August 28, 2024

Back To School

As the new school year begins, many parents are preparing their children for a successful return to the classroom. For parents of children with special needs, this preparation often includes navigating the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process to ensure their child receives the support they need.

The IEP is a critical tool designed to provide tailored educational support for children with disabilities. It outlines specific goals, services, and accommodations that will help your child succeed in school. As a parent, you play a vital role in developing and maintaining your child's IEP, working closely with educators and specialists to advocate for your child's needs.

Here are some essential resources to help you through this process:

• What Parents Should Know...About Special Education in South Dakota: This guide provides an overview of special education services in South Dakota, including your rights and responsibilities as a parent.
• Sample Letter Request for an Evaluation: If you believe your child may need special education services, this sample letter can help you formally request an evaluation from your child's school.
• Checklist for an Evaluation Request: This checklist will ensure that you include all necessary information when requesting an evaluation, making the process smoother and more efficient.
• Understanding School Testing and Test Scores: This resource helps you interpret your child's test scores and assessments, which are crucial in developing an effective IEP.

If you have questions or need assistance with the IEP process, don't hesitate to contact South Dakota Parent Connection. One of our experienced Outreach Specialists can provide individualized support, helping you navigate the special education system and ensuring your child receives the services they need. By utilizing these resources and seeking guidance, you can confidently support your child’s educational journey, making this school year a successful one.

Family Fun

As you are planning your fall activities, please save the date for the Aberdeen Area Community Resource Fair hosted by South Dakota Parent Connection in partnership with the Aberdeen Police Department. We have several Aberdeen area community service providers and informational booths for you to visit to answer questions and provide information and resources.

We have lots of fun planned so bring the entire family to enjoy the fun activities and learn about information about programs and services available to assist you.

Why You Should Go:

Family Fun! Bring the whole family and enjoy all the fun activities planned.

• games
• face painting
• balloon twisting
• bike rodeo with the Aberdeen Police Department
• live music by Better Ride

Learn more about services and supports from organizations dedicated to supporting Aberdeen area families

Explore vehicles on display from Aberdeen Police and Fire Departments, and SD Game, Fish, & Parks

See large construction machinery

Check car seat safety checks (10:00-12:00 in Central Park)

Walk over and take in the Fallout Art & Music Festival (10:00 – 3:00 in Central Park)

Prizes and more . . .

Providing Family Experiences

Families and future professionals in the USD LEND (interdisciplinary leadership program) will be matched to share in some of the lived experiences of families, expanding and elevating the perspective of these future providers from September 2024 through April 2025. Dozens of families have served in these rewarding roles over the years. You are invited to join this effort!

If you are a parent of a child with a neurodevelopmental disability* AND live in southeastern South Dakota (Brookings, Sioux Falls, Beresford, Yankton, Vermillion, Dakota Dunes, and surrounding communities) you can impact future medical and service professionals by helping them experience and understand the family perspective.

If you are interested in participating, please complete this short form and South Dakota Parent Connection will follow up with you. Confidentiality/privacy of family information will be honored. Participating families are free to opt out at any time.

If you have any questions, please contact Lisa Sanderson at lsanderson@sdparent.org or call (800) 640-4553.

*Developmental disabilities are a wide group of conditions due to an impairment in physical, learning, language, or behavior areas. These conditions begin during the developmental period, may impact day-to-day functioning, and usually last throughout a person’s lifetime. Specific conditions include (but are not limited to ) ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, Fragile X Syndrome, Hearing Loss, Kernicterus, Muscular Dystrophy, Tourette Syndrome, and Vision Impairment.

Learn More

At South Dakota Parent Connection, we’re committed to providing the support and information you are asking for. We’ve gathered some of the most frequently asked questions from parents and professionals to create this list of resources. Below, you’ll find links to articles, webinars, and services that address the key concerns and emerging topics.

• It's About Time! Planning, Prioritizing, and Time-Management Solutions for Students webinar
• Family Engagement Global webinar
• Proactive and Reactive Strategies for Managing Students’ Emotional Dysregulation in Class webinar

Upcoming Events

Here are some educational opportunities offered by South Dakota Parent Connection and other organizations to help support South Dakota families. A complete list of events can be found on our website at ww.sdparent.org or Facebook page.

August 30, 2024: Kids Night at the Canaries: Come join South Dakota Parent Connection for a night of baseball. Our staff and Board members will be there to kick off our 40th year of serving individuals with disabilities and their families. Young fans can look forward to a night of thrilling baseball, and after the game, everyone can gather to enjoy a spectacular fireworks display. Hope to see you there!

September 7, 2024: Aberdeen Area Community Resource Fair: Save the date for this event hosted by South Dakota Parent Connection in partnership with the Aberdeen Police Department. Come enjoy the activities planned and visit with local community service providers and informational booths.

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.