March 19, 2025

Extended School Year

So many parents are having conversations right now about Extended School Year (ESY) services to help students with disabilities keep learning even when school is not in session. These services are extra support provided during long breaks, like summer vacation, to help students continue making progress. ESY is free for families and is meant to make sure that children do not lose important skills they learned during the school year. A student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) Team decides if ESY is needed. The team looks at things like how much help the child needs, if they might forget skills without extra learning, and how long it would take them to relearn those skills.

Each year, the IEP Team meets to decide if a child needs ESY services. These services can include extra lessons, speech therapy, physical therapy, or help with behavior. ESY can take place in different locations, such as a school, home, or another place in the community. The type and length of ESY services depend on what the child needs. Schools must offer ESY to any child who qualifies, no matter what disability they have. If a child is approved for ESY, the IEP Team decides how many weeks, days, and hours the child will receive services.

Parents are very important in the ESY decision process. They should share any helpful information about their child and ask for an IEP meeting if ESY has not been discussed. If parents do not agree with the school's decision, they have the right to ask for changes or challenge the decision. ESY decisions should be made early so there is enough time to plan for the services. Teachers who provide ESY services must be just as qualified as those who teach during the regular school year.

If you have questions about ESY or other issues, contact South Dakota Parent Connection by calling (800) 640-4553 or sending an email to sdpc@sdparent.org.

You can also learn more about ESY in these resources:

• What Parents Should Know...About Special Education in South Dakota (starting on page 61)
• Dare to Dialogue...Reach YES! (page 9-10), also available in Spanish
• What Parents Should Know...Extended School Year

Board Member Spotlight

As South Dakota Parent Connection celebrates its 40th anniversary, it’s the perfect time to highlight one of its dedicated board members, Amber Winkler. Amber’s journey with our organization is one of commitment, compassion, and personal connection. Her story is an inspiring testament to the impact one individual can have in the lives of families navigating special education and disability resources.

Amber Winkler has always been passionate about helping others. Working in Long Term Services and Supports, she has dedicated her career to assisting individuals with disabilities. Before that, she was part of the LifeScape organization, further strengthening her commitment to advocacy and support for those in need.

Amber’s connection to South Dakota Parent Connection is deeply personal. She and her husband are raising their 10-year-old daughter, who has a reading learning disability, congenital CMV, and bilateral hearing loss. As a parent, Amber understands firsthand the challenges of finding the right resources and education to support a child with special needs. South Dakota Parent Connection became a beacon of guidance for her family, and she felt a calling to give back.

Since 2018, Amber has served as Secretary and now chairs the Development Committee, helping shape programs that support families. “I wanted to give back to my community and liked that SDPC helps families find needed resources,” she says.

Amber treasures South Dakota Parent Connection’s Cookies and Cocoa event, offering sensory-friendly Santa experiences. She also values the Navigator Program, which helps bridge communication between families and schools. “I feel the Navigator program is such an important program because it helps families and schools to build communication and best support the child,” she emphasizes.

Amber’s advocacy ensures families get the support they need. As our organization celebrates 40 years, her dedication highlights the power of community in helping every child thrive. If you are interested in getting involved in this rewarding work, please contact us at sdpc@sdparent.org.

Developmental Disabilities Awareness

March is developmental disabilities awareness month. Everyone deserves to be treated with kindness and respect, no matter their abilities. People with developmental disabilities have the right to be included and given opportunities to succeed. Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month helps remind us of the importance of acceptance and equality.

Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month started in 1987 when President Ronald Reagan made an official declaration. Since then, it has helped bring people together to support inclusion, equality, and opportunity for all. This special month is all about recognizing the talents, dreams, and rights of people with developmental disabilities. It is a time to celebrate their achievements and work toward a more inclusive society where everyone is valued.

How Can You Help? You can make a difference by:

• Joining local events that support inclusion and celebrate people with developmental disabilities.
• Learning and sharing facts and stories to help others understand and respect different abilities.
• Volunteering or donating to organizations that support individuals with developmental disabilities.
• Encouraging inclusivity in schools, workplaces, and community spaces.
• Listening and learning from people with developmental disabilities to better understand their experiences.

By working together, we can build a world where everyone is embraced and given the chance to succeed! To learn more about how you can get involved visit the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities.

Upcoming Events

Here are some events hosted by South Dakota Parent Connection as well as events we will be participating in. These opportunities provide valuable information, resources, and support for families across the state. Whether we are leading a workshop or collaborating with partners, our goal is to connect families with the tools and knowledge they need. Stay updated on all upcoming events by visiting our website or following us on Facebook.

March 25, 2025: Community Health & Wellness Fair: Come visit with South Dakota Parent Connection staff and the other community vendors at this event offered by the Sioux Falls School District.

April 2 & 3, 2025: National Association of Social Workers Annual Conference: This event is the largest meeting of Social Workers in South Dakota! If you are planning to attend, don't miss our very own Lisa Sanderson's presentations and information booth.

April 10 & 11, 2025: South Dakota Early Childhood Education Conference: South Dakota Head Start Association and South Dakota Association for the Education of Young Children have partnered to bring professional development to South Dakota's early childhood education professionals. This year, stop by the South Dakota Parent Connection information booth or join the presentation by our staff, Lisa Sanderson and Kris Sellers.

April 23 & 24, 2025: Annual South Dakota Community Health Workers Conference: Join the CHWSD for a two-day conference in Mitchell to support the CHW and CHR workforce in South Dakota. South Dakota Parent Connection will be presenting a session for those in attendance as well as providing information at our booth at this conference.

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.