Navigator Program

The Navigator Program provides individualized guidance to parents who suspect or have a child with a disability, and school professionals, at no cost. The program is a partnership between the South Dakota Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs and South Dakota Parent Connection.

Navigators remain objective and neutral as they help both parents and school personnel to:

Locate and utilize information and resources
Improve family-school communication
Understand the special education process
Build (re-build) partnerships
Reach or make progress towards agreement

Peer Navigator Consultants are located around the state and have expertise in issues related to special education, disability, special health care needs, communication strategies and conflict resolution.

Working with a Navigator is an informal, time-limited, problem-solving process and does not restrict a parent's rights to use formal processes such as the help of an advocate, filing a complaint, requesting a facilitator or mediator assigned by the state, or filing for a due process hearing.

Building Bridges

"SDPC helped guide us through the IEP process and other school-related challenges. We have had professional, resourceful Navigator representatives that encourages each side of the parent/school relationship to be honest, open and productive."

Parent

"We have been very pleased with how we work together as a team. It's been a win/win situation. We love the Navigator. Thank you for your dedication, patience and knowledge while working with the team to meet the needs of the student."

School Representative

Links to Resources

Contact Us

South Dakota Parent Connection
sdpc@sdparent.org
1-800-640-4553

About

Navigator Program