April 2026

Extended School Year

Extended School Year (ESY) services are part of special education for some students with an Individualized Education Program. ESY provides support when school is not in session, such as during summer break, and helps students keep important skills and continue progress on their IEP goals.

A student may qualify for ESY if the IEP team believes the student could lose important skills during a long break from school and may need extra time to regain them. ESY may also be considered when a student is learning an important skill that requires continued practice, such as communication, behavior, or daily living skills.

The IEP team, including parents, decides if ESY is needed. The team looks at the student’s progress, past learning patterns after breaks, and individual needs. If ESY is included in the IEP, services are provided at no cost to families. Every student with an IEP must be considered for ESY each year, but not every student will need ESY.

South Dakota Parent Connection has developed a learning series to help explain the parts of an IEP. One of the sessions is dedicated to helping parents understand ESY services and why they matter. This short video shares what ESY is and who supports it, how IEP teams decide if a child qualifies, what ESY services look like, and how they are different from the school year.

If you have questions on ESY, please contact South Dakota Parent Connection (605) 361-3171 or sdpc@sdparent.org and one of our experienced Outreach Specialists can help you.

Helping Your Child Become a Stronger Reader

Families play an important role in helping children build reading skills. The Supporting Striving Readers at Home workshop from Learning Ally gives parents and caregivers helpful tools to better understand why some children struggle with reading and how to support them at home.

In this one-hour virtual session, South Dakota families and caregivers will learn how the brain learns to read, how to recognize reading challenges such as dyslexia, and simple ways to support literacy skills outside of school. The workshop also helps families build stronger communication with teachers and support staff so everyone can work together to help children succeed.

Virtual Event

Tuesday, April 14, 2026

7:00 - 8:00 pm CT / 6:00 - 7:00 pm MT

SD Parent Involvement Survey

If your child receives special education services, you have an opportunity to share your experience with your child’s school. Each year, families are invited to complete the South Dakota Parent Involvement Survey. This short survey asks about how well your school supports students with disabilities and works with families.

The survey is anonymous, so your name is not connected to your answers. Your feedback helps your school and the South Dakota Department of Education understand what is working well and where improvements may be needed. The survey only takes a few minutes to complete. All surveys must be submitted by May 31, 2026.

By sharing your thoughts, you help improve special education services for students and families across South Dakota.

Upcoming Events

Here are some learning opportunities offered by South Dakota Parent Connection or in partnership with other organizations that support South Dakota families. A complete list of events can be found on our website at www.sdparent.org or on our Facebook page.

April 9-10, 2026: South Dakota Early Childhood Education Conference: This statewide event for teachers, childcare providers, and early childhood professionals who work with young children. This conference offers learning sessions, expert speakers, and hands-on workshops focused on early learning, behavior support, inclusion, and family partnerships. It is a great opportunity to build new skills, connect with others, and find practical tools you can use right away in your program or classroom. South Dakota Parent Connection staff will have an informational booth available for the attendees to learn more about our services.

April 21, 2026: Families Together Virtual Support Group: South Dakota Parent Connection is offering this virtual statewide support group for parents and guardians of children, youth, and young adults with disabilities. This group is a safe and welcoming place to learn, share, and connect with other families who understand your journey. Registration is required.

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.