Family Life

A group of people posing for the cameraAt South Dakota Parent Connection, our vision is to be the “go-to” resource of choice for families when they need information or assistance in supporting the unique needs of their child and family. 

Helping families is at the heart of our work. Key to keeping that heart beating is an experienced staff, most often parents of children with special needs themselves, who provide caring and knowledgeable assistance to families from the very first contact, often at the time of diagnosis.

We serve families with children with all disabilities and special needs, whether emotional/behavioral, learning, physical, or mental health. No other organization in South Dakota offers such a broad range of services to families. We also work in partnership with a variety of organizations to coordinate and broaden the scope of assistance available to families.

Resources for Families

For articles and helpful tools across a variety of issues, visit our Virtual and Video Library.

For links to credible resources on specific disabilities and disorders, visit Disabilities and Disorders page.

For information on Sibshops and other supports for siblings, visit our Siblings page.

For information on statewide trainings and events, visit our Events Calendar.

For information on support groups for parents or youth, visit our Support Groups and Youth Support Groups pages.

For information on upcoming learning opportunities, parenting classes, and more, visit our Parent/Grandparents page.

Featured Resource

This 5-part, on-demand learning series helps professionals understand the transition-to-adulthood process so they can clearly explain the IEP transition plan, answer questions, and guide families and youth as they prepare for the future. Participants will learn about transition planning, assessments, services, and activities that build readiness for adulthood, and ways to support youth in developing self-advocacy skills.

Each session is practical, easy to follow, and designed to provide tools professionals can use right away. Participants who complete all training requirements will earn 1 Continuing Education contact hour.