Connecting Regions 3 and 5 to Early Childhood Enrichment
Through a partnership with Department of Social Services Child Care Services and the statewide work of the Early Childhood Enrichment (ECE) System, Sanford Children’s CHILD Services in Aberdeen and Sioux Falls offer access to a variety of programs and services designed to enhance the quality of child care in communities within Region 3 and Region 5.
Learn more about the South Dakota Early Childhood Enrichment Program.
Learn more about licensing and registration.
For questions or more information about any of the following programs, call (605) 312-8390 or email us.
Orientation for New Providers
Level I Orientation: All new child care providers working in a registered or licensed child care or school-age program are required to complete Level I orientation training within 90 days of being hired. Learn more.
Level II Orientation: Level II orientation training is an on-demand series for staff working in a registered or licensed child care or school age program. It must be taken within the first five years of employment. Learn more.
Professional Development Opportunities
Sanford Health offers classroom-style, online and on-site training and professional development classes about a variety of topics, including child development, age-appropriate activities, effective guidance and program management. See our class schedule.
South Dakota Child Development Associate Training Project
The South Dakota Child Development Associate Training Project offers professional growth and training opportunities for people currently working with young children or planning to pursue a career in the early childhood field. The program is a nationally recognized early childhood professional credential administered by the Council for Professional Recognition. Learn more.
Director 360 Program
The Director 360 Program is a professionally guided program that provides tools, technical assistance, education and support to child care directors. Through the program, directors will receive individualized, customized support from South Dakota Early Childhood Education or the Department of Social Services Office of Licensing and Accreditation.
Pathways to Professional Development
South Dakota Pathways to Professional Development, or Pathways, is aimed at enhancing the quality of care in early childhood and school-age settings by fostering professional growth among educators. The program targets educators in registered or licensed child or school-age programs who work exclusively with children from birth to age 12.
By applying to Pathways, you will be recognized for your dedication to children and your efforts towards your continual growth. Pathways recognizes educators on their path to success and denotes achievement within a nine-level career ladder.
Visit their website or email sdsu.sdqris@sdstate.edu to learn more.
Social Wellness and Emotional Wellness
SD ECE offers support to child care providers and parents caring for children with challenging behaviors or developmental concerns. The Social Wellness and Emotional Wellness program is available in Regions 1, 3 and 5. SD ECE also provides education, resources and technical assistance to help prevent suspension and expulsion in early childhood programs. Learn more.
Coaching and Technical Assistance
Technical Assistance is focused on enhancing the knowledge and confidence of child care providers to promote and support optimal development for every child. Understanding social-emotional development is critical and a major component of all Technical Assistance programs.
Technical Assistance is offered through consultation and coaching. The team assists providers in understanding and developing the capacity of each child to form close and secure adult and peer relationships; experience, regulate and express emotions in socially and culturally appropriate ways; and explore their environment and learn. Learn more.
For questions or more information about any of the programs above, call (605) 312-8390 or email us.