South Dakota
Working families in South Dakota need accessible, affordable, quality child care and early learning opportunities for their children.
Currently, federal and state early learning programs reach thousands of young children and their families in South Dakota. But too many working families in South Dakota are missing out. As a direct result of child care issues, the South Dakota economy loses millions of dollars each year in the form of lost earnings, productivity, and revenue.
There are 72k children ages 5 and under in South Dakota
71% of these children have all available parents in the workforce
The typical annual cost of child care in South Dakota is around $6,700
The Child Care and Development Block Grant only reaches 9% of eligible families. This federal program helps low-income parents afford child care
South Dakota’s economy loses $329M annually due to child care challenges
South Dakota: In The Headlines
‘We can’t exist without child care’: Rural towns use state funding to open local centers
South Dakota Searchlight | April 26, 2024
It’s been over six months since two in-home child care providers closed in Highmore. The town of over 600 in central South Dakota has a few other in-home providers, but all are full and have waitlists months out.
Senate committee hearing adds to list of lawmakers discussing child care
KELO | April 10, 2024
The U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship held a hearing Wednesday focused on the child care crisis and how it’s impacting the American workforce.
Child care providers assessing the situation in South Dakota
SDPB | May 20, 2024
The child care crisis in South Dakota is continues to put a strain on families and businesses. At a recent town hall hosted by SDPB’s Jackie Hendry, a question was posed – what’s next?
South Dakota Resources & News
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