Child Care General Information

The South Dakota Department of Social Services (DSS) supports families and child care providers through Child Care Assistance, Quality Initiatives, and Licensing Programs. These services help ensure children have access to safe, affordable, and quality care.

Families

Child Care Assistance helps eligible families pay for child care while they are:

• Working
• Attending school or training
• Participating in approved activities

Eligibility is based on household income and family circumstances.
Families can:

• Apply for Child Care Assistance
• Search for child care providers by category, community, or ZIP code
• View up to three years of monitoring visit reports for licensed or registered providers.

Providers

Providers of child care services may be legally required to obtain a license to operate a child care program or may choose to voluntarily register as a family day care provider through the Office of Licensing & Accreditation.

Child Care Licensing provides oversight, technical assistance, and support to promote safe, healthy, and nurturing environments for children through licensing, registration, and quality improvement activities. For additional information, please visit the Office of Licensing & Accreditation Constituent portal.

Licensing and registration help ensure:

• Minimum health and safety standards
• Compliance with state and federal regulations
• Protection of children in care

DSS offers resources to support providers in meeting licensing requirements and improving program quality, including:

• Professional Development & Training opportunities
• Technical assistance
• Quality improvement initiatives
• Ongoing program support

Report a Concern

To report non-compliance with child care licensing regulations involving a licensed or registered provider, please use the online reporting link.

To report child abuse or neglect, please call 877.244.0864. Intake Specialists will be available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. If reporting an emergency situation before 8 a.m., after 5 p.m., on the weekends, or during a holiday, please contact your local law enforcement.

Questions? Contact Us

Child Care Assistance/Quality Initiatives
700 Governor’s Drive
Pierre, SD 57501
Phone: 605.773.4766 or 800.227.3020
Email: ccs@state.sd.us

Office of Licensing & Accreditation/Child Care Licensing
700 Governor’s Drive
Pierre, SD 57501
Phone: 605.566.4382
Email: DSSCCL@state.sd.us

Childcare Workforce Study