April 22, 2025

Reading Challenges

If you think your child is having trouble reading, you are not alone. Some kids learn to read more slowly than others. But if you're really concerned, it’s a good idea to talk to your child’s teacher.

When you talk to the school, they may start by watching how your child reads and learns in class. They might also give your child special reading help for a few weeks. This is called intervention. The school will check if your child is getting better with this extra help. If reading is still hard after that, the school might test your child to see if there’s a learning disability.

A learning disability means your child’s brain works a little differently. It doesn’t mean your child isn’t smart. It just means they need to learn in a different way. One kind of learning disability in reading is called dyslexia. Kids with dyslexia may mix up letters or have trouble sounding out words. Reading can take more time and feel frustrating.

If the school finds out your child has dyslexia, they’ll work with you to make a plan. This plan might include:

• Special reading lessons
• More time to read or take tests
• Other tools to help them learn

Teachers want every student to do well. If your child has dyslexia or another reading challenge, the school will do its best to help them succeed. Remember: If you notice something, say something. The earlier a child gets help, the better.

If you have questions about any milestones for your child, give South Dakota Parent Connection a call at (800) 640-4553 or email sdpc@sdparent.org, or find more valuable information on our website at www.sdparent.org.

Additional resources:

• Understanding Reading and Reading Challenges
• My Child has Dyslexia, Now What?
• Read to Succeed

Survey Time

If your child gets special education services, you are invited to fill out the 2024–2025 South Dakota Parent Involvement Survey before May 31st. This short survey lets you share your thoughts about how your school includes you in your child’s special education. Your answers will help make programs better for families like yours.

The survey is from the South Dakota Department of Education and the U.S. Office of Special Education Programs. Your answers are private and will not include your name. You can get a printed survey from your school in 12 different languages, or fill it out online in English or Spanish. To learn more, ask your school’s special education staff or visit the South Dakota Department of Education website.

Board Member Spotlight

As South Dakota Parent Connection celebrates 40 years of service, board member Kristi Wallin’s story reflects the heart and purpose behind the organization. A lifelong South Dakotan, Kristi was born and raised in Sioux Falls, where she and her husband built a family that now spans three states and includes seven grandchildren.

With a background in special and elementary education and a specialist degree in educational administration, Kristi dedicated over 30 years to education—16 of them as a special education teacher and later as a Special Education Director. That passion for helping individuals with disabilities led her to South Dakota Parent Connection shortly after retirement.

Her path to the board began in a roundabout way. “I was asked to help recruit a new member,” Kristi recalls. “But during that conversation, I realized I wanted to be part of the board myself.” Eight years later, Kristi has served as board president and currently sits on the Executive and Development Committees. What keeps her involved is simple: the mission. “South Dakota Parent Connection provides families with support they might not find anywhere else. It’s practical, personal, and life-changing.”

The mission and goals of the organization are invaluable to families. "I had first-hand experience with the Navigator program when I was working. The program is equally beneficial to parents and school district staff." The Navigator program provides individualized guidance to parents who suspect or have a child with a disability, and school professionals, at no cost.

For Kristi, the most rewarding part of her role is hearing directly from families and staff about the impact South Dakota Parent Connection has made. “It’s incredibly fulfilling to know I’m contributing to something so meaningful.”

As the organization enters its fifth decade, Kristi hopes it continues to adapt and grow while staying rooted in its values: support, hope, and respect. When asked to sum up South Dakota Parent Connection in one word, she doesn’t hesitate: “Valuable. Because what we offer truly makes a difference.”

As our organization celebrates 40 years, Kristi's dedication to special education and South Dakota families highlights the power of community in helping every child thrive.

Nominate Your Star

Time to Celebrate! Nominations Open for 2025 SD Conference on Developmental Disabilities. The South Dakota Conference on Developmental Disabilities is getting ready for an exciting event in 2025! The theme this year is “Celebrating Strengths, Inspiring Change.” And guess what? You can help by nominating someone for a special award!

There are three awards people can win:

• Innovation Award – This is for someone (with or without a disability) or a group who uses smart, new ideas to help people with disabilities.
• Mentorship Award – This is for a person without a disability who helps others learn, grow, and reach their goals.
• Rising Star Award – This is for a person with a disability who is a leader in their community and helps make life better for others.

Do you know someone who should win one of these awards? You can nominate them now! Nominations are open until June 1, 2025. Find more information about this opportunity and others on our website.

Upcoming Events

Here are some events hosted by South Dakota Parent Connection as well as events we will be participating in. These opportunities provide valuable information, resources, and support for families across the state. Whether we are leading a workshop or collaborating with partners, our goal is to connect families with the tools and knowledge they need. Stay updated on all upcoming events by visiting our website or following us on Facebook.

April 23 & 24, 2025: Annual South Dakota Community Health Workers Conference: Join the CHWSD for a two-day conference in Mitchell to support the CHW and CHR workforce in South Dakota. South Dakota Parent Connection will be presenting a session for those in attendance as well as providing information at our booth at this conference.

April 24, 2025: Transition-to-Adulthood: South Dakota Parent Connection is hosting a free session for families in the Vermillion, Yankton, and surrounding area. This event is for parents and youth ages 14–21 who have disabilities. Youth will learn how to build life skills, set goals for the future, and get support from their IEP and local agencies. Parents will get tips for supporting their child, teaching self-advocacy, and planning for the future.

April 26, 2025: Family-Friendly Resource Expo: This free event for is designed with families in mind. There are no speakers, no required activities, and no registration needed.  You and your family are invited to come and go as it works for YOU. Check out over 50 local disability service providers. Stop by the South Dakota Parent Connection and chat with Lisa Sanderson.

May 5, 2025: Transition To Success: South Dakota Parent Connection is hosting a free session for families in Aberdeen and the surrounding area. This event is for parents and youth ages 14–21 who have disabilities. Youth will learn how to build life skills, set goals for the future, and get support from their IEP and local agencies. Parents will get tips for supporting their child, teaching self-advocacy, and planning for the future.

June 6, 2025: Lighting The Way Autism Conference: This conference offers helpful information, resources, and solutions for success from diagnosis through adulthood. People who attend can hear from experts and self-advocates who share their experiences and knowledge. South Dakota Parent Connection has partnered with several community organizations with similar missions to provide this conference to parents and professionals.

This e-publication was developed under grants from the U.S. Department of Education Project Grant H328M2000666 and Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Grant H328M140021, Family to Family Health Information Center, $96,750; and approximately 5% financed with non-governmental resources. The contents should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by U.S. Department of Education, HRSA, HHS, or the Federal Government.