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Online Training

South Dakota Parent Connection hosts a variety of online training opportunities for families and professionals each year. The trainings are offered through webinars, our Lunch and Learn Sessions, and other training opportunities.

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Lunch & Learn Education Sessions

Recorded Lunch and Learn Sessions

Please note: Completing a brief registration survey will allow you to watch each webinar. There is no cost to view the webinars.

Oceans of Possibilities...for Summer Learning

Oceans of Possibilities…for Summer Learning

Join our discussion with librarians from across the state to learn about programs to keep children and youth learning when school is not in session. Guest presenters will include local librarians Sarah Overvagg, Watertown and Shayna Monnens, Spearfish; and Laura Kelly, Children and Youth Services Coordinator with the South Dakota State Library in Pierre. 

Presentation Slides Resource List

Supporting Caregivers of Children with Disabilities:  Stress, Mental Health and Coping Strategies

Supporting Caregivers of Children with Disabilities:  Stress, Mental Health and Coping Strategies

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.

What is Guardianship?

What is Guardianship?

Disability Rights South Dakota Legal Director, Brandy Rhead and SD Parent Connection staff, Lisa Merchen, discuss guardianship and guardian alternatives.

Brandy and Lisa address common timelines, questions, concerns and terms about guardianship and guardianship alternatives for your child with a disability.

Section 504 Plans and Diabetes

Section 504 Plans and Diabetes
Staff Attorney from Disability Rights South Dakota discusses Section 504 Plans and Diabetes.

An Introduction to Teachwell Solutions Co-op

An Introduction to Teachwell Solutions Co-op

Teachwell Solutions is a community service organization created by South Dakota public schools. Join our session to learn about Teachwell s 30-year history and hear about the fresh ideas were rolling out to support students in post-pandemic learning environments. Well focus specifically on supporting students with behavior challenges and helping high school students with disabilities prepare for life after high school. This is your time, so we’ll be sure to leave plenty of room for you to ask questions, give suggestions and find out more!  Presenters: Joan Frevik, Julie Large, Tyler Anderson and Terri Jensen, Teachwell Solutions

NEW Guide - When Behavior is a Concern in the School Setting

NEW Guide – When Behavior is a Concern in the School Setting

Join Disability Rights SD for a discussion and review of their new, collaboratively developed Guide to help address behaviors that occur at school. Presenters: John Hamilton and Sean Hegyi, DRSD.

Communication, AAC and the IEP

Communication, AAC and the IEP

This session will discuss common IEP concerns that arise when children rely on AAC to communicate, procedural safeguards (parent rights) within special education to ensure students receive a free and appropriate public education, and strategies to include individualized educational services and supports within the IEP that are necessary for authentic and meaningful communication between students, peers, teachers, and others. Presenters: Dr. Elizabeth Hanson, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, Associate Professor, Dept. of Communication Sciences Disorders, University of South Dakota; Theresa Baldry, parent of an accomplished AAC user, Project Coordinator for Transition and Employment Projects Montana Deaf-Blind Projects, Rural Institute For Inclusive Communities, University of Montana; and Lisa Sanderson, Family to Family Health Information Center Project Director, South Dakota Parent Connection.

Communication Resources / ECHO AAC Family Flyer / Presentation Slides

Vocational Rehabilitation (VR):Transition in Action

Vocational Rehabilitation (VR):Transition in Action
Vocational Rehabilitation Program offered by the Divisions of Rehabilitation Services and Service to the Blind and Visually Impaired work with South Dakota’s transition-age students with disabilities to assist them in transitioning from school to work. This session will focus on many of the services provided to those students and the collaborative relationship VR has with local school districts, employers, parents and students to achieve their career goals. Presenters Katie Gran, Transition Specialist, Division of Rehabilitation Services and Ronda Williams, Assistant Director, Service to the Blind Visually Impaired. Presentation Handouts

Assistive Technology Tips to Help Level the Playing Field

Assistive Technology Tips to Help Level the Playing Field
This presentation is an overview of Assistive Technology and how to integrate various tools to increase independence in the areas of communication, reading and writing. Several tips on how to utilize/adapt materials to provide increased accessibility options will be shared. Presented by: Terri Noldner, MA CCC-SLP, Assistive Technology Coordinator at Teachwell

Telehealth: Stories from the Field

Telehealth: Stories from the Field
During this pandemic, telehealth has been more than just convenient its been a necessity.Looking ahead, telehealth will likely remain a viable, even preferred, option for some families when seeking medical care, mental health care, and therapeutic services when those services can effectively be received at a distance. Presenters Dr. Carolyn Kippes, Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Sanford Children’s Specialty Clinic; Robyn Shores Foster,CSW-PIP,Burroughs Counseling;Vanessa Anderson-Smith MA CCC-SLP COM Owner/Speech-Language Pathologist, Certified Orofacial Myologist; and parent Amber Finnesand share their telehealth experiences, successes, and tips on how families can make the most of telehealth or teletherapy visits.

Preparing For A Successful Telehealth Visit

Preparing For A Successful Telehealth Visit
Whether a video visit with the doctor or a remote therapy session, join us to learn tips and tools that will help your family be successful receiving services at a distance. Presented by Lisa Sanderson, Family to Family Health Information Center Coordinator, CDC’s Act Early Ambassador to South Dakota.
Presentation Slides
Preparing for a Successful Telehealth Visit
I Can’t Do My Telemedicine Visit Because My Child Won’t Participate
I Can’t Do My Telemedicine Visit Because I Can’t Find A Private or Quiet Place For My Appointment
I Can’t Do My Telemedicine Visit Because My Insurance Doesn’t Cover Telemedicine

Available for viewing at any time. Training categories include:
Behavior Interventions / Strategies ::Education / School Issue ::Legal / Life Planning ::Parenting Topics

In Person Training

Accessing Services and Supports

Families with children with special needs interact with a wider array of service systems and providers, and experience greater financial burdens, than most families. This session will provide information on resources available to families, strategies for understanding and accessing programs, and where families can find individualized assistance in their state to assure they are connected to all existing resources and supports. Early intervention, special education, private and public insurance, state and federal financial resources, parent and family support and training are covered.

ADHD - "Mom, I Forgot"

How many times have we heard that line? This session offers tips for both parents and the teachers who nurture our children with ADD/ADHD.

Autism 101

This session describes the basics of autism and includes pointers for parents of a child newly diagnosed and providers who have limited knowledge of autism.

Building Parent Professional Partnerships:
Parent-Professional partnerships enhance healthy development and learning for each individual child. While not always easy, especially when there is disagreement about the best thing to do, partners work together to find answers and reach a common goal. The strategies shared in this session can be utilized in many situations that parents encounter when working with a variety of professionals serving their children.

CA&N for Mandatory Reporters

Understand the types of child maltreatment and recognize the warning signs of abuse so you can support families, prevent child abuse, and help children grow up safe. This workshop is free to all mandatory reporters.

Disability Awareness

At times, the biggest barrier people with disabilities (and their families) encounter is other people. Individuals with disabilities are our nations largest minority group. This session will focus on People First Language and Basic Social Etiquette & Communication Tips when interacting with individuals with disabilities.

Families Planning Together

Workshops for families who have a son or daughter or family member with a disability. These workshops are led by family members who are facilitators. Participants will develop a One-page Introduction for the family member, which is a great way to help others (teachers, therapists, doctors, support staff and others); learn tools that will help plan and problem solve with and for family members; learn ways to communicate effectively with school personnel, providers and others; and help others see beyond the disability. Hosted by SDPC through a grant from the SD Council on Developmental Disabilities.

Getting and Keeping the First Job

Many families may wonder if their son or daughter can or will be employed. The goal of this session is to help families, caregivers, and professionals understand the realities of todays work world so they can help youth with disabilities earn competitive employment.

Hey, What About Me? Siblings of Children with Special Needs

Brothers and sisters of a child with a disability have unique needs that impact their ability to develop socially, emotionally, developmentally, and physically. This session addresses how parents and caregivers can recognize and respond to the distinct needs of siblings.

IEPs & 504 Plans - In Your Child's Best Interest

This session walks participants through the basic steps of developing an IEP and a 504 plan and explains the importance of the parent’s role in the process.

Red Flags and Warning Signs

This session explores normal early development that parents and those working with young children should be aware of for early identification and early intervention of developmental concerns.

Rights, Responsibilities & Resources

Parents (and those who work with their children) need information about the rights and responsibilities built into special education laws. This session provides information about the procedural safeguards in special education laws, parent and school responsibilities for implementation, and resources to assist in helping children with disabilities succeed.

Stress - the Silent Family Member

All families have stress but when you have a child with a disability the stressors are different / increased. This session identifies the extra stressors families may have and ideas for dealing with the stress.

What Parents Need to Know About Puberty and Adolescence

Discussing issues of puberty and sexuality are often uncomfortable for parents and youth. This session will help parents plan how they want to prepare youth for the changes of puberty and adolescence.

Working for Change--Using the Power of a Personal Story

The goal of this session is to empower parents to become effective system change agents. Key topics covered are: what systems advocacy is, how to influence a system, who can be influenced, and how to craft a personal story tied to an issue that is of concern

Behavior

Social-Emotional Wellness for Children During COVID-19

Social-Emotional Wellness for Children During COVID-19
In addition to keeping children physically safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is also important to pay close attention to their social and emotional health and wellbeing. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) currently reports that while children appear to be at lower risk for contracting COVID-19, they are far more vulnerable to the emotional impact of traumatic events and adverse experiences. This webinar is designed to provide information on supporting and protecting children’s social and emotional well-being as this public health crisis unfolds. Presented by Tova Eggerstedt, MS, Ed.S., Training Specialist, Center for Disabilities. Instructor, Department of Pediatrics and Adjunct Graduate Faculty, Curriculum & Instruction at University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine.
Presentation Handouts

AFIRM: Autism Focused Intervention Resources and Modules

AFIRM: Autism Focused Intervention Resources and Modules
For educators or families, this intervention replaces interfering behaviors with more appropriate and effective communicative behavior. The FCT module will take approximately 1.5 to 2 hours to complete. However, the module is broken into individual lessons to help guide learning. They also offer additional free online trainings at afirm.fpg.unc.edu

Webinars from ADDitudemag.com

Webinars from ADDitudemag.com
On demand webinars with topics related to school and students with ADHD, learning disabilities, and other co-occurring conditions.

Understanding Red Flags of Concern For Your Child

Understanding Red Flags of Concern For Your Child
Not all expressions of behavior are typical. At certain ages, children should be able to use better ways of expressing their wants and needs. But, what if they’re not? In this session participants will…

  • Learn how to recognize red flags that might be indicating their child is struggling with his/her social development
  • Learn who they can reach out to, how and what to expect when they consult with professionals about their concerns
  • Discuss strategies for working with their child at home and in public when challenges arise

Education / School

a young boy writing on a book with a pencil.
Assistive Technology Tips to Help Level the Playing Field

Assistive Technology Tips to Help Level the Playing Field
This presentation is an overview of Assistive Technology and how to integrate various tools to increase independence in the areas of communication, reading and writing. Several tips on how to utilize/adapt materials to provide increased accessibility options will be shared. Presented by: Terri Noldner, MA CCC-SLP, Assistive Technology Coordinator at Teachwell

What Should I Expect If My Child Is In A Multi-Tiered System of Support School?

What Should I Expect If My Child Is In A Multi-Tiered System of Support School?
What is meant by MTSS?What does the school mean when they say my child is in tier 2? How is an MTSS school different from a school not doing MTSS? Is my child still receiving the best education possible? As a parent, you may have many questions about the education and behavior supports your child is receiving in an MTSS school. This session will talk about how MTSS is structured to ensure all students are receiving the level of support they need based on data and how this system ensures students receive this support in a timely manner. Presented by Rebecca Cain and Brandi Gerry, SD Department of Education, Special Education Programs.
Presentation Handouts

School's In Session. How's It Going? A Conversation With Special Education Directors

School’s In Session. How’s It Going? A Conversation With Special Education Directors
As students begin another school year, many teams are addressing and navigating special education issues. Now more than ever, communication between school and home is essential. Join a facilitated conversation with Valerie Johnson, CORE Educational Cooperative CEO, Brenda Stover, Director of Special Service and SD CASE President, and Carla Miller, SD Parent Connection Executive Director to discuss: how special education services are being provided, successes students and schools are experiencing, on-going concerns families and schools are facing, ways teams are working together to address these concerns, and advice for how parents can work with their child’s IEP Team.

Starting Well 2020: Special Education Considerations

Starting Well 2020: Special Education Considerations
State Special Ed Director, Linda Turner, will visit with families about guidance for schools and families on specific considerations for students with disabilities as we prepare to begin the new school year. This will include discussion of what IEP teams may want to discuss at the start of the year and the difference between school in the home due to flex learning, homebound, and homeschool. There will be an opportunity to ask questions and provide input on what resources would be helpful for families.
Presentation Handouts

My Child Is Being Bullied at School!

My Child Is Being Bullied at School!
Children with ADHD, among other students, are often prime targets for school bullies in class, at lunch, and during recess. They may draw a bully’s attention by receiving classroom accommodations, exhibiting weak social skills, or just being “different.” Kids who are bullied often come to dread going to school; they also suffer low self-esteem, grades, and academic performance. Michele Borba, Ed.D. provides serious strategies for protecting students from bullies.

Webinars from ADDitudeMag.org

Webinars from ADDitudeMag.org
On demand webinars with topics related to school and students with ADHD, learning disabilities, and other co-occurring conditions.

Read to Succeed

Read to Succeed
Through the SPDG Grant, the South Dakota Department of Education in partnership with SD Parent Connection, SD Statewide Family Engagement Center, and Dakota State University have developed a four-part training series of parent development modules centered around supporting children’s reading development at home and the big five areas of literacy (Phonemic Awareness, Phonics, Fluency, Vocabulary and Comprehension).

Understanding How Children Learn To Read

Understanding How Children Learn To Read
Students learn best when schools and parents work together. There are key areas schools work on as they help children learn to read. In this session, parents will learn about these areas and how they can work on reading at home with their child. In this session you will learn the 5 instructional areas for reading in school and review activities and resources you can use at home to work with your child.

Understanding Reading Challenges

Understanding Reading Challenges
Struggling to read affects all aspects of learning at school. Therefore, it is important that students who require support to read are identified early and successful strategies put in place to help.

My Child Has Dyslexia. What Now?

My Child Has Dyslexia. What Now?
Sometimes students receive a diagnosis of Dyslexia from a doctor or specialist in the community. While schools in South Dakota don’t formally diagnose Dyslexia, they still provide services and supports for students who struggle to read because of it. In this session participants will learn about the difference between a diagnosis of Dyslexia and a determination of a Reading Disability by their local school district. Participants will also learn how to address concerns by asking key questions when meeting with their school team.

Addressing Transitions and Graduation

Addressing Transitions and Graduation
There are times throughout a student’s life where key transitions occur, from the first day of school and beyond. This session discusses the importance of preparing students for transitions they will face.

In this session, participants will:

  • Discuss the importance of planning for transitions
  • Review key transition that occur including:
  • Readiness for school entry at kindergarten
  • The importance of preparing for middle school
  • Important considerations for planning for graduation
  • Transition to post-secondary or work
  • Considerations for if a student has been served through an IEP or 504 plan will be discussed
Strengthening Relationships and Communication

Strengthening Relationships and Communication

Learn some tips and understand the importance of communication and building relationships with your child’s IEP Team. Suggestions on resolving conflicts are included in this video.

ESSA / IDEA

ESSA / IDEA

This video will help explain ESSA stands for Every Student Succeeds Act while IDEA is the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. When schools talk about their school report card and send out information about testing at different grade levels, they are following up with requirements under ESSA. For students who are receiving special education services and supports, IDEA defines the roles of schools and the rights of families. 

IEP / 504 Plans​

Back to School or Not? Understanding Your Options

Back to School or Not? Understanding Your Options On demand webinar from National Down Syndrome Congress. Focuses on helping parents understand the legal implications of different options, including in-person learning, digital learning, homeschooling, and homebound/home instruction providing ideas on how to maintain certain IDEA rights while maximizing flexibility.

Special Education During the COVID-19 Pandemic  

Special Education During the COVID-19 Pandemic  On demand webinar (2 hour). Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge conducts a Town Hall style event with special ed attorneys to answer parents’ questions: 1)  What is the Federal Law During the COVID-19 Quarantine? 2) What is Compensatory Education? 3) How Can Parents Advocate for their Child Right Now? 4) Importance of Data Points: Evaluations and Collecting Data

Understanding 504's and Individualized Education Plans

Understanding 504’s and Individualized Education Plans
In this session, participants will understand the different between services and supports under IDEA through an Individual Education Plan or under Section 504 through a 504 plan.

Understanding Accommodations and Modifications

Understanding Accommodations and Modifications
It is important for parents and professionals to understand how accommodations and modifications support learners either through an Individual Education Plan or a 504 plan. Decisions made regarding the use of accommodations and modifications may impact students later such as when planning for graduation. In this session, participants will:

Understand the difference between an accommodation and a modification
Review common accommodations and modifications that are used to support learners in school

Legal / Life Planning

ABLE Act - Another Tool in the Toolbox

ABLE Act – Another Tool in the Toolbox
ABLE programs allow people with disabilities to save money without losing their benefits. Attorney and disability rights advocate Stephen Dale.

Special Needs Trusts Basics

Featured Resource

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Take advantage of our most recent publication “Preparing For The Future… Understanding Guardianship and Alternatives”

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