South Dakota Parent Connection is the Parent Training and Information Center (PTI) for the state of South Dakota. There are over 100 Parent Centers nation wide, most of which are funded through the U.S. Department of Education.

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) brings a free and appropriate public education and opportunity to children with disabilities in the United States. IDEA is a law that includes ALL children and Parent Centers help families understand how the law provides for their children with disabilities.

When the parents of children with disabilities need assistance and understanding, parent centers are a 'lifeline'. Across the United States, mothers and fathers turn to parent centers for information and assurance and for help and hope as they meet the challenges of rearing a child with special needs.

Parent Training and Information Centers serve families of children from birth through age 21with all disabilities: physical, mental, learning, emotional, and attention deficit disorders.

Parent Centers:

Help families obtain appropriate education and services for their children with disabilities.

Work to improve education results for all children.

Train and inform parents and professionals.

Resolve problems between families and schools or other agencies.

Connect children with disabilities to community resources that address their needs.

Information provided by the Technical Assistance Alliance for Parent Centers/PACER