PIERRE, S.D. – The Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) announced multiple recipients of Governor Kristi Noem’s Investment Plan for Child Care.
“These grants will help parents expand their childcare options,” said Governor Kristi Noem. “Our kids and grandkids are our future. And we will always do all we can to support South Dakota families. I am proud that we are able to provide these families with even more resources.”
A total of $1.13 million has been awarded to 28 entities in the state for planning grants. The grant funds will be utilized to develop innovative strategies and detailed plans to expand childcare opportunities throughout South Dakota.
The applicant’s ideas include creating career pathways to improve the childcare workforce, establishing coalitions and partnerships, offsetting costs, and building a business accelerator for potential owners of childcare centers.
“So many communities have reached out to us about the lack of child care. We wanted to help, and this program has been a step in the right direction,” said GOED Commissioner Chris Schilken. “This was a competitive grant, and we had a lot of applicants. We are excited to announce the recipients for the planning phase.”
The entire $1.3 million was awarded to community economic development corporations – not directly to licensed child care providers and facilities – and only one in the Black Hills area….in Custer
Aberdeen – Aberdeen Development Corporation
Brookings – Boys and Girls Club of Brookings
Burke – Burke Business Promotion Corporation
Clear Lake – Clear Lake Area Development
Custer – Custer Area Economic Development Corporation
DeSmet – DeSmet Development Corporation
Flandreau – Boys and Girls Club of Moody County
Freeman – Freeman Community Development Corporation
Gayville – Gayville Volin School District
Highmore – City of Highmore
Madison – Lake Area Improvement Corporation
Milbank – Grant County Development Corporation
Miller – On Hand Development Corporation
Mission – Rosebud Economic Development Corporation
Mobridge – Mobridge Economic Development Corporation
Murdo – Murdo Economic Development Corporation
Pierre – Pierre Economic Development Corporation
Platte – Platte Development Corporation
Rapid City – Elevate Rapid City
Rapid City – Kindred Spirits LLC
Redfield – Grow Spink, Inc.
Salem – Salem Economic Development Corporation
Sioux Falls – Sioux Falls Development Foundation
Spearfish – Spearfish Economic Development Corporation
Tabor – Sacred Heart School
Vermillion – Vermillion Area Chamber and Development Company
Watertown – Watertown Development Corporation
Yankton – Yankton Thrive
Partner Relations Director Joe Fiala explained that the number of applications that came in shows the true need for childcare services.
“Organizations across all corners of the state reached out to us during this entire process. This solidifies our knowledge that we need more child care. We are looking forward to working with these 28 entities and helping families across the state,” said Fiala.
