Cabinet Secretary
Matt Althoff

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Quality Initiatives for Early Childhood and School-Age

South Dakota’s quality initiatives support early childhood and school-age educators through coaching and resources that promote continuous growth and quality improvement. Educators can access tools and supports listed below to strengthen practice and support positive outcomes for children and families.

Educators

Director 360 Support Program

The 360 Support Program is a collaborative initiative between South Dakota ECE regional offices and the Office of Licensing and Accreditation, designed to support child care directors every step of the way. Through personalized monthly support, this program empowers early childhood leaders with guided coaching, intentional goal setting, and practical strategies tailored to your unique needs. You’ll build confidence, navigate challenges more effectively, and gain the tools necessary to create and sustain your program. For more information, please visit https://sdece.org/coaching-technical-assistance/director-360-program/ or reach out to your regional Early Childhood Enrichment (ECE) Office.


South Dakota Core Knowledge and Competencies (CKCs)

Circular diagram of South Dakota Core Knowledge & Competencies for early childhood and school-age educators, showing eight puzzle‑piece sections labeled Program Administration; Health, Safety, and Nutrition; Child Growth and Development; Child Guidance and Emotional Well‑being; Learning Environment, Planning, and Curriculum; Observation, Documentation, and Assessment; Family, School, and Community Partnerships; and Professionalism and Leadership

The South Dakota Core Knowledge and Competencies (CKCs) outline essential knowledge, skills, values, and dispositions that all early childhood and school-age educators should demonstrate to support children's development, learning, and well-being. These competencies apply to a variety of settings, including:

  • Center-based care
  • Family child care
  • Head Start and Early Head Start
  • Preschool classrooms
  • School-age care programs
  • Teaching and mentoring roles

Regardless of an individual’s professional status or background, the CKCs provide a framework to help educators assess their competency, set personal development goals, and work toward continuous improvement.

South Dakota Pathways to Professional Development

Pathways South Dakota logo with an orange and blue wordmark and a green stylized tree on the left.

Pathways is a comprehensive tool designed to elevate the quality of care in early childhood and school-age settings. It provides professionals with a guide for their growth and development in the field. By using Pathways, educators can:

  • Explore options for professional growth
  • Pursue continuing education opportunities
  • Be formally recognized for their commitment to advancing knowledge and competencies

Pathways supports professionals working with children from birth through age 12 and is essential for those dedicated to improving care standards across South Dakota.

South Dakota ECE Resources

Logo of South Dakota Early Childhood Enrichment featuring a puzzle-piece map of South Dakota and the text ‘South Dakota Early Childhood Enrichment – South Dakota ECE Resources.

South Dakota ECE Resources offers a robust hub of tools designed to support the efficient management of child care programs. This valuable resource is available at no cost to all licensed and registered child care providers in South Dakota. With over 2,600 practical, editable tools and templates, educators can access:

  • State and federal regulations and guidance
  • Samples of recordkeeping basics, policies, and procedures
  • Child management forms, toolkits, and handbooks for parents and employees
  • A user-friendly, 24/7 platform for resources that strengthen and stabilize child care businesses

Register Today for pathways

 

Programs

Quality Care South Dakota logo with blue and orange text and an icon showing two hands surrounded by circular arrows

Quality Care South Dakota (QCSD)

Quality Care South Dakota (QCSD) supports state registered family child care providers, licensed child care centers and school-age care programs in their continuous quality improvement efforts. Through evidence-based frameworks and external feedback, QCSD helps programs achieve consistent standards of quality which provides families with valuable information to make informed child care decisions.

The QCSD approach promotes accountability, growth, leadership, and ongoing program development that supports quality and child-centered care. Participating programs receive coaching and resources to support continuous improvement and are recognized as they achieve quality level designations. For additional information visit https://sdece.org/quality-care-south-dakota/.