PIERRE, S.D.(Press Release) – The Department of Social Services (DSS) is planning several opportunities for child care providers, community members, and families to give their input on how one-time funding for South Dakota’s child care system is spent.
Listening sessions will be held for childcare providers and the general public in Sioux Falls, Aberdeen and Rapid City. Virtual sessions will also be available for those who are unable to attend in person.
“Child care is an important issue for families, businesses and communities across South Dakota,” said DSS Cabinet Secretary Laurie Gill. “It is important to hear from those directly affected on how the one-time funds we have available can best be put to use.”
DSS has $38 million in discretionary funding from the American Rescue Plan Act to support child care. Funds can be used for any allowable use of federal Child Care Development Funds and must meet all federal requirements.
In-person and virtual sessions for child care providers and the advocate community will be held:
- Monday, August 8th, 6:00pm – 8:00pm (CDT)
Southeast Technical College, The HUB, 2001 N Career Ave, Sioux Falls, SD
- Wednesday, August 10th, 6:00pm – 8:00pm (CDT)
Virtual Registration Link: https://bit.ly/3OJ5uM2
- Friday, August 12th, 6:00pm – 8:00pm (CDT)
Best Western Ramkota Hotel, 1400 8th Avenue NW, Aberdeen, SD
- Monday, August 15th, 6:00pm – 8:00pm (MDT)
Holiday Inn Rapid City Downtown – Convention Center, 505 N 5th St, Rapid City, SD
To register for an in-person provider listening session, please visit: https://forms.office.com/r/qdX3F6zzqd.
In-person and virtual sessions for families and community members will be held:
- Tuesday, August 9th, 6:00pm-8:00pm (CDT)
Southeast Technical College, The HUB, 2001 N Career Ave, Sioux Falls, SD
- Thursday, August 11th, 6:00pm-8:00pm (CDT)
Best Western Ramkota Hotel, 1400 8th Avenue NW, Aberdeen, SD
- Tuesday, August 16th, 6:00pm – 8:00pm (MDT)
Holiday Inn Rapid City Downtown – Convention Center, 505 N 5th St, Rapid City, SD
- Monday, August 22nd, 6:00pm-8:00pm (CDT)
Virtual Registration Link: https://bit.ly/3ziNF0n
- Tuesday, August 23rd, 6:00pm-8:00pm (CDT)
Virtual Registration Link: https://bit.ly/3OCZRyJ
To register for an in-person family listening session, please visit: https://forms.office.com/r/es4K02VnRL.
“Creating quality, affordable child care options helps keep South Dakota families and our economy strong,” Gill said. “The ideas and solutions that will be brought forth at these sessions will be paramount in charting a path to greater access to child care.”
Visit dss.sd.gov to learn more about child care funding.
The South Dakota Department of Social Services is dedicated to strengthening families to foster health, well being, and independence. For more information, please visit dss.sd.gov.