ECCS Touchpoints Webinar: Building Strong Foundations: Updates on Early Learning Communities in South Dakota
What is a touchpoint?
A child’s brain undergoes rapid development during the first three years of life, making this period crucial for their overall growth. Each new brain connection formed during this time has been referred to as a “touchpoint,” which is why we named our informational webinar series after this important milestone in a child’s development. Through these hour-long, interactive webinars, our goal is to help you create your own touchpoints across South Dakota, contributing to the healthy development of all the state’s children.
Building Strong Foundations: Updates on Early Learning Communities in South Dakota
This webinar will share the latest updates on South Dakota’s Early Learning Communities initiative, highlighting progress made across the state to strengthen early childhood systems. Participants will hear case examples from local communities, explore successes and ongoing challenges, and learn how data tools and cross-sector partnerships are helping drive meaningful change. The session will provide practical insights and stories of community progress, offering inspiration and actionable steps for those committed to ensuring every child in South Dakota has a strong start.
Speakers: Kayla Klein, Early Learner South Dakota; Hanna Glissendorf, United Way of Black Hills; Pat Buechler, SDAEYC
CEUs: SD Board of Social Work Examiners This organization (University of South Dakota – Provider #1048) is approved as a provider for continuing education by the South Dakota Board of Social Work Examiners. Social workers will receive up to 1.0 Continuing Education clock hours for participating in this course.
Community Health Worker Collaborative of South Dakota Appr
oved for CHW/CHR hours. Completion of the entire course is required.
Kayla Klein is the Director of Early Learner South Dakota. She has 15 years of experience in policy and advocacy efforts in SD and nationwide. She has been in the early childhood field for nearly 20 years and is passionate about elevating the ECE field and supporting the youngest and most vulnerable children of our state.
Hanna Glissendorf is the Director of Early Education at United Way of the Black Hills, where she leads the Black Hills Reads initiative—a community effort to ensure children are reading proficiently by the end of third grade. She also serves on the Leadership Team for Early Learner Rapid City and acts as a Navigator for Early Learner Communities in the Black Hills. Born and raised in the Black Hills, Hanna is deeply committed to supporting local families and helping young learners thrive.
