Supporting Student, Family & Educator
Well-Being
At the South Dakota Statewide Family Engagement Center (SFEC), we recognize that strong mental health is essential for student success, meaningful family engagement, and thriving school communities. Families are a child’s first and most important support system, and when schools and families work together, students are better equipped to manage emotions, build resilience, and succeed both academically and socially.
Our resources are designed to support students, families, and educators with practical tools, shared strategies, and accessible learning opportunities that can be used at school and at home.
Managing Emotions & Calm Kits
SFEC offers resources to help students build emotional awareness and regulation skills through the use of Calm Kits. These tools provide simple, hands-on strategies that support students in managing stress, refocusing, and returning to learning.
Mental Health Awareness Week
Each May, SFEC supports schools and communities through its Mental Health Awareness Week Toolkit, a collection of free, ready-to-use resources. The toolkit helps schools promote understanding, reduce stigma, and encourage conversations about mental health.
Healthy Minds
The Healthy Minds resources support families as key partners in building strong mental health foundations for children and youth. Mental health is an essential part of overall well-being. It affects how children think, feel, learn, and interact with others. SFEC provides families with practical guidance to support their child’s development at every stage.
Self-Care for Educators
Educators play a critical role in supporting student well-being—and their own well-being matters just as much. SFEC’s Self-Care for Educators Video Series provides strategies and encouragement to help educators manage stress, prevent burnout, and maintain balance in their professional and personal lives.
Building Stronger, Healthier School Communities
Supporting mental health is a shared responsibility. When schools, families, and educators work together, students benefit from consistent support, stronger relationships, and a greater sense of belonging.
Through these resources, SFEC promotes a whole-child, whole-family approach—ensuring that every student and every family feels supported, connected, and empowered to thrive.