Resources
Free Tools & Guides
Practical resources for Missouri families, schools, and organizations — at no cost
About These Resources
Knowledge Should Be Accessible to Everyone
These guides, checklists, and tools are designed to make the complicated systems around special education, mental health, and community prevention a little more navigable. They're free because the families and communities that need them most shouldn't have to pay to understand their rights.
Most resources are available by request — simply use the contact form and Cindy will send them directly to your inbox. Some resources link to official external sources like DESE and SAMHSA.
How to Request
Find a resource you need below
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Fill out the short contact form
Cindy sends it directly to your inbox
For Parents & Families
Guides & Tools for Families Navigating Special Education
IEP Meeting Preparation Checklist
A step-by-step checklist to help parents prepare for IEP meetings — what to bring, what questions to ask, and what to document.
Request This ResourceRequest via the contact form — sent directly to your inbox.
Parent Rights Under IDEA: Plain-Language Guide
A clear, jargon-free summary of your rights as a parent under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Request This ResourceRequest via the contact form — sent directly to your inbox.
IEP vs. 504: What's the Difference?
A side-by-side comparison of IEP and 504 plans — eligibility, what's included, and how to know which applies to your child.
Request This ResourceRequest via the contact form — sent directly to your inbox.
Questions to Ask at Your Child's IEP Meeting
20 essential questions every parent should consider asking at an IEP meeting — organized by topic.
Request This ResourceRequest via the contact form — sent directly to your inbox.
How to Document School Communications
A practical guide to keeping records of emails, meetings, and phone calls with your child's school — and why it matters.
Request This ResourceRequest via the contact form — sent directly to your inbox.
Supporting Your Child's Wellbeing at School
Guidance for parents on recognizing student support needs, communicating with school staff, and accessing available services.
Request This ResourceRequest via the contact form — sent directly to your inbox.
Don't See What You Need?
Request a Custom Resource
If you're looking for something specific — a guide on a particular DESE policy, a checklist for a specific IEP situation, or a resource for a unique community context — reach out. Cindy regularly creates new resources based on the needs she hears from families, schools, and organizations.
Need More Than a Guide?
Sometimes You Need a Person, Not Just a PDF
When a checklist isn't enough, Cindy offers direct consulting, advocacy support, and training for families, schools, and organizations across Missouri.