USD's School of Education Secures $400K Grant to Enhance Local Child Care Services

The School of Education at the University of South Dakota (USD) is addressing child care challenges in the Vermillion community with the help of a $400,000 grant. This grant is part of Governor Kristi Noem’s Investment Plan for Child Care and was announced in late March. It involves collaboration with local child care providers, educational institutions, and community organizations.

Dean Amy Schweinle of the School of Education highlighted the importance of accessible and affordable child care for economic growth and community well-being in Vermillion. The grant will be used to improve the quality and availability of child care services through upgrades to facilities and the introduction of new programs focused on children's educational and safety needs.

A new feature of this initiative is a learning lab at the Vucurevich Children’s Center, led by former Jolley Elementary Principal Sue Galvin. The lab will incorporate science, technology, reading, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STREAM) into early childhood education, aiming to enhance learning experiences for children in Vermillion.

Before this grant, the School of Education used a $50,000 grant to perform a needs assessment with the Government Research Bureau. This assessment included surveys and focus groups with community stakeholders, highlighting concerns about child care availability and its effects on local businesses and families.

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