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Missouri: where to start
Official starting points in Missouri for children with developmental, learning, attention or mental health needs. Waylight Parents links to these pages; it has not evaluated how any state office performs.
Quick answer. In Missouri, children under 3 start with the state early intervention program, and children 3 and older start with a written evaluation request to the local school district. Medicaid and the state developmental disabilities agency can help with services and funding. Below are the official links we checked, plus the free Parent Center for families.
Updated
Money that may help pay for services, school or tools
- Early intervention (birth to 3): Missouri First Steps (DESE). Free or low-cost developmental services for babies and toddlers. Source: Missouri First Steps (DESE) · checked 2026-10-30
- School choice money: MOScholars. Missouri's K-12 scholarship program, run through the State Treasurer. Source: Missouri State Treasurer: MOScholars · checked 2026-10-30
- Medicaid waiver: DMH developmental disabilities waivers. Home and community-based waivers run by the Division of Developmental Disabilities. Waitlists and eligibility rules apply. Source: Missouri DMH: HCBS waivers · checked 2026-10-30
- Medicaid EPSDT (under 21): If your child is on Medicaid and under 21, Medicaid's EPSDT benefit covers screening, diagnostic services and medically necessary care. Ask your state Medicaid agency what this means for your child. Source: Medicaid.gov: EPSDT · state agency: MO HealthNet (Missouri Medicaid)
Eligibility rules differ. Check each official page; we list only what we have checked.
Official starting points
- Early Intervention (birth to 3): dese.mo.gov/special-education/first-steps Loaded on 2026-10-27, checked by direct request.
- Developmental disabilities agency: dmh.mo.gov/dev-disabilities Loaded on 2026-10-27, checked by direct request.
- Medicaid: mydss.mo.gov/mhd Loaded on 2026-10-27, checked by direct request.
- State education department: dese.mo.gov Loaded on 2026-10-27, checked by direct request.
Federal help in every state
Federal special education law applies in every state. Find your Parent Training and Information Center (free help for families).
Common questions
Where do I start early intervention for a child under 3 in Missouri?
Use the official state page: https://dese.mo.gov/special-education/first-steps (checked on 2026-10-27).
Where do I find special education information in Missouri?
Use the state education department page: https://dese.mo.gov/ (checked on 2026-10-27).
How long does the school have to evaluate my child in Missouri?
Federal law (IDEA) says the initial evaluation must be done within 60 days of the school receiving your written consent, unless the state sets its own timeframe. We have not yet verified whether Missouri sets its own timeframe; ask your district or state education department.
Who gives free help to parents in Missouri?
Every state has at least one federally funded Parent Training and Information Center that helps families understand special education rights for free. Find yours at parentcenterhub.org/find-your-center.
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