Children & Youth
This section of the Family Resource Guide provides information related to children and youth.
Screening, Early Intervention and Educational Supports
cdc.gov (English/Spanish)
If you have a child age 5 or younger, the free Milestone Tracker app, allows you to track your child’s development in a fun and easy way offering: Interactive milestone checklists for children ages 2 months through 5 years, illustrated with photos and videos; Tips and activities to help children learn and grow; Information on when to act early and talk with a doctor or contact free early intervention resources about delays; A personalized milestone summary that can be easily shared with doctors and other care providers; Reminders for appointments and developmental screenings. Other free resources available to order include children’s books, developmental checklists, and fact sheets.
Birth to 3 Connections, SD Department of Education
doe.sd.gov
800-305-3064
Birth to Three Connections provides statewide early intervention services, at no cost, for children from birth to age three, who have a disability or a developmental delay. Services may include audiology, assistive technology, family training and counseling, home visits, health services, medical services for evaluation, nursing, nutrition, occupational therapy, physical therapy, psychological services, social work services, service coordination, special instruction, speech and language, transportation, and vision.
If you are concerned that an infant or toddler has a developmental delay, contact the Birth to 3 Connections program to request a free developmental screening.
Birth to 5, Watch Me Thrive
ed.gov
Find information, tools and resources for families and professionals that support healthy child development, addresses developmental and behavioral screening for children, and identifies where local help can be found.
Sioux Falls
605-357-1439
A statewide organization that provides evaluations, consultations, trainings, print/online resources, and other services through the Autism Spectrum Disorders, Deaf-Blind, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Services programs. Please contact for information on payment options.
parentcenterhub.org
The Center for Parent Information serves the nation as a central source of information on disabilities in infants, toddlers, children, and youth, and programs and services for children with disabilities.
doe.sd.gov
Directory includes Public School Districts, Non-Public School Systems, Tribal/BIE Schools, Cooperative / Multi-districts, Special Population Schools, Community Support Providers, State Special Schools, Alternative Programs.
doe.sd.gov
605-773-4640
Head Start programs promote school readiness by enhancing the social and cognitive development of children through education, health, nutrition, social and other services to enrolled children and families. Income guidelines apply.
usd.edu
1-800-658-3080 (Voice/TTY)
Sioux Falls
605-357-1439
Anyone can access the South Dakota LEND Developmental Clinic interdisciplinary evaluation services for a child ages 6 months to 8 years of age who they think may have a developmental concern. The evaluation is offered as a free service to provide experience for the LEND trainees and to improve the health status of children with neurodevelopment and related disabilities.
doe.sd.gov
605-773-3134
Special Education Programs promotes collaboration among parents, educators, students, community, and other agencies to ensure that all children (birth through 21 or high school graduation) with disabilities have available to them a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE).
If you suspect a child 3 to 5 years of age has a developmental delay contact your local public school district to request a free developmental screening.
South Dakota Public Schools
doe.sd.gov
Sioux Falls
605-336-7561
Vermillion
605-677-5474
USD Scottish Rite Speech, Language and Hearing Clinic serves children and adults in need of diagnostic, therapeutic and counseling services for a wide variety of communication disorders. The Speech and Hearing Clinic (children and adults) is located in Vermillion. The Children’s Clinic (birth to age 21) is located in Sioux Falls. Please contact for information on payment options.
Aberdeen
605-626-2580 (Voice/ TTY)
Services offered at no cost for children (birth through 21 or high school graduation) with vision loss who are SD residents. Services can be requested by parent/guardian, school, or other service or medical provider. SDSBVI offers direct educational services in Aberdeen and other designated locations; an optional residential program for those students better served in such an environment; a resource center for information about vision loss, educational materials, methods and equipment; consultative services to develop appropriate education programs; supplementary services, including summer programming to reinforce educational growth, provide for special skills training and assist students in understanding their vision loss and their own abilities. SDSBVI provides comprehensive multidisciplinary evaluations for blind, visually impaired and deaf/blind students statewide. Outreach Consultants provide support services to parents and school districts. Outreach Transition service is a joint effort of SDSBVI and Services to the Blind and Visually Impaired and is available to students aged 14 and older. The transition specialist works with students, parents and local school districts in developing and implementing the Individual Transition Plan. The team identifies the training and experiences students need to prepare for employment and independent living.
sddeaf.org
Sioux Falls
605-367-5200, ext 100 (Voice/TTY)
All services offered at no cost for children (birth through 21 or high school graduation) with hearing loss who are SD residents. Services can be requested by parent/guardian, school, or other service or medical provides. Services may include assignment of an Outreach Consultant to your child/family; home-based early intervention; school-based interventions; diagnostic audiological evaluations; comprehensive multi-disciplinary evaluations; orientation and services related to hearing aid, cochlear implant, FM systems, interpreters, and other technology.
Aberdeen
605-681-0709
Rapid City
605-348-0305
Sioux Falls
605-361-3171
SDPC connects families caring for children (birth to 26) with known/suspected disabilities or special health care needs to information, training, and resources to meet the needs of their child and family. The Navigator Program, a partnership with the SD Department of Education, Office of Educational Services and Supports, is an informal, time-limited, problem-solving process that parents/schools can utilize without charge when disputes arise in special education.
Vermillion
605-677-5250
Comprehensive psychological evaluations can be done to identify educational, developmental, and mental health disorders such as learning disabilities, dyslexia, ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, disruptive behavior disorders, mood and anxiety disorders, mental retardation/borderline cognitive functioning. Fees are charged on a sliding-scale based on income, counseling services are free
Recreation and Therapeutic Activities
LifeScape
lifescapesd.org
Sioux Falls
605-444-9500
Sanford Wellness Center
sanfordwellness.com
Sioux Falls
605-328-1600
bhsfl.org
Rapid City
605-341-3626
Cross-country and down-hill Ski for Light (SFL) event is held in January. Individuals with visual or mobility impairments are invited to participate. All levels of experience from the individual who has never skied to the advanced skier are welcome.
brookingscampadven.wixsite.com
Brookings
605-770-4035
A barrier-free day camp experience located in Brookings, South Dakota for individuals with special needs.
campfriendshipsd.org
Black Hills
605-716-1885
Black Hills camps for individuals with physical and developmental disabilities. Registration opens in April.
dakotaspirit.com
Sioux Falls
605-373-0414
Offering a positive experience through cheerleading for child to young adult athletes with special abilities. Spring, fall and winter sessions.
greatbearpark.com
Sioux Falls
605-367-4309
Great Bear Adaptive Ski Program (GBASP) provides people with special needs the opportunity to enjoy downhill snow skiing in a safe and fun learning environment.
losd.org
Watertown
605-886-4622
A barrier free camp and retreat center with an 1880s theme located north of Watertown. Camps are scheduled throughout the summer for children, families, and adults. People of all disabilities are welcome to participate in all programs at Joy Ranch.
justjymnastics.com
Rapid City
605-341-5914
Offers traditional gymnastics classes and classes for students with different physical or cognitive abilities or emotional needs.
Aberdeen
605-681-0709
Rapid City
605-348-0305
Sioux Falls
605-361-3171
SDPC connects families caring for children (birth to 26) with known/suspected disabilities or special health care needs to information, training and resources to meet the needs of their child and family. The Navigator Program, a partnership with the SD Department of Education, Office of Educational Services and Supports, is an informal, time-limited, problem solving process that parents/schools can utilize without charge when disputes arise in special education.
siouxempirebaseball.org
Sioux Falls
605-336-3462
Youth Division for players ages 5-18 with special needs. Adult Division is for players ages 18 and older with special needs. Click “Miracle League” on left menu.
facebook.com/PDR-Youth-Deer-Hunt
Clark
605-233-0331
PDR Youth Hunt is for physically challenged, including wheelchair enabled youths, ages 12-18, and provides a carefree weekend where friends and memories are made. There is no cost for eligible participants; meals, lodging and a variety of activities are included.
gfp.sd.gov
Pierre
605-773-3391
SDGF&P strives to accommodate the needs of people of all abilities by providing greater accessibility to facilities and programs for persons with disabilities.
Sioux Falls
605-331-4117
SD Special Olympics provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.
Therapeutic Riding Programs
helpingwithhorsepower.com
Mitchell
605-770-2867
Helping with Horsepower at Reclamation-Ranch is to design and implement programs that Empower, Encourage, and Inspire. By building a community of individuals born or diagnosed with limitations, we create opportunities for purpose, wellbeing, and growth.
losd.org
Watertown
605-886-4622
A barrier free camp retreat. Project of Lutheran Outdoors of South Dakota.
horsepowersd.com
Sioux Falls
605-251-1685
Provide therapeutic horsemanship programs for people of all ages with physical, emotional, and cognitive disabilities in the Sioux Falls regional area in the form of hippotherapy, therapeutic riding, and ground work.
spursaberdeen.org
Aberdeen
605-226-1099
SPURS serves children and adults with a wide range of special needs, such as cerebral palsy, developmental delays, sensory integration disorder, learning disabilities, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, visual impairment, mental health issues and behavior challenges.
facebook.com/BROOKINGSAREASTARS
Brookings
605-696-5221
A recreational, therapeutic horsemanship program for persons with disabilities ages six and older in Brookings and the surrounding community.
suncatchertra.org
Rapid City
605-673-2935
Provide equine-assisted therapeutic horsemanship, guided by experienced instructors, that empowers people with disabilities to flourish and thrive.
store.usgs.gov
The Access Pass is a free, lifetime pass available to U.S. citizens medically determined to have a permanent disability. Provides access to more than 2,000 recreation sites managed by five Federal agencies. At many sites the Access Pass provides the pass owner with a discount on fees such as camping, swimming, boat launching, and guided tours.
