According to the Encarta North American English Dictionary, the term navigator means, “…somebody who is qualified to provide information about the route ahead…a direction-finder, route-finder, pilot, or guide.”

The purpose of the South Dakota Navigator Program is to provide individualized technical assistance, information, and support services to families and educators caring for children with special education needs.

A Navigator Program Coordinator will organize and manage these activities and oversee the “Peer Navigators” located in each of the seven Educational Services Areas (ESAs) as defined by the South Dakota Department of Education. These “Peer Navigators” are recruited from such areas as a Partners in Policymaking graduate, experienced educators, and recently retired educational administrators.