Workforce challenges include childcare shortages. Recently the Governor’s Office of Economic Development and Department of Social Services released details on a Community Based Child Care Grant program. Both agencies are working together to provide a two-phase funding opportunity for communities to help with solutions to South Dakota childcare challenges.
- PLANNING: Provide funding for communities to develop innovative strategies and detailed plans for addressing childcare challenges geared toward increasing state-licensed childcare capacity.
- IMPLEMENTATION: Provide funding to implement the strategies and plans that are created with the planning grants.
The emphasis for this grant program is to provide funds for community-based childcare solutions. Community-based shall be defined as there being more than one entity, each serving an essential role(s) in a partnering arrangement. The community-based solution is then collectively involved in either some or all the planning and implementation phases of the project. Entities that collaborate to form a community-based solution may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Local Economic Development Organizations (preferred applicant)
- Community Coalitions/Collaboratives/Groups
- Public/Private Partnerships
- Local Governments
- Businesses
- School Districts
- Non-profit Organizations
- For Profit Organizations
- Existing Childcare Providers
AVAILABLE FUNDS
Approximately $3.0 MM. Funds have been made available through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). They are federal, one-time funds. To learn more about the Community Based Child Care Grant Program, click here.
Applications are due end of day October 27, 2023.
