consequences. Telling your child to “be good” is too vague to address behavioral problems. Instead, be explicit: “When we go into the store, do not touch, just look with your eyes.” “At the playground, wait in line for the slide, and don’t push.” Other strategies to try:
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Be proactive in your approach to discipline. Respond to positive and negative behaviors equally. Recognize and remark on the behavior, then respond to positive actions with praise, attention, and rewards or immediately discipline negative actions.
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Hold your child accountable. Making your child understand what he did wrong is essential in molding a responsible adult. However, delayed punishment may prevent a child from understanding its relationship to the misbehavior. Punishment must come soon after the misbehavior.
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Let the punishment fit the crime. Hitting calls for an immediate time out. Dinnertime tantrums can mean dismissal from the table without dessert. Keep punishments brief and restrained, but let them communicate to your child that he’s responsible for controlling his behavior.
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Let minor misbehaviors slide. If your child spills the milk because he’s pouring it carelessly or hurriedly, talk to him about the importance of moving more slowly, help him clean the mess, and move on. Every misstep doesn’t warrant significant consequences. Click HERE to read the full report
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Upcoming MPACT Webinars
Click on the orange links below to register
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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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Share Your Feedback with Missouri First Steps! | |
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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