Special Services

Dakota Valley’s Special Education Department created a Chapter of the Best Buddies International Program during the 2024-25 School Year. Best Buddies is a non-profit organization focused on creating opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The organization aims to foster inclusion and reduce social, physical, and economic isolation experienced by individuals with IDD. 

The primary focus of the DV Program is the one-to-one friendship development. High school students without an intellectual disability are paired with a student who has an intellectual disability to offer social interaction and a chance to build meaningful connections. Activities such as attending school sponsored activities (football games, dances, etc.) are specifically designed to provide opportunities for the Buddy pairs to participate together.

The group is sponsored by Dakota Valley Special Education Staff, along with the Student Board for the Best Buddy Local Chapter. If you would like additional information about our chapter, please contact the Special Services Director at 605-422-3800.

Dakota Valley 2025-26 Comprehensive Plan for Special Education

Panther Academy

Post-12th Grade Transition Program: Supporting Student Growth Until Age 21

Dakota Valley School District is excited to offer a specialized Post-12th Grade Transition Program for students who have completed high school but will remain in our educational community until the age of 21. This program is designed to bridge the gap between high school graduation and adult independence, providing meaningful opportunities for continued learning, skill-building, and personal development.

Who is this program for?
Students who have finished 12th grade but continue to qualify for educational services are eligible. This includes individuals with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or other support needs that benefit from extended transition planning and support.

What does the program offer?

• Life Skills Training: Daily living, personal finance, communication, and health/wellness
• Job Readiness & Vocational Skills: Resume building, interview practice, workplace behavior, internships, and job site experiences
• Community Integration: Travel training, accessing public resources, and community-based instruction
• Social & Emotional Growth: Support in building relationships, self-advocacy, and confidence in real-world settings

Our goal is to help students build independence, confidence, and a clear path toward their next steps—whether that’s employment, further education, or supported living.

If you’re a parent, student, or educator looking for more information, please contact the Special Services Director at 605-422-3800.

R.I.S.E. (Reaching Independence through Support and Education)

At Dakota Valley, we are committed to creating an inclusive, supportive, and empowering environment for all learners. Our Special Education Program for Students with Cognitive Disabilities is thoughtfully designed to meet the unique needs of students through individualized instruction, structured routines, and a strong focus on personal growth and life readiness.

Program Overview

Our program serves students who have been identified with a cognitive disability and benefit from specialized supports and a modified curriculum. We focus on building academic skills, communication, functional life skills, and social-emotional development in a safe, respectful setting. Curriculum includes both Unique Learning Systems and ARIS- Stages Learning for both core content and supplemental supports.

We offer two dedicated classrooms to best meet the developmental and academic needs of our students:

Grades 4–8 Classroom

This classroom provides a nurturing and structured learning environment tailored for upper elementary and middle school students. Instruction is individualized and paced according to each student's learning profile. Emphasis is placed on:

• Functional academics (reading, math, and writing)
• Social skills and peer interactions
• Communication development
• Daily living skills

Grades 9–12 Classroom

As students move into high school, the focus shifts to preparing them for life beyond graduation. In this classroom, we continue to support academic growth while integrating vocational training and real-world learning. Areas of focus include:

• Transition planning and pre-vocational skills
• Independent living skills
• Community-based instruction
• Functional literacy and numeracy
• Self-advocacy and communication

 

Our Approach

Our program uses a team-based model, including special education teachers, paraprofessionals, related service providers (such as speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, and social workers), and families. Together, we support each student's Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals and celebrate their progress at every step.

We believe every student has the potential to thrive when given the right supports and opportunities.

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Interested in learning more?
We welcome families, caregivers, and educators to reach out to us for more information or to schedule a visit. Please contact the Special Services Director at 605-422-3800.

A 504 Plan is a formal plan developed by a U.S. public school to provide accommodations and support to a student with a disability, ensuring equal access to education under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Here's a summary tailored for an individual school district:

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📘 504 Plan Summary for Dakota Valley School District

🔹 Purpose of a 504 Plan

A 504 Plan ensures that students with disabilities receive accommodations that allow them to participate fully in school programs and activities, just like their peers without disabilities. It applies to any student with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities (e.g., learning, walking, concentrating).

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🔹 Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, a student must:

• Have a documented physical or mental impairment.
• The impairment must substantially limit a major life activity.
• The impairment does not have to affect academic performance directly to qualify.

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🔹 Key Components of the 504 Plan

• Student's disability and impact on education
• Specific accommodations, supports, or services (e.g., extended time on tests, preferential seating, behavior plans)
• Names of staff responsible for implementation
• Review schedule (typically annually)

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🔹 Examples of Accommodations

• Extended time on tests or assignments
• Preferential seating
• Use of assistive technology
• Behavior intervention strategies
• Modified homework load
• Access to school nurse or counseling services

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🔹 504 Plan Process in Dakota Valley School District

1. Referral: A parent, teacher, or staff member can request a 504 evaluation.
2. Evaluation: A team reviews academic, medical, and behavioral data.
3. Eligibility Meeting: If eligible, a 504 Plan is created collaboratively.
4. Implementation: The plan is shared with relevant staff and put into action.
5. Review and Updates: Plans are reviewed at least annually or upon request.

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🔹 Parent/Guardian Rights

• Right to participate in meetings
• Right to receive notice of evaluations and decisions
• Right to file grievances or request mediation/hearing if disagreements arise

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🔹 Contact Information

For questions about 504 Plans, contact:

• District 504 Coordinator: 

Special Services Director @ 605-422-3800

• 504 Building Case Managers:
  • Dakota Valley Elementary School:

Building Principal at 605-422-3840

• • Dakota Valley Upper Elementary/Middle School:

School Counselor at 605-422-3830

• • Dakota Valley High School:  

School Counselor at 605-422-3820

Dakota Valley 2025-26 EL Lau Plan

McKinney-Vento Programming

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act is a federal law designed to ensure that children and youth experiencing homelessness have equal access to a free, appropriate public education. Schools are required to remove barriers to enrollment, attendance, and success in school.

Key Program Components:

• Identification of homeless children and youth.
• Immediate enrollment even without documents (like proof of residence or immunization).
• Transportation to the school of origin (if in the student’s best interest).
• Support services including counseling, tutoring, and school supplies.

Who Qualifies:

Children and youth who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. This includes those living in:

• Shelters
• Motels
• Cars or parks
• Shared housing due to loss of housing or economic hardship

If you suspect that a student may qualify for these services or wish for additional information, please contact the Dakota Valley Special Services Director at 605-422-3800.

Additional Resources:

https://doe.sd.gov/title/documents/MV-brochure-2020.pdf

https://doe.sd.gov/title/documents/EligRights.pdf

https://doe.sd.gov/title/documents/MV-Dispute.docx

https://profiles.nche.seiservices.com/default.aspx