What is a childcare subsidy?

A state-administered program (funded by federal CCDF) that pays a portion of childcare costs for working, training, or school-attending low-income parents. Apply through your state's lead agency. Eligibility typically up to 85% of state median income. Benefits go directly to the provider.

What's the difference between Head Start and pre-K?

Head Start is a federal program for children 3–5 from low-income families (below the Federal Poverty Level) with comprehensive services (health, nutrition, parent involvement). State pre-K is state-funded preschool, usually through public schools, with broader eligibility.

Can fathers apply for childcare assistance alone?

Yes. Childcare assistance is gender-neutral. Single fathers with custody qualify on the same terms as any other parent. If you share custody, you can still apply — you'll need the subsidy for the time the child is with you.

Where do I find quality care I can trust?

Every state has a Child Care Resource & Referral agency (CCR&R) that maintains a free database of licensed providers, quality ratings, and availability. Call your local CCR&R (find at childcareaware.org) for personalized referrals.

Childcare Assistance in South Dakota

7 verified resources.

About Childcare Assistance for Fathers

Childcare assistance for US fathers includes the Child Care Development Fund (CCDF) subsidy, Head Start and Early Head Start, state pre-K programs, and sliding-scale nonprofit childcare. CCDF subsidies are administered by each state's lead agency (usually the Department of Human Services or a dedicated office) and help families pay for childcare while parents work, attend school, or participate in training. Eligibility is typically up to 85% of state median income. Head Start serves children 3–5 from families below the Federal Poverty Level; Early Head Start covers birth to 3. State pre-K is free or low-cost in most states and offered through public schools and partner providers. Many community action agencies run sliding-scale childcare for working parents. For single dads, CCDF subsidies and Head Start are the two most consistent free options. This directory includes each state's CCDF office, local Head Start programs, and resource and referral agencies.

Childcare Assistance in South Dakota

South Dakota circuit courts hear family matters in each of its seven judicial circuits. The Division of Child Support operates under DSS. Sioux Falls and Rapid City are the largest cities. Dakota Plains Legal Services and East River Legal Services provide civil legal aid statewide (with special mandates serving tribal communities).

7 Resources

1. South Dakota Child Care Assistance Program — Free

Childcare subsidy helping low-income working families afford quality childcare statewide, administered by the Department of Social Services in Pierre. Eligibility is based on household income, work or school activity, and child age. Fathers can apply at local DSS offices or online. Bring photo ID, Social Security cards, pay stubs, proof of work or school, and children's birth certificates to the intake appointment for faster processing.

(605) 773-3165 · 700 Governors Dr, Pierre, SD 57501 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

2. Boys & Girls Clubs of the Sioux Empire — After School — Paid

Affordable after-school programs with homework help, physical activities, and enrichment for K-12 kids in the Sioux Falls area. The Valley View Road location serves families weekday afternoons through early evening. Fathers can enroll children online or in person. Bring photo ID, child's birth certificate, immunization records, and emergency contact information. Scholarships may be available for qualifying low-income households.

(605) 367-7979 · 330 S Valley View Rd, Sioux Falls, SD 57107 · Mon-Fri 3pm-8pm · Visit Website

3. Black Hills Special Services Cooperative — Childcare — Paid

Childcare, early learning, and related family programs in the Black Hills region provided by BHSSC in Rapid City. Services include preschool, Head Start partnerships, and special education support. Fathers can visit the Plaza Boulevard office weekdays to ask about openings, eligibility, and fee assistance. Bring photo ID, child's birth certificate, immunization records, and any IEP or evaluation documents when enrolling.

(605) 394-1876 · 1925 Plaza Blvd, Rapid City, SD 57702 · Mon-Fri 7am-6pm · Visit Website

4. Volunteers of America — Dakotas Child Development — Paid

Affordable early childhood education and childcare programs in Sioux Falls operated by Volunteers of America Dakotas at the Haines Avenue center. Services serve infants through preschool and may include Head Start partnerships. Fathers can call to check openings and fee structures. Bring photo ID, child's birth certificate, immunization records, and income documentation when enrolling. Subsidy support may be available for families.

(605) 339-1555 · 1100 N Haines Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57104 · Mon-Fri 6:30am-5:30pm · Visit Website

5. Bright Futures Early Learning — Aberdeen — Paid

Early childcare and preschool programs for northeast South Dakota families based in Aberdeen. Programs support infants, toddlers, and preschool-age children with structured learning and play. Fathers can call to check openings and fee arrangements. Bring photo ID, child's birth certificate, immunization records, and income documentation when enrolling. Child Care Assistance Program subsidies may be accepted for qualifying families.

(605) 225-7300 · Aberdeen, SD 57401 · Mon-Fri 7am-6pm

6. Children's Care Hospital & School — Paid

Specialized childcare and educational services for children with disabilities delivered at the 26th Street campus in Sioux Falls. Programs include early intervention, therapy services, and medically fragile child support. Fathers caring for children with special needs can call to learn about referrals and intake. Bring photo ID, medical records, IEPs or IFSPs, and insurance information to intake to support individualized planning and care.

(605) 782-2300 · 2501 W 26th St, Sioux Falls, SD 57105 · Mon-Fri 7:30am-4pm · Visit Website

7. SD Dependent Care Tax Credit — Free

State and federal tax credits for childcare expenses that help working parents reduce their tax burden. Fathers paying for qualifying care for children under 13 while working or looking for work may claim the federal Child and Dependent Care Credit. Keep receipts, provider EINs, and payment records for tax filing. The South Dakota Department of Revenue in Pierre offers guidance on state-level provisions and filing requirements.

(605) 773-3311 · 445 E Capitol Ave, Pierre, SD 57501 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

Childcare Assistance — Common Questions

What is a childcare subsidy?: A state-administered program (funded by federal CCDF) that pays a portion of childcare costs for working, training, or school-attending low-income parents. Apply through your state's lead agency. Eligibility typically up to 85% of state median income. Benefits go directly to the provider.
What's the difference between Head Start and pre-K?: Head Start is a federal program for children 3–5 from low-income families (below the Federal Poverty Level) with comprehensive services (health, nutrition, parent involvement). State pre-K is state-funded preschool, usually through public schools, with broader eligibility.
Can fathers apply for childcare assistance alone?: Yes. Childcare assistance is gender-neutral. Single fathers with custody qualify on the same terms as any other parent. If you share custody, you can still apply — you'll need the subsidy for the time the child is with you.
Where do I find quality care I can trust?: Every state has a Child Care Resource & Referral agency (CCR&R) that maintains a free database of licensed providers, quality ratings, and availability. Call your local CCR&R (find at childcareaware.org) for personalized referrals.