December 22, 2024

Help Us Help You

At South Dakota Parent Connection we believe that your experiences and insights are invaluable, and we warmly invite you to share your thoughts with us. Your feedback on our current services not only helps us understand their effectiveness but also guides us in enhancing our support and advocacy efforts. By coming together to share our perspectives, we foster a vibrant community where every family's voice resonates and is genuinely respected. We deeply appreciate your participation in this journey, as your contributions are vital in building a stronger advocacy network that champions the needs of all families.

We are looking for input from parents and caregivers as well as the professionals and providers who support families in South Dakota. Please click on the appropriate button below to access the survey. Thank you for being an essential part of our mission at South Dakota Parent Connection!

Transition Support Series

South Dakota Parent Connection is excited to announce the return of its highly anticipated information series, designed specifically for educators teaching middle or high school transition-age youth.

This 5-part series aims to deepen educators' understanding of the transition process, equipping them with valuable tools and strategies to better support their students’ journey to adulthood. Beyond gaining new insights, participants will have the unique opportunity to collaborate and exchange ideas with fellow educators from across the state, fostering a community dedicated to student success.

If you’re passionate about enhancing your expertise in this critical area, we invite you to join us and be a part of this enriching experience! Registration is now open and limited so don't wait.

Upcoming Events

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

February 22, 2024: Helping Youth & Families Navigate the Transition Process: South Dakota Parent Connection has partnered with South Dakota Statewide Family Engagement Center to offer an information series intended for educators who are teaching middle or high school transition-age youth who are looking to strengthen their understanding of the transition process and collaborate with fellow teachers across the state.

March 19, 2025: South Dakota Special Education Conference: The annual Special Education Conference provides a unique experience to gather with South Dakota educators, related service providers, and parents. This in-person event allows participants to learn about evidence-based innovations, and educational trends leading toward best practices, and provide practical solutions for special education classrooms.

June 6 -7, 2024: Lighting The Way Conference and Walk: Exciting News! The Lighting the Way Conference is back and will be Friday, June 6, 2025, on Augustana University's campus. This year will highlight a new 1-day format on Friday, and the Autism Walk on Saturday, June 7, 2025. More details available soon. Please plan to join us for both the conference and the walk.

June 8 - 12, 2025: Youth Leadership Forum: Youth Leadership Forum (YLF) is a five-day leadership training and career awareness program for high school students with disabilities. It provides training in leadership, self -advocacy skills, and career awareness. Approximately 45 students throughout South Dakota are selected each year. 

August 5, 2025: Early Intervention Conference: This annual conference is hosted by the South Dakota Department of Education, South Dakota Birth to Three and will be held at Mitchell Technical Institute in Mitchell, SD. Website is coming soon, registration opens December 1.

August 26 - 27, 2025: South Dakota Conference on Developmental Disabilities: Celebrating strengths, inspiring change! The conference is open to all and intended for people with disabilities, family members, professionals in the field of developmental disabilities (healthcare, education, mental health), state, community, and agency providers.

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.