A new report released by South Dakota’s Child Care Task Force this spring outlines practical recommendations to strengthen out-of-school time (OST) programs across the state and better support working families.
The report, Practical Pathways for Supporting Working Families Through Out-of-School Time, examines access, affordability, workforce challenges, quality, and sustainability of afterschool and summer programs for school-age children. The Task Force found that approximately 60,000 South Dakota children need afterschool or summer care, yet only about 20,000 are currently served.
Among the report’s key findings are significant access gaps in rural and tribal communities, workforce shortages affecting program quality and stability, and the growing impact of child care costs on working families and employers. The report also highlights the positive outcomes associated with high-quality OST programs, including improved academic, social, and behavioral development for children.
The Task Force recommends establishing stable funding streams, strengthening workforce supports, improving state coordination, and expanding access to high-quality programs across South Dakota. These recommendations aim to help families remain in the workforce while ensuring children have safe, enriching opportunities outside of school hours.
Members interested in learning more are encouraged to review the full report and its recommendations for strengthening South Dakota’s child care and afterschool systems.
To view the one-page report, click here.
To read the full report visit – sdafterschoolnetworking.org
