The Division of Child Care Services provides assistance to low income families who need help with child care costs while parents work or attend school. They also provide oversight, technical assistance and support in promoting safe, healthy and caring environments for children through licensing, registration and quality improvement activities. The availability of quality child care is not only important for maintaining a strong workforce; it is vital for the growth and development of healthy children.

Responsibilities of the Division of Child Care Services:

• Training and technical assistance for Out-of-School Time programs
• Child care facility development in response to local community needs
• Direct child care assistance payments for qualifying families
• Training and education
• Licensing and registration of child care and afterschool programs
  

Information Regarding Child Care Assistance Payments

The State of South Dakota and U.S. Bank have partnered to provide the ReliaCard Visa Prepaid Debit Card to child care providers.  The ReliaCard provides a fast, secure and efficient method of distributing child care payments. It also gives the recipient a convenient and safe way to access their money. Individuals who are currently receiving checks will be given the option of having their funds directly deposited into a checking or savings account. If they do not choose direct deposit, they will automatically be sent a U.S. Bank ReliaCard Visa onto which their future payments will be deposited.

• U.S. Bank ReliaCard