Earlier this year, SD families completed on online survey related to the impact of caregiving responsibilities on their daily activities. Emily Heumiller, an occupational therapy student at the University of South Dakota, will share insight she has gained from that survey on caregiver stress, information about her graduate project, and some basic strategies to help caregivers manage stress and improve their daily life while caring for children with disabilities. Register Here
Did you miss the What is Guardianship? session, access past Lunch and Learns here
PARENT CHILD JOURNEY TRAINING
Beginning April 4th

Parent Child Journey is an 8-session parent training program for parents who are looking for approaches to problem situations and behaviors they are experiencing at home with their child.  

Developed by Dr. Dan Shapiro, a Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician, these sessions are brought to you live online by our trained staff, so you can join in your home and have access to this online portal.

Facilitated by South Dakota Parent Connection, parents join other parents in learning how to evaluate the source of their child’s difficulties and individualize effective management strategies.

Journey Sessions begin live online via Zoom
Mondays- April 4, 11, 18, 25, May 2, 9, 16, 23

For more information on Parent Child Journey, visit http://www.parentchildjourney.com
REPAIR AFFAIR NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS- SIOUX EMPIRE

The focus of this one-day annual program is to make homes more accessible for the elderly or those with a permanent physical disability. Since 1993, volunteers have donated over 6,200 hours by working on 250+ accessibility-related projects throughout the Sioux Empire. Applications are due April 1st.
THE PENGUIN PROJECT- SIOUX FALLS

The Penguin Project developed with the intent of producing theatrical productions for children age 10 – 25 with All Abilities. What is unique about this specific design is that all roles are filled by young thespians with developmental disabilities. Each young thespian in the cast will be paired with a dedicated “peer mentor” of similar age but with different abilities. Through a four month rehearsal period to the final performances, they work side by side to bring their characters and the show to life. The Penguin Project brings to light that the challenges of a disability should not impede a young artist’s ability to engage in all of life’s experiences. Starting August 2022, The Premiere Playhouse and The Penguin Project will bring to the stage a modified yet full production of Annie Jr.

Parent Meeting: March 22nd & March 31st @ 6:30 PM at the Orpheum Theatre Center

Production Dates: August 12th – 14th, 7 PM at The Orpheum Theatre Center Mainstage Theatre, Sioux Falls
FREE UPCOMING WEBINARS

Tuesday, March 15, 6:30 PM

This workshop will help parents and others understand the role of Section 504 and Special Education when supporting a child with mental health needs who struggles with school attendance.



Wednesday, April 6,12 PM

This workshop will provide demonstrations of iPad apps that can be used with K-12 students to support social-emotional learning and skills.

OPPORTUNITY- FAMILY LEADERSHIP GROUP

The SD Family Engagement Center is recruiting members for the Family Leadership Group. The group will provide input and direction to the Early Childhood Comprehensive Systems work taking place in South Dakota.  To qualify, members must have a child under 5 or have accessed early childhood systems within the last five years. Selected members will receive a stipend for participating. APPLY TODAY!


Feel free to contact [email protected] or 605-641-6382 for more information. 
"YES I CAN" AWARDS SEEKING NOMINATIONS

The South Dakota Council for Exceptional Children presents The 4th Annual SD CEC Summer Institute: Dr. Anita Archer, Part II—All New! Wednesday-Thursday, June 8–9, 2022 from 8:30 a.m. until 12:00 noon (Central) on Zoom

The South Dakota Council for Exceptional Children is seeking nominations BY APRIL 15th, 2022 for the statewide "Yes I Can" awards event to honor and celebrate the achievements of children and youth (ages 2-22) with exceptionalities.  
 
The primary purpose of this award is to encourage individuals to seek their highest potential. The secondary goal is to increase public awareness of the abilities, aspirations, and personal qualities of those with exceptionalities.

The link to submit nominations is located here / CEC Summer Institute Flyer

Questions can be directed to Dr. Michelle Powers via email [email protected] or by phone at 605-274-4632.
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.