SD ECCS May 2024 Update
May 2024 SD Early Childhood Comprehensive System Update
Bright Lights
Innovative collaborations are happening across the comprehensive early childhood landscape to ensure a strong start for children. The Bright Light series will showcase successes and outcomes achieved through collaborative, cross-sector or agency efforts, designed to ensure a strong start for children. In this feature, we highlight SD Act Early Team.
WIC Community Innovation and Outreach Project (WIC-CIAO)
The WIC-CIAO Project is implementing several of the strategies found in the ECCS Strategic Plan, including amplifying the voice of parents, cross-training professionals serving families and young children, and reducing barriers to program participation.
- A searchable, statewide Family Resource page is now available in 10 languages: https://familyresources.helplinecenter.org/. The curated page pulls from 2-1-1 Helpline Center’s database, so please encourage those who serve South Dakota children and families to keep their listings updated. (ECCS Goal 3)
- Free transportation in Sioux Falls and Rapid City for WIC participants: Rides are available to and from the WIC Clinic and WIC-approved grocery stores. Call 2-1-1 the day before to schedule. (ECCS Goal 3)
- Cross-training opportunities for those working with children and families: See https://sdcpcm.com/our-work/wic/ to register for several upcoming trainings. (ECCS Goal 1)
PARTNER UPDATES
Provide Input to DSS Child Care State Plan
The SD Department of Social Services is federally required to submit a State Plan every three years. The plan outlines the work to be completed by Child Care Services and the Office of Licensing and Accreditation during the timeframe of October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2027, or federal fiscal years 2025-2027.
As federally required, a State Plan Public Hearing will be held on May 21, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. (CST) via webinar. The purpose of this hearing is to solicit comments on the proposed plan. The public hearing will provide an overview of our work including any federal changes to ensure families have access to affordable child care; the federal health and safety standard requirements; and the work conducted to ensure quality opportunities for child care providers.
To access the draft State Plan: https://dss.sd.gov/childcare/stateplan/default.aspx.
To connect to the webinar: Copy and paste the following URL into your browser: https://state-sd.zoom.us/j/94920137953 Meeting ID: 949 2013 7953
DOH Office of Child and Family Services Title V
The SD Department Office of Child and Family Services (OCFS) Title V Maternal and Child Health Program is conducting a needs assessment to guide state and local public health work to meet the health and well-being of children and families.
There are still two opportunities to participate in Office of Child and Family Services Partner Meetings and provide input on the Maternal Child Health Needs Assessment. Please register.
May 7: Pierre from 9am to 12pm (registration at 8:30am)
Department of Social Services
Kneip Building
Conference room 3
700 Governors Drive
Pierre, SD 57501
May 14: Rapid City from 9am to 12pm (registration at 8:30am)
South Dakota Department of Health
One Stop Building
Deerfield Room
221 Mall Drive
Rapid City, SD 57701
EXTERNAL RESOURCES AND LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
Early Childhood Development Health Systems (ECDHS): Evidence to Impact Center
Join the Early Childhood Development Health Systems (ECDHS): Evidence to Impact Center on May 16 from 3-4:30 PM CT for a webinar titled “Systems Change in Early Childhood Using the Water of Systems Change Framework.” https://www.zerotothree.org/event/systems-change-in-early-childhood-using-the-water-of-systems-change-framework/ CEUs are available for those who attend the free, live training. If you have not already done so, you will need to create an account for Zero to Three’s LEARN platform before registering.
Mental Health Awareness Month
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Here are some learning opportunities specific to Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health:
Improving Parental Health and Emotional Well-being, PN-3 Impact Center
Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health, Zero to Three
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITY
The SD Act Early team is seeking sponsors to print and distribute Learn the Signs, Act Early materials to help parents monitor their child’s development. Sponsor logos can be included on printed projects. For more information, contact Lisa Sanderson at [email protected].
Let’s Connect!
If you would like to learn more about the SD ECCS efforts, provide feedback, or share more about your efforts to ensure a strong start for South Dakota’s youngest children, please email [email protected]. Are you working on some of these goals and strategies–or could they be included in your plans and activities? We’d love to learn more, collaborate, and celebrate your work.
