$10,000 awarded to South Dakota Association for the Education of Young Children to continue the work of the Child Care Taskforce
December 17, 2025 // Grants, South Dakota Fund Grants
The South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF) recently awarded a $10,000 South Dakota Fund grant to South Dakota Association for the Education of Young Children (SDAEYC). Funding will aid in the continuation of the work of the Child Care Taskforce, by expanding the focus to out-of-school time for school-aged children.
“Support from the South Dakota Community Foundation helps SDAEYC coordinate statewide efforts to improve childcare systems,” said Dr. Janessa Bixel, SDAEYC Executive Director. “This funding strengthens our ability to connect decision-makers, share research, and advanced strategies that benefit communities across South Dakota. The result is a more aligned, efficient, and effective approach to solving the childcare crisis.”
SDAEYC established a Task Force in 2023 to develop practical and sustainable solutions to South Dakota’s childcare shortages that align with the state’s economic, political, and cultural landscape. The Task Force will continue their work to find solutions to the shortage of out-of-school programs. Out-of-school programs include before-school care, afterschool programs, and summer learning opportunities. The taskforce will review existing statues and recommend policy changes, program opportunities, and staff training improvements with a goal of identifying practical, proven strategies for investing in South Dakota’s children and to create pathways for sustainable, public and private partnerships that can expand access and improve quality across the state.
"SDCF is proud to partner with the South Dakota Association for the Education of Young Children to continue their work," says Ginger Niemann, SDCF Senior Program Officer. “By sustaining their efforts, they are ensuring the safety and optimal learning for the South Dakota’s school-aged citizens.”
To learn more about funding opportunities offered by the SDCF, please visit our website at https://www.sdcommunityfoundation.org/
SDCF is a public non-profit organization established in 1987. SDCF, with offices in Pierre, Rapid City, Sioux Falls, Mitchell, and Aberdeen administers 1,300 funds benefiting hundreds of charitable organizations annually. The Foundation distributed nearly $40 million in grants in 2024 which made a tremendous difference in communities statewide. This would not have been possible without the generosity of our donors. If you have a specific cause you would like to support or would prefer to give for the general good of our state, please visit https://sdcommunityfoundation.org/giving to learn more or call 1-800-888-1842.