Federal Grant Award Summary

The Social Services South Dakota Department received a formula grant award of $6.94 million from the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Child Care under the Child Care Mandatory and Matching Funds of the Child Care and Development Fund (CFDA 93.596). The award, effective October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2027, supports the provision of child care services to low-income families across South Dakota. The funding enables the state to subsidize child care costs, improve the quality of child care services, and promote child development initiatives while helping parents access affordable, quality child care to support employment and educational pursuits.

As the designated lead agency for South Dakota's Child Care and Development Fund program, the Social Services South Dakota Department administers the mandatory and matching funds in compliance with the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act. The department coordinates child care services across the state through its three-year Child Care and Development Fund plan, which undergoes federal review and approval by the Administration for Children and Families. The award reflects South Dakota's allocation under the permanent, non-appropriated formula grant structure established by Section 418 of the Social Security Act, enabling sustained support for vulnerable populations seeking access to quality early childhood care and education services.