weConnect- January 12, 2022

OFFICES CLOSED

SDPC Offices will be closed on Monday, January 17th.

GOT INSURANCE?

GET COVERED!

Final Deadline to Enroll is this Saturday, January 15th!

Lower Premiums, More Affordable! If you have looked for health coverage before, it is worth a second look.
4 out of 5 consumers will be able to find plans for $10/month or less after newly expanded financial assistance and millions more qualify for tax incentives that lower their premiums.
These quality, comprehensive health plans offer doctor visits, emergency care, behavioral health care, preventive care, hospital care, and prescription drugs.
Free local help available to enroll in a plan
It is easier to sign up for coverage this year. All consumers shopping for health insurance coverage on HealthCare.gov — even those who currently have coverage through the Marketplace — should enroll or re-enroll by logging in to HealthCare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 (TTY is 855-889-4325) to fill out an application. The call center is open 24/7, it is free and assistance is available in over 240+ languages.

NOMINATE A SPECIAL EDUCATION STAFF

Special Education Programs would like to honor an individual who works in the Special Education field and has touched the life of a student. A parent/guardian can nominate any staff member working with students in special education including but not limited to: teachers, paraprofessionals, speech therapists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, special education directors, etc.

Due February 11th. Further information found on Nomination Form.

Nomination Form

INFLUENZA WIDESPREAD IN SOUTH DAKOTA

KEEP YOUR FAMILY SAFE

SD Department of Health is reporting that Influenza activity was at "WIDESPREAD" level during the week ending January 1, 2022. There have been 67 hospitalizations and 2 deaths so far this flu season. For clinic visits for influenza-like illness, 30% were children 4 years and younger.

Flu Information For Parents

PARENT/CAREGIVER SURVEY - IMPACT OF CAREGIVING ON DAILY ACTIVITIES

Parent/Caregiver Survey for Families with Children with Disabilities ages 6-18

Emily Heumiller, an occupational therapy student at the University of South Dakota, is collaborating with SD Parent Connection to create a program that seeks to promote and support families’ daily functioning, self-belief, and well-being through occupational therapy interventions and advocacy.

She is seeking information from parents/caregivers on the impact of their responsibilities on their own mental health, routines, community engagement, social supports, and confidence as the primary caregiver to a child (or children) with a disability.

Take Survey

TRAINING OPPORTUNITY- EARLY LITERACY FOR PROVIDERS AND FAMILIES

The South Dakota Statewide Family Engagement Center and South Dakota’s Early Childhood Enrichment Centers are providing a unique opportunity for families and providers to work together to support young children’s language and literacy skills in both home and childcare environments. A $100 stipend is available to those who complete the class, and providers who attend with a family member of a child in their care will receive an additional $25. Families and providers are encouraged to attend together, but it is open to individuals. There are in-person and virtual options.

More Info & Registration

SD HANDS & VOICES FAMILY ACTIVITY OPPORTUNITY

If you have a child who is deaf or hard of hearing, you may be interested in "Cookie Time" Camp-in-a-Box, a fun family activity for the kitchen. Please sign-up to have your free "Cookie Time" Camp-in-a-Box delivered to you for a cold winter day.

FEBRUARY LUNCH AND LEARN- VIRTUAL

Tuesday, February 8th at 12 PM CT /11 AM MT

Section 504 Plans and Diabetes

Presented by Sean Hegyi, Staff Attorney at Disability Rights South Dakota

YOUR CHILD IS NOT GIVING YOU A HARD TIME.

YOUR CHILD IS HAVING A HARD TIME.

When your child ignores, disregards, or otherwise disobeys you, punishment is an understandable consequence. It’s also not always effective. To prevent similar behavior in the future, you’ve got to dig a little deeper and change the language you use to describe your child — even in your own head. >>>Continue reading

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