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List of Trainings and Descriptions

Below are descriptions of trainings the MPACT offers. If you would like to see a calendar of all trainings that are currently scheduled, please view our training calendar.

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If you see a training topic in the list below that is now already on our schedule, please request a training and we will contact you to get one scheduled. 

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Contents

Special Education Trainings

This training helps families learn how to prevent problems before they happen by using proactive strategies like effective communication, documentation, and letter writing. It also covers options for working through disagreements, including the resolution processes outlined in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, so families feel confident advocating for their child.

This training explains how Section 504 protects students with disabilities from discrimination in schools receiving federal funding. It covers the basics of 504 plans, the evaluation process, and the safeguards in place to support your child’s rights.

This training provides a brief, parent-friendly overview of the special education process, including key terms, important steps, and available services. Participants will learn about placement options, how to address disagreements, and essential information to help advocate for their child’s educational needs.

This training introduces families to the key laws that protect and support students with disabilities, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. Gain the knowledge you need to effectively advocate for your child’s education.

This training explains the mediation process, including the role of the mediator and what they do and don’t do. Families will learn when and how to request mediation, what to expect during the process, and how to confidently plan and prepare for a successful mediation experience.

This training is designed to help families of children with disabilities learn how to write individualized and measurable educational goals for their child. It will also teach you how to effectively track your child’s progress in an easy-to-understand way.

This training provides tips for moving from early childhood to elementary school and offers an overview of the components of an Individualized Education Program (IEP).

This training provides tips for moving from elementary to middle school and includes an overview of the components of an Individualized Education Program (IEP).

This training explains how an Individualized Education Program (IEP) serves as the foundation of a child’s education. Families will explore the evaluation process, how a child qualifies for an IEP, the essential components of the IEP document, and how progress is tracked. Families will develop a clear understanding of their role as equal partners in the IEP process.

This training guides families through the evaluation process, the first step in determining whether a child needs special education services, a Section 504 Plan, or another educational intervention. Families will learn the reasons for evaluations, the key steps involved, and the options available if they disagree with the evaluation results.

This training takes a thorough look at the IEP process with an emphasis on autism spectrum disorders. Specific information includes how children are evaluated for autism, what types of evaluation might be used, medical diagnosis versus educational category, and the definition and eligibility criteria for the educational category of autism.

This training provides a detailed look at the IEP process, focusing on issues related to children who are deaf or hard of hearing. It covers communication modes, common environmental modifications, and the definition and eligibility criteria for the educational category of deaf or hard of hearing.

This training and resource guide will provide families of at-risk and system-involved youth with the knowledge and skills to ensure successful navigation through the unique challenges associated with the juvenile justice system. It will encompass identifying barriers, implementing interventions, and accessing resources to obtain the tools needed for families and youth throughout this journey.

See currently scheduled Special Education trainings

Birth to Three Steps to Success Trainings

This training is designed to help families of young children who are new to working with caregivers and providers, offering guidance on how to communicate effectively about their child.

This training helps families of children referred to or in the Missouri First Steps program understand the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) process and how to be effective team members.

This training explains the Parental Rights document provided to all families in the Missouri First Steps Program and helps families understand their and their child’s rights under Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

This training helps families of young children transition from Missouri First Steps (Part C of IDEA) services to Early Childhood Special Education (Part B of IDEA) services. Learn when to begin preparing for the difference in services, and the changes in eligibility criteria.

This training helps families understand the importance of keeping and organizing their child’s records. It covers the types of records and documentation to maintain and explains why they are essential.

See currently scheduled Steps to Success trainings

Other Helpful Topics

This training will equip you with the skills needed to become an effective advocate for your child. You’ll learn why advocacy is important, how to understand your options, and the key steps to take. The session will cover the importance of gathering and organizing your child’s records and files. Additionally, we’ll discuss strategies for communicating effectively with your child’s school district and emphasize the value of collaborative problem-solving.

This overview highlights the services MPACT offers to students, families, and professionals across Missouri.

This training offers an overview of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, which ensures that highly mobile children and youth have equal access to education opportunities, just like their peers.

This training explains bullying dynamics, types, and causes while offering strategies for intervention, empowering bystanders, understanding the school’s role, and reviewing key laws and policies to help families address bullying effectively.

This training teaches families and teachers a new perspective on problem behavior, viewing it as a form of communication. You will learn the importance of conducting a Functional Behavioral Assessment.

This training explains how Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is diagnosed, how it affects children, and how families and teachers can use strategies to support children at home and in the classroom.

This training empowers families, educators, and community members working with young children with disabilities to understand and use data to make informed decisions and drive positive change. Participants will explore the connection between data and accountability, develop skills to become data leaders in their communities, and learn how to apply the three-step process (Look! Think! Act!) to analyze data and identify actions that can improve a child’s educational experience.

See currently scheduled Trainings on these topics

Transitions to Adult Life

This training is designed for young adults with disabilities to learn how to take charge of their lives. Participants will develop leadership skills such as self-advocacy, actively leading, participating in their own Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings, and making informed decisions about their careers, education, and living arrangements.

This training focuses on creating effective post-secondary goals for students with autism spectrum disorders as they move into adulthood. It addresses key areas of concern, including communication, social skills, self-regulation, and sensory needs, while also covering assessments and strategies for measuring progress.

This training focuses on employment for youth with disabilities, covering four key areas: self-determination, practical “do-it-yourself” strategies for families, detailed information about employment, and accessing adult services for teens and young adults with disabilities. The curriculum is customized to reflect local service delivery systems, youth programs, and employment resources.

This training teaches you what an IEP is, why it matters, and how to take an active role. You’ll learn to share your ideas, set goals, and build self-advocacy skills to guide your future.

This training helps families and youth prepare for life after high school by building essential skills. Youth will take part in hands-on activities to practice problem-solving, setting goals, and participating in their IEP meetings. The training covers self-determination, self-advocacy, and the importance of youth taking an active role in planning their future.

This training provides an overview of Missouri’s high school graduation requirements, including earning credits, developing an Individual Career Education Plan (ICAP), and understanding key policies for students with disabilities under IDEA and Section 504.

This training empowers families and caregivers of youth with disabilities to start open, meaningful conversations about adulthood and independence. Preparation begins early, and this training focuses on practical tools and strategies to build existing strengths or create new foundations for success. Together, we’ll explore ways to support self-advocacy, independence, and lifelong learning as your child grows into adulthood.

This training provides a clear overview of IDEA’s requirements for the transition to adult life, focusing on how to prepare youth with disabilities for life after high school through goal-setting, self-advocacy, and collaboration with schools to create effective plans for the future.

See currently scheduled Transitions to Adult Life trainings