ABOUT
The South Dakota Statewide Family Engagement Center (SFEC) unites students, families, schools, and communities together by focusing on learner needs from “cradle to career.” SFEC strives to ensure that all learners—especially English Language Learners (ELL), economically disadvantaged learners and minority students—have the supports they need to achieve academic, career, and life goals. West River Foundation is the fiscal agent in partnership with Black Hills Special Services Cooperative (BHSSC), the SD Department of Education, and the SD Parent Connection.
The South Dakota Statewide Family Engagement Center was made possible by Grant #U310A180043 from the U.S. Department of Education. The content of this website does not necessarily represent the official views of the U.S. Department of Education.
Primary Program Areas
College & Career
We help all families with secondary and post-secondary children become “college and career ready.” We are focused on improving literacy, including financial literacy, and providing more career coaching to high school students. Key programs are: STAR Literacy Training and our high school “Career Coach” pilot program.
K-12
We provide trainings to educators, families, and communities so that everyone involved in a child’s life can work toward together toward making the student feel and be successful in and out of the classroom.
Birth to 5
We support families, professionals and the community to help children birth to five years old reach their full potential. Our primary focus is emergent literacy, and a key partner is SD Department of Education's Birth to Three Program. We have developed additional partnerships with professionals, organizations, and community members. We are using their insight and experience to guide our programs and make a positive impact on the lives of young children and their families.
Partners
Black Hills Special Services Cooperative
BHSSC's mission is to build stronger communities by helping individuals and organizations reach their full potential.
South Dakota Department of Education
The South Dakota Department of Education is dedicated to enhancing learning through leadership and service.
South Dakota Parent Connection
To connect families caring for children with the full range of disabilities or special health care needs to information, training and resources in an environment of support, hope and respect.