January 2026

New Training Available

South Dakota Parent Connection is excited to share a new on-demand training for parents and professionals called “Qualifying for an IEP: A Parent’s Guide to Understanding the Special Education Evaluation Process.”

This training is designed as a short introduction to help in understanding how schools decide if a child qualifies for special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). You can watch it anytime you need it, from anywhere, and come back to it again if questions come up later.

The training explains the evaluation process step by step and helps parents and professionals know what to expect. It also shares tips on how families can ask questions, share concerns, and be active members of the IEP team.

This on-demand training is helpful for parents who are new to special education and for professionals who want a quick refresher. It fits easily into busy schedules and is available when it works best for you.

We’re here to help every step of the way.

Reading Tips

The South Dakota Department of Education – Special Education Programs has created helpful parent resources about reading to support families at home.

You may have heard your child’s teacher talk about the Science of Reading. This is not a new idea. It is based on more than 50 years of research that shows how children learn to read and the best ways to teach reading.

The Science of Reading is built on five key parts:

1. Phonemic Awareness – hearing and playing with sounds in words
2. Phonics – matching letters to sounds
3. Fluency – reading smoothly and with expression
4. Vocabulary – understanding word meanings
5. Comprehension – understanding what is read

To help families, the South Dakota Department of Education has focused on one reading skill each month. Each month, parents received simple activities they can do at home to help their child grow as a reader.

These activities are easy to use, family-friendly, and designed to help your child become a stronger and more confident reader—one step at a time.

To access the Parent Resources, click this LINK and scroll down to the bottom of the page.

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 www.sdparent.org or on our Facebook page.

February 17, 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.

March 3 & 4, 2026: 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 provides practical solutions for special education classrooms.

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.