Transforming Childcare in South Dakota: South Dakota Association for the Education of Young Children

SDCF awarded a $20,000 South Dakota Fund grant to South Dakota Association for the Education of Young Children (SDAEYC) to support convening of a bipartisan South Dakota Child Care Task Force. The group explored the current childcare crisis in South Dakota. 

Founded in 1978, SDAEYC’s activities have focused on awareness of children’s issues and early childhood profession issues throughout the state, professional development and advocacy for early childhood care and education. Early Learner South Dakota (ELSD) is an initiative of SDAEYC to bring together organizations across South Dakota to focus on advocating for high- quality care and early learning opportunities that meet the needs of South Dakota's diverse communities. 

South Dakota Child Care Task Force launched in 2023 and is comprised of varied stakeholders including policymakers, early childhood experts, childcare agencies representing childcare centers and in-home daycares and representatives from philanthropy and higher education. The focus is to develop practical and sustainable solutions to South Dakota’s childcare crisis that align with the state’s economic, political and cultural landscape. 

For parents and employers, the lack of access to affordable childcare poses an increasing threat to workforce participation. Recent studies have shown in South Dakota, 72 percent of children five and under have working parents, with an estimated 35 percent gap for licensed childcare. This gap contributes to lower workplace productivity and the slowing of economic expansion. 

Reliable childcare plays an important role in a child’s development. Reliable childcare allows parents to stay in the workforce, which in turn leads to financial security for the families. Employers also see fewer disruptions that often lead to costly productivity losses. 

Through this process, the Task Force held four quarterly, in-person meetings, each with a specific focus relating to the challenges and successes of South Dakota childcare. Guest speakers’ valuable insights allowed for deepened discussions and understanding of the barriers and opportunities across the state.  

The first meeting focused on  the early childhood landscape in  the state. The Task Force discussed  needs of children, families,  and providers; system governance  and program support; and policy  solutions employed by sister states.  

The second meeting focused on childcare and the economy. The Task Force addressed the impact  of early childhood programming  on the state’s economy, employers  and workforce participation.  

At the third meeting, the Task Force explored South Dakota’s regulatory landscape for childcare. It compared the state’s regulation of childcare with surrounding states and  reviewed results of a survey from childcare providers. 

During the final in-person meeting, the Task Force worked on preparing the final report. It contained  recommendations regarding  possible regulatory changes that might better support the needs of childcare providers, while continuing  to ensure the safety and optimal learning for the state's youngest citizens. That report was presented during the 2025 Legislative Session.