By: Stacy Kilwein
Director of the West Dakota Parent and Family Resource Center, Family Engagement, Parent Education, and Homeless/Foster Care Liaison
For nearly 30 years, the West Dakota Parent and Family Resource Center (WDPFRC) has proudly served Dickinson and Region VIII as the only Parent and Family Resource Center. Since the beginning, our mission has remained the same: to partner with parents, families, and caregivers so every child can grow, learn, and thrive.
At the Center, we are honored to partner with parents, families, and caregivers as we work together to support every child’s growth, learning, and success. Our commitment is to engage with every family, every day.
West Dakota Parent and Family Resource Center creates meaningful support systems for families by serving as a central hub for communication, helping families feel welcomed and valued, and increasing parent involvement—an essential factor strongly linked to improved student outcomes.
Our workshops focus on child development, behavior guidance, learning strategies, and positive discipline. By providing parents with access to evidence-based resources, we help build confidence and empower families to better support their children. The classes available include nationally recognized programs such as:
- Infant Massage
- Circle of Security
- Love and Logic
- Conscious Discipline
- Positive Discipline
- Parents Forever – Children of Divorce (Co-parenting & Divorce Transitions)
- The Incredible Years
- Gearing Up Classes – Pre-k, Kindergarten, and Middle School
These classes span a wide range of family needs, from supportive transition classes for children entering school to in-depth parenting strategies for behavior and discipline.
Over the years, West Dakota has reached thousands of parents, families, and caregivers. When parents feel connected and have access to effective parenting strategies and resources that bridge the gap between home and school, they feel supported. Communication improves, teachers gain deeper insight into student needs, and family stability and involvement increase. These positive shifts contribute to better attendance, behavior, and academic outcomes for students.
The Parent Center nurtures a sense of community and shared support. Through workshops and classes,.jpg?mask=2)
parents can exchange ideas, learn from one another, and access valuable resources. This network helps reduce feelings of isolation and empowers families to navigate challenges with greater confidence and connection.
In our 30 years of experience, we’ve seen that when parents engage with the school community—by volunteering, attending events, or participating in decision-making—it enriches the educational environment for all students. Your involvement strengthens school culture and shows children that education matters by simply watching their caregivers model engagement. In turn, students often show higher motivation, improved behavior, and enhanced well-being when home and schoolwork are in partnership.
Parenting is a journey we take together, and I’m grateful to be part of your team.