LifeScape’s year-round Specialty School provides education for residential and day students with disabilities ages three through 21. Our certified special education teachers and teaching assistants staff each classroom at LifeScape, ensuring all students can learn to their greatest potential.
At LifeScape Specialty School, we offer a comprehensive, individualized educational experience for children with disabilities. From an expert interdisciplinary team to regulated, accredited education, our school integrates applied behavior analysis and provides extensive resources. We ensure every student has the tools to reach their greatest potential.
Additional Onsite Resources:
The LifeScape Specialty School is approved through the South Dakota Department of Education. We tailor each student’s learning plan—the Individualized Education Plan (IEP)—to his or her own needs and abilities, using sound scientific principles of instruction. Our standards of learning are based on the South Dakota Department of Education Common Core Content Standards. We follow the same regulations as any public school in the state and implement all standards associated with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act-Improvement Act (IDEA-IA).
The LifeScape Specialty School is accredited by the National Association of Private Special Education Centers (NAPSEC). Established in 1971 as a nonprofit association with the vision of supporting access to appropriate special education programs as vital components of the continuum. NAPSEC programs are diverse in the populations they serve and the services they provide, all strive to guarantee that each student’s unique needs are met on an individualized basis in order to achieve his or her maximum potential. NAPSEC Is the only National Association that exclusively represents private special education programs.
Our school has formally adopted the following policies and procedures as our comprehensive plan for special education. The intent of this document is to identify the responsibilities of the district and school.
Assessment Windows
SD ELA and Math Assessments: March 24 – May 2, 2025
SD ELA and Math Alternate Assessments: March 10 – April 25, 2025
SD Science Assessment: March 24 – May 2, 2025
SD Science Alternate Assessment: March 24 – May 2, 2025
National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP): N/A, unless selected for required field test.
SD English Language Proficiency Assessment (ACCESS 2.0): January 28 – February 28, 2025
Our curriculum prepares your child for the real world. We give them the tools needed to navigate everyday life with confidence. Our small staff-to-student ratios ensure personal attention.
We use the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) in our daily instruction and support. ABA is a scientific approach to understanding behavior. It is the only established method of teaching approved for people with autism. It is effective for teaching children, adolescents, and adults of all abilities.
Dr. Nicole Kanaman developed Healthy Behavioral Practices, a training program equipping staff with skills for positive interactions, de-escalation, providing choices, and reinforcing appropriate behavior.
Our curriculum measures and tracks students’ progress in communication, behavior, and functional skills. The Essential for Living Curriculum teaches students the skills they need to live as independently as possible as an adult. The curriculum emphasizes:
Learning goes beyond the classroom at our Specialty School. Through our community learning experiences, students gain functional and social skills that prepare them to be more independent as adults. We encourage our students to step outside their comfort zones and try new things. Many of the students participate in community plays, camps, and art shows through LifeScape’s Center for the Arts. Through these experiences, students gain confidence and learn how to communicate effectively with others.
LifeScape’s PAES (Practical Assessment Exploration System) Lab is a hands-on, simulated work environment providing training in work readiness skills for older students. This research-based curriculum helps prepare our students for transition into adulthood and meaningful employment. PAES helps students find their interests in five broad areas:
Each summer, LifeScape has the privilege of serving many additional students from around South Dakota and surrounding states in our Extended School Year (ESY) program. These are students who benefit from year-round instruction but whose school districts do not offer a more comprehensive summer school. Click HERE for more information about our Extended School Year (ESY) program. Our application materials are available HERE [https://d1e7v5mylx61rx.cloudfront.net/general-uploads/Extended-School-Year-Application.pdf].
Learn more about our special education schools by contacting our admissions specialist at (605) 444-9853 or click below to fill out a short form and we will reach out to you shortly.
For information and referrals, contact admissions at 605-444-9550.
Brittany Dawson, MS, Ed. – Principal
605-444-9544
Michelle Bohy, MA – Special Education Director
605-444-9644
Maria Nei, Ed.D. – Assistant Special Education Director
605-444-9644
Jamie Reindl, BS – Admissions Coordinator/LifeScape Center for the Arts
605-444-9853
Heidi Bakke – Exceptional Services Facilitator
605-444-9645
Ashley Fleischfresser, BS – Social Worker
605-444-9560
Daniel Broek, MA, CAGS –School Psychologist
605-444-9609
Alysia Sly, BS – Project Administrator ICF/Ed
605-444-9643
Ashlee Cunningham, BS – Project Administrator ICF/Ed
605-444-9631
Brenna Christiansen, MA, OTR/L – Director of Therapy
605-444-9557
Becky Weeldreyer, RN – Director of Nursing Children’s
605-444-9670
SCHOOL NURSES – Christi Kotzenmacher (RN), Jessica Willprecht (RN), Kim Winckler (RN)
605-444-9691
Katie Busser, MA – Teacher
605-444-9489
Ari DenOtter-Conroy, MA – Teacher
605-444-9584
Victoria Hagemann, MS – Teacher
605-444-9483
Kayden Hoeke – Teacher
605-444-9592
Annalesha Kalis, MS, Ed. – Teacher
605-444-9656
Kris Natte, MS – Teacher
605-444-9492
Abby Oien, BS – Teacher
605-444-9494
Kari Hanson, MT-BC – Music Therapist
605-444-9493
Erin Stabnow, Ed.D., BCBA-D, LBA – Teacher
605-444-9512
Leah Bolkema, MA – Teacher
605-444-9891
Jen Vis, BS – Adaptive Physical Education Teacher
605-444-9647
Seth Weidenbach, BS – Teacher
605-444-9558
Anna Winfrey, MA – Teacher
605-444-9494
Cati Ziegenbein, MA – Teacher
605-444-9491
Alyssa Klaudt, MA – Teacher
605-444-9585
Samantha Monson, MA – Teacher
605-444-9481
Please complete this form and someone will get back to you as soon as possible.