Is Your Child Struggling at School?

As the school year moves along, you may notice your child struggling with homework, grades, behavior, friendships, or even wanting to go to school. While some challenges are part of growing and learning, ongoing struggles may be a sign that additional support is needed.

What Should Parents Watch For?

Every child is different, but some signs that your child may need extra help include:

• Difficulty keeping up with schoolwork or completing assignments
• Changes in behavior, mood, or attitude toward school
• Trouble paying attention, staying organized, or following directions
• Struggles with friendships or getting along with others
• Frequent complaints of headaches or stomachaches before school
• Avoiding school or becoming upset about attending

Where Should Parents Start?

Begin by talking with your child's teacher. Share what you are noticing at home and ask what they are seeing at school. Together, you can discuss concerns, identify your child's strengths, and explore strategies to help.

What If the Struggles Continue?

If concerns continue, your child may need additional support. Depending on their needs, this could include classroom interventions, a Section 504 Plan, or special education services through an Individualized Education Program (IEP).

A 504 Plan may provide accommodations to help a student with a disability access learning and participate in school activities. An IEP provides specially designed instruction and related services to students who qualify for special education.

If you suspect your child has a disability that affects their education, you can request a special education evaluation at any time. You do not have to wait for your child to fail or complete classroom interventions before making a request.

South Dakota Parent Connection can help you understand your options, prepare for conversations with your child's school, and explore next steps.

Explore Our Free Parent Briefs:

• Understanding Special Education Evaluation and Reevaluation
• Understanding Your Child's IEP
• Accommodations vs. Modifications: What's the Difference?

Visit our website or call (605) 361-3171 for free information and support.

Beyond the Report Card

Parent-teacher conferences are a great opportunity to learn more about how your child is doing at school. While grades and test scores are important, they don't always tell the whole story. Conferences are also a time to talk about your child's friendships, behavior, independence, and overall well-being.

Consider asking your child's teacher:

• Academic Progress: What are my child's strengths? Are there areas where they are struggling?
• Friendships: How does my child interact with classmates? Do they seem comfortable and included?
• Independence: Can my child start and finish tasks on their own? What support do they need?
• Accommodations: If my child has an IEP or 504 Plan, how are their supports being used in the classroom? Are they helping?
• Communication: What is the best way for us to stay in touch and share concerns or celebrate progress?

Working together makes a difference! Remember, you and your child's teacher are partners in their education. Share what you are noticing at home, ask questions, and work together to identify next steps. Before leaving, make sure you understand any plans discussed and when you will check in again.

A successful conference isn't just about reviewing grades. It's about building a strong home-school partnership that helps your child learn, grow, and succeed.

Have Questions? We're Here to Help!

Not sure what questions to ask or how to bring up a concern? South Dakota Parent Connection can help you prepare for conferences, understand your child's educational supports, and find ways to work together with your child's school. Our services are free, and we're just a phone call or email away!

Contact us at (605) 361-3171, email sdpc@sdparent.org, or visit www.sdparent.org.

Help Guide the Future of South Dakota Parent Connection

Interested in making a difference for South Dakota families? South Dakota Parent Connection is seeking individuals who would like to serve on our Board of Directors.

Our Board plays an important role in guiding our organization and helping us continue our mission of supporting families of children and young adults with disabilities or special health care needs. Board members bring their experiences, ideas, and perspectives to help strengthen our work and ensure we continue to meet the needs of families across South Dakota.

We welcome individuals who believe in our mission and want to make a positive difference. We especially value the voices and experiences of parents, family members, self-advocates, professionals, and community members.

Could this be a good fit for you—or someone you know? To learn more about becoming a member of our board, please contact Dr. Carla Miller, Executive Director, at cmiller@sdparent.org.

We invite you to learn more about our current Board of Directors and contact us if you are interested in exploring this opportunity. Learn more about the SDPC Board of Directors