DSS issuing additional support to child care programs
Child care providers in South Dakota can now apply for a second financial boost from the Department of Social Services (DSS) in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
RAPID CITY, S.D. — The dollars issued have to be used for on-going COVID-19 expenses like cleaning products and PPE or extra staffing.
The grant money is part of the effort by the Department of Social Services to support families in the state, as child care programs play a key role in allowing parents to work while children receive high-quality care.
“It’s very important to us and our economy in South Dakota that daycares are able to continue to work throughout COVID and so we need to make sure that childcare is continuing to operate and be available,” said DSS Cabinet Secretary, Laurie Gill.
In this second round of CARES Act funding, DSS will give out more than $5 million to South Dakota child care programs.
“When you have kids, especially small kids all in one location, the efforts to keep everybody safe and clean sometimes can be an additional stressor on the daycare provider,” Gill said.
In round one, DSS awarded more than $3 million in assistance.
To learn more about child care services provided by DSS, click here.
