April 8, 2025

Early Support

South Dakota Parent Connection staff joined community meetings in Clay, Lincoln, Turner, and Union counties. It was a great chance to share the services and resources we offer to families, as well as learn about other helpful programs in the community.

Many families we work with have children in Head Start or preschool who will be starting elementary school soon. Getting support early can make a big difference in a child’s learning and growth. When families know about available resources, they can help their children succeed in school and life.

Head Start and Early Head Start programs help young children and their families get ready for school and life. These programs are free and support pregnant women and children from birth to five years old. Children learn through play, creative activities, and guided lessons that help them grow and explore. Teachers build strong relationships with children to create a safe and happy learning environment. They also teach early math, science, and reading skills to help children develop a love for learning.

These programs also focus on children's health and well-being. Kids receive healthy meals like breakfast, lunch, and snacks to keep them energized. They also get medical, dental, vision, and hearing check-ups to make sure they are healthy. If a child needs extra support, the program helps families find resources for behavioral and developmental needs. Parents are encouraged to be involved and get support with job training, parenting, and reaching family goals.

Head Start works with community agencies to provide services for health, education, and family needs. They make sure every child gets the care and learning experiences they need to grow strong and confident. If you want to find a Head Start program near you, use the Head Start Center Locator Tool to get started.

South Dakota Parent Connection is always here to help families find the right support for their child’s needs. Give us a call today (800) 640-4553 or email sdpc@sdparent.org.

Preparing for Adulthood

South Dakota Parent Connection is hosting a free session for families in the Vermillion, Yankton, and nearby areas. This event is young adults ages 14–21 who have disabilities and their parents/guardians.

This event will be held on April 24, 2025, from 6:00 - 8:30 pm at the Edith B. Siegrist Vermillion Public Library, 18 Church Street, Vermillion, SD.

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.

For more information, contact South Dakota Parent Connection at (800) 640-4553 or sdpc@sdparent.org.

No need to register—just show up!

Autism Awareness Month

April is National Autism Awareness Month! This is a special time to learn more about autism and how we can be kind and helpful to everyone. People with autism may think, learn, or play in different ways—and that’s okay! We all have our own strengths. By understanding and accepting each other, we make our schools and communities better for everyone.

You can help too! Talk with your family and friends about autism. Ask questions, listen, and be a good friend. If you want to learn more or need support, reach out to South Dakota Parent Connection. They’re here to help families and kids. Visit www.sdparent.org or call (605) 361-3171 to get started!

Watch this powerful video that recently aired on Survivor.

Parents, Let's Hear From You

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.

What Does This Mean

Recently, an Executive Order was signed to close the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) and give education control back to the states. The DOE helps enforce the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which makes sure students with disabilities get the support they need. Right now, IDEA is still in place, but it is unclear how it will be managed without the DOE. We understand that parents have questions about how these changes will affect their child’s education, especially for those who rely on special education services. Learn how closure of the US Department of Education would impact special education.

The DOE has already laid off many workers, including staff from the Office for Civil Rights (OCR). The OCR investigates discrimination cases, including those related to students with disabilities. Some of these investigations have now been put on hold, and a lawsuit has been filed to try to restart them. Learn more about who Secretary McMahon cut at the Department of Education. Another important law, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, is also at risk. This law helps students with disabilities by ensuring they receive accommodations in school. If Section 504 is removed, children across the country could lose important support. Learn more and find out how you can advocate to protect Section 504.

South Dakota Parent Connection is here to help families through these changes. We are committed to making sure every child gets the support they need to succeed in school. We will continue to provide resources, answer questions, and update families on new developments.

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 8, 2025: Public Listening Session: This session is a collaborative initiative hosted by Disability Rights South Dakota, South Dakota Parent Connection, and Inspire Education. It's an opportunity for parents, and advocates to come together, share experiences, and discuss how we can together improve the education system to better serve children with special needs.

April 10, 2025: Kindergarten Transition Resource Fair: Come for an evening filled with resources, fun activities, and hands-on support to help your family feel confident and prepared. Stop by the South Dakota Parent Connection booth and talk to Courtney, our Outreach Specialist.

April 10 & 11, 2025: South Dakota Early Childhood Education Conference: South Dakota Head Start Association and South Dakota Association for the Education of Young Children have partnered to bring professional development to South Dakota's early childhood education professionals. This year, stop by the South Dakota Parent Connection information booth or join the presentation by our staff, Lisa Sanderson and Kris Sellers.

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.

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.