June 13,2024

Accessibility of School Buildings

The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights have announced the release of a webinar setting out ways for school districts across the country to increase accessibility for students and teachers with disabilities in their school facilities.

The webinar, “Accessible Public Schools,” was developed by the Justice Department in consultation with the Department of Education and responds to a U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) investigation and report issued in 2020: School Districts Need Better Information to Help Improve Access for People with Disabilities. That report detailed significant accessibility barriers for students with disabilities across the country in the nation’s K-12 public school buildings and recommended the federal government provide additional resources for school districts.

Learn more by accessing their press release or the recorded webinar.

Summer Time

As we embrace the summer season, it's natural to wonder how we can make the most of it. From structured schedules to creative activities, there are plenty of ideas to keep your child engaged and motivated. Whether you're looking for ways to supplement their education or simply want to ensure they have fun while learning, there are many strategies. So, don't let the summer slip away without taking advantage of the opportunities it presents. Visit the South Dakota Parent Connection website to find more information about summer camps and activities.

Here are some other ideas for you to consider:

Summer Smiles

As we soak up the sunshine and enjoy the events of summer, it's important to schedule those much-needed dental appointments! While the kids are off from school and looking for something to do, why not make a trip to the dentist a fun and exciting adventure? Don't let dental care fall by the wayside - make it a priority this season! Below is information on programs available in South Dakota for anyone looking for assistance in paying for this important care. Visit the South Dakota Parent Connection website for more information on help paying for these and other vital services.

Delta Dental Mobile Program

The Delta Dental Mobile Program provides oral health services to children who don’t have access to dental care. The program includes two mobile dental clinic trucks that travel the state and dental hygienists and community health workers based on the state’s Native American reservations. Learn more about the program and where their mobile services are offered this summer by visiting their website.

For questions contact: Vickie Samuelson

Vickie.samuelson@deltadentalsd.com or (605) 494-2565

Sunshyne Smiles Program

The Sunshyne Smiles Program is a statewide program that helps provide orthodontic treatment to deserving South Dakota children who may not otherwise receive care. Children are accepted to the program through a referral from a general dentist. Eligibility is determined based on the severity of the child's orthodontic needs and their family's financial situation.

Eligibility:

Children are accepted to the program through a referral from a general dentist.
Parent/guardian is to complete an application.
Eligibility is determined based on the severity of the child’s orthodontic needs and their family’s financial situation.
Participating families are to contribute approximately $35 per month for their child’s orthodontic treatments for about 40 months.

For more information, visit their website or call (605) 224-9133.

Hand-Picked

At South Dakota Parent Connection, parents and professionals contact us to help answer questions they have. Here are some resources picked out by our staff to help answer some of the more commonly asked questions.

Who Says Teen Jobs Don't Come with Benefits?

Energy Drink Consumption Linked to ADHD, Depression

Upcoming Events

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

July 10 - 11, 2024 Transition Summer Institute 2024: The Transition Summer Institute provides high school special educators and directors valuable information regarding the topic of transition to adulthood for students with disabilities.

Office Hours: 9:00 - 5:00 CT

Monday - Thursday

Friday by Appointment

Call Us: (800) 640-4553

In-Person: By Appointment

Email Us: sdpc@sdparent.org

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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 the US Department of Education, HRSA, HHS, or the Federal Government.