Southwest Missouri Childhood Community Leaders

09/03/2026

SNAP Verification Requirements Are Changing

Starting October 1, 2026, you may need to provide proof of certain expenses and resources when you:

--> Apply for SNAP

--> Renew your SNAP benefits

--> Add someone to your SNAP case

Be ready to provide proof of:

🏡Rent, mortgage, utilities

👶 Childcare or dependent care costs

💳 Resources, such as money in the bank

Having your documents ready can help prevent delays.

Learn more at dss.mo.gov

09/03/2026

Missouri Parents Act's Free Fall Into IEPs webinar series runs September 14–18 from 11:30 AM–1:00 PM.

Topics include:

• Special Education Law
• The Evaluation Process
• The IEP Process
• Disagreement Resolution Processes
• Effective Advocacy

You don't have to attend all five. Register for one webinar or join us for the entire series.

Register at missouriparentsact.org/training

800.743.7634 | [email protected]

09/03/2026

💙 Clever Early Childhood Events & Activities 💙

We’re excited to share our Clever Early Childhood Event Calendar! 📅

Throughout the year, we’ll have opportunities for children and families to play, learn, connect, and grow together through Parents as Teachers, Preschool, and other early childhood activities.

From family events and playgroups to seasonal activities and community connections, there’s always something happening in Clever Early Childhood!

Be sure to save this calendar and check back throughout the year for upcoming dates and events. We look forward to spending the year connecting with our Clever families! 🌱💙

09/03/2026

09/03/2026

Little ones deserve a safe start to every journey! Community Partnership of the Ozarks is now offering 𝐅𝐑𝐄𝐄 𝐜𝐚𝐫 𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐬𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲 𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐜𝐤𝐬 on the 𝟐𝐧𝐝 & 𝟒𝐭𝐡 𝐓𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡 at the Darr Family Foundation HUB at the O'Reilly Center for Hope (1518 E. Dale St., Springfield).

Our certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians will inspect your child's car seat, help ensure its installed correctly, and provide hands-on guidance so you can feel more confident on the road. 𝐸𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑦 𝑟𝑖𝑑𝑒 𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑑 𝑏𝑒𝑔𝑖𝑛 𝑠𝑎𝑓𝑒𝑙𝑦 & 𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑦 𝑓𝑎𝑚𝑖𝑙𝑦 𝑑𝑒𝑠𝑒𝑟𝑣𝑒𝑠 𝑠𝑢𝑝𝑝𝑜𝑟𝑡 𝑎𝑙𝑜𝑛𝑔 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑤𝑎𝑦!

📞 Schedule your FREE appointment: 417-319-4629

09/03/2026

Steps to Success: Supporting Young Children and Families (Gladstone, MO.)

Join Missouri Parents Act for a series of FREE in-person trainings designed to help families of young children build skills, stay organized, and better understand their child’s services.

📍Mid-Continent Public Library – Antioch Branch
6060 N. Chestnut Ave.
Gladstone, MO 64119

⏰ Wednesdays in September | 9:00–11:00 AM

📅 September 16: Effectively Communicating Your Children’s Needs
Learn strategies for communicating effectively with caregivers and providers about your child.

📅 September 23: Family Record Keeping
Learn what records and documentation families should maintain and why keeping them organized is important.

📅 September 30: Making the Jump from IDEA Part C to IDEA Part B
Learn about the transition from Missouri First Steps services to Early Childhood Special Education, including when to begin preparing and changes in eligibility criteria.

💙 All Missouri Parents Act trainings are FREE! You can register for one training or attend all three.

👉 Register at missouriparentsact.org/training
📞 800-743-7634
📧 [email protected]

09/03/2026

09/01/2026

FREE On-Demand Trainings Available!
Busy schedule? No problem! MPACT offers on-demand trainings to help families learn about early intervention and early childhood services—anytime, anywhere.

Topics include:
IFSP process
Family Record Keeping
Transition Infants and Toddlers to School-Age
Communication & more!

📲 Start learning now at:
🔗 missouriparentsact.org/early-intervention/early-childhood-program-and-training
📍 missouriparentsact.org/training