City: Rapid City, SD

Category: Education

Telephone: (605) 341-3163

Address: 919 Main St., Suite 201

Description: This center-based program serves 75 Native American children ages three to five and their families who move to the Rapid City area from an Indian reservation. Because the transition may involve several moves back and forth, enrollment is open at all times. Students learn typical preschool skills like math concepts and motor development, but they also learn about Lakota language and culture. Four classroom sessions are offered Mon through Thurs for the youngsters, and their parents can find assistance with their own educational and social needs, including obtaining a GED, planning for career development, and finding work and housing. Dakota Transitional is under the auspices of Rural America Initiatives, 919 Main St., Rapid City, (605) 341-3339, an organization that offers education-related services to Native American youth.