Cabinet Secretary
Laurie R. Gill
DSS Offices are open by appointment only to protect the health of employees and the public.
Child Care Assistance Grants for COVID-19 Expenses
COVID-19 Resources
Starting and remaining strong through the COVID-19 pandemic is essential in continuing to provide child care for South Dakota’s families. For Child Care resources to assist you, visit DSS COVID-19 Resources Page
Child Care Services
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.
The Division of Child Care Services provides:
- Child care facility development in response to local community needs
- Direct child care assistance payments for qualifying families
- Training and technical assistance for child care and afterschool programs
- Licensing and registration of child care and afterschool programs
- An online listing of South Dakota's registered and licensed child care providers.
For child care provider, parent or consumer information, click here.
Infant/Toddler Grant Opportunity:
The Department of Social Services, Division of Child Care Services (CCS) is pleased to announce a new grant opportunity focused on enhancing infant and toddler care environments.
Funding is intended to help with the purchase of high-quality items in supporting the development of infants and toddlers in your licensed child care program. This includes indoor and outdoor equipment or manipulatives such as child-size tables and chairs, safe places to crawl and climb; etc.
Grant awards are contingent upon available funding and whether the request meets the grant criteria, see attached suggestions. We encourage you to reach out to your regional Early Childhood Enrichment (ECE) office to assist with selection of items that optimize infant and toddler development within your program.
Required Documents for this Infant/Toddler Grant Application include:
Other Links
- Child Care & Dev. State Plan
- Child Seat Safety Distribution Program
- Child Care Assistance Program
- Child Care Inspection Results
- Early Learning Guidelines
- Information on New Federal Requirements
- Licensing and Registration Information
- Pathways to Professional Development
- Search for Child Care
- Training and Education