The special education laws that keep your child safe can also sometimes make the system difficult to understand. Fortunately, there are resources available to help! If you are navigating the Missouri special education system, we are here to help. Keep reading for the best special education parent resources in Missouri.
1. Procedural Safeguards Notice
If the special education system is a journey, the Procedural Safeguards Notice is the map. The Notice explains the processes of special education and the rights of you and your child. This is the document to refer to whenever you have a question or concern. Do not worry if you find the Notice confusing. We will go over resources that can provide answers to your questions.
2. Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) offers a very thorough Parent’s Guide to Special Education. Although you may have already received a physical copy, we recommend bookmarking the link to their online copy. Accessing the guide online allows you to search for keywords in the document, saving you the time of skimming the entire guide. Additionally, DESE provides a link to their Parent’s Right webinar, which further explains the rights of parents under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
3. Kidvokit for Missouri
Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the number of emails and papers you need to keep track of? We created a tool that can help! Kidvokit gives you peace of mind by automatically filing all IEP emails and creating an organized timeline with your documents. Additionally, Kidvokit can instantly answer your IEP questions with its AI assistant, keeping you prepared and knowledgeable in IEP meetings. Visit our “How It Works” page to learn how Kidvokit can help you.
4. MPACT Parent Center
The special education system is complex, but thankfully, Parent Centers are there to help. Parent Centers are nationally funded resource hubs specifically for special education families. MPACT is Missouri’s Parent Center, and they offer an abundance of resources. Their website includes easy-to-understand guides on your rights, the special education process, and more. Most helpfully, you can call or email MPACT with your questions. Their experts can provide personalized guidance and referrals, making your life easier.
5. Missouri Family to Family
Another resource that offers personalized assistance is Missouri Family to Family. This organization offers assistance to all Missourians with disabilities and is equipped to assist special education families. Family to Family can connect you with a parent mentor who has personal experience navigating the special education system. Parent mentors have been trained to provide guidance, referrals, and support. Visit Family to Family’s website to learn more!
6. Missouri Protection and Advocacy Services
At times, problems occur, and knowing who to contact ahead of time can lessen the stress when they do. Missouri Protection and Advocacy Services (MO P&A) is an important resource to be aware of. They provide advocacy and legal services to families encountering problems with the special education system. Most problems can be solved with an advocate who mediates for the family. However, if legal assistance is required, they can provide that as well. Visit MO P&A’s website for more information on what they provide.
7. Wrightslaw
Speaking of your rights, Wrightslaw is a vital resource when advocating for your child. Wrightslaw is an information hub for special education law! Their website can keep you up-to-date on all laws that impact your child. Additionally, they provide legally informed step-by-step guides to the special education process. Strengthen your advocacy skills by becoming familiar with Wrightslaw.
8. YouTube
What can’t you learn on YouTube? YouTube has many helpful special education videos, but two national resource centers that have informative YouTube Channels are The Center for Parent Information and Resources and The National Center for Learning Disabilities. Additionally, the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s YouTube channel includes a few helpful special education videos.
9. Facebook Groups
Your ability to support your child increases when you feel supported yourself. Support groups provide a place for you to connect with parents who understand. Connecting with other parents not only provides a sense of solidarity but also creates an opportunity to share and receive referrals and advice. A convenient way to connect with other parents is through Facebook groups. A few Missouri-specific groups worth checking out are: Special Needs Parents of Kansas City, St. Louis Autism Moms, Missouri Autism Coalition, and Dyslexia St. Louis Parent and Professional Support.
Missouri Special Education Resource Recap
Take a moment to acknowledge that advocating for your child is hard work, and you are doing it! We hope the above resources remind you that you are not alone and there is help available. Missouri parents have access to multiple helplines, a parent center, online resources, an advocacy organization, and support groups. Take advantage of these resources and keep up the good work!
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