Student Wellness and Supports
The goal of the South Dakota Department of Education is for all students to graduate college, career and life ready. The office of Student Wellness and Supports (OSWS) provides assistance and resources for all students to learn, thrive, and grow. OSWS strives to build strong connections and partnerships across South Dakota so educators can best support whole child needs involving social-emotional, academic, and career. Services are connected to Project Aware, PBIS, school counseling, SDMyLife, mental health, and more. OSWS helps students achieve success for the present and the future.
The General Education Development (GED®) Test provides the opportunity to earn a high school equivalency diploma. This credential is recognized as a key to employment opportunities, advancement, further education, and financial rewards.
Child abuse and neglect reports are made by individuals and people from a variety of professions and organizations, including educators. Any person may make a report, however, South Dakota state law requires the mandatory reporters to report suspected child abuse and neglect as defined in SDCL 26-8A-3. To report child abuse or neglect, please call 877-244-0864. South Dakota Department of Social Services (DSS) Intake Specialists will be available 8am-5pm, Monday through Friday. If reporting an emergency situation before 8am, after 5pm, on the weekends, or during a holiday, please contact your local law enforcement.
This page provides a collection of resources and information related to mental health that may be of use to educators and the general public.
Additional information available on the Mental Health webpage
The South Dakota Department of Education is providing posters with helpful mental health information and resources for students, adults, and educators. Schools may print posters and display them in areas where students may see them and utilize the information and resources.
Additional information available on the Mental Health Poster Campaign webpage
Positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS) is comprised of a broad range of systemic school-wide, group, and individualized strategies for achieving important social and learning outcomes while preventing problem behavior with all students.
Additional information available on the Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports webpage
As part of the education team, school counselors foster development in career, academic and social/emotional areas for all students.
Additional information available on the School Counseling webpage
South Dakota schools strive to provide a safe and healthy learning environment for students. Below are some resources schools can use to take steps to plan for these potential emergencies through the creation of a school Emergency Operations Plan.
Additional information available on the School Safety webpage
With the support of teachers, counselors, and parents, SDMyLife's goal is to help students better understand themselves and how their interest, skills, and knowledge relate to real-world academic and career opportunities.
Additional information available at SDMyLife.com
Soft skills are character and personality traits that reflect how you work in general, with others, and by yourself.
Additional information available on the Soft Skills webpage
Questions? Contact (605) 773-3423 or view the Student Wellness and Supports contact list.