Childcare Initiative Report
SEEKING SOLUTIONS TO SIOUX FALLS’ CHILDCARE CRISIS
Initiative Goal
In October 2022, the Sioux Falls Childcare Collaborative identified the need for a community-wide initiative focused on finding solutions to help ease the current childcare crisis. With the urging of Mayor Paul TenHaken, two coordinators were hired to lead a six-month-long initiative with financial support from the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce, Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation, Sioux Empire United Way, Sioux Falls Development Foundation, and Forward Sioux Falls. The coordinators were charged with researching and recommending potential solutions, with consideration of supportive local and state policies, community-level business involvement, and funding opportunities to support and sustain childcare businesses and improve workforce development.
Methodology
The initiative coordinators, Nicole Fluth and Rana DeBoer, and working group members met on a regular basis between October 2022 and May 2023. The coordinators actively engaged with business leaders, Early Childhood Education support organizations, community partnerships/organizations, state agency partners, childcare providers, and others connected to the childcare system. An extensive review of literature was completed to further understand the systemic challenges of the childcare industry and to identify multi-sector solutions that are being implemented in other communities.
Childcare Initiative Coordinators Rana DeBoer and Nicole Fluth
Downloads: Community Childcare Initiative Final Report, Business Toolkit, and Related Documents
Community Childcare Initiative Final Report
This 97-page report covers the research done by the Sioux Falls Childcare Collaborative’s Childcare Initiative Coordinators and their recommendations for solving the childcare crisis in Sioux Falls.
Childcare Solutions for Employers Toolkit
This toolkit is intended to help leaders and business owners learn their options for supporting working parents with childcare needs. It provides a roadmap of approachable ideas for your organization.
Overview of Childcare Crisis Solutions
This nine-page document provides an overview of the full Community Childcare Initiative Report.
Sioux Falls Childcare Crisis Facts
This document outlines the findings that the Childcare Initiative Coordinators discovered during their research.
Stats That Matter Handout
This handout presents key data outlining the childcare crisis in Sioux Falls and can be downloaded and shared with organizations, businesses and individuals who have an interest in the childcare crisis.
Ready to Learn More?
- Some South Dakota businesses are already finding success supporting their employees’ need for childcare. Click here to read more.
- The Sioux Falls Childcare Collaborative’s Report to the Community encompasses a vast selection of opportunities. Are you ready for a webinar to learn more? Click here to let us know about your interest.
- To invite a Childcare Collaborative representative to speak with you individually or to provide programmming for your service club, business or other organization, please click here to contact Sioux Falls Thrive.
Thank You to These Organizations Who Made This Work Possible
