In this issue
- How policymakers in South Dakota understand and make decisions about early childhood brain development: 2025
- Children’s Day at the Capitol, January 21 and 22
- The Dad Connection webinar series: recordings available
- ECCS Touchpoints, December 9
- Court Improvement Program trainings: recordings available
- Growing Together: a master class in child development professional inquiry
- Stronger Families Together: foster parents needed
How Policymakers in South Dakota Understand and Make Decisions about Early Childhood Brain Development: 2025
From before birth through age three, the brain develops rapidly. Early experiences can have lasting effects on learning, behavior and health because the brain is highly adaptable during this period (Kolb, 2009). A new report published by the Center for the Prevention of Child Maltreatment offers insight into how state leaders view the earliest years of life.
Shared views across political parties and levels of government
State and local policymakers agree on several things young children and families need.
96.7% Agreed that positive, responsive interactions with a caregiver support development.
50% Prioritized access to comprehensive pediatric and primary care.
Areas for more information
South Dakota policymakers may benefit from more information about how chronic stress, chronic neglect and trauma influence early childhood brain development.
26.6% Disagreed or were unsure that services from pregnancy through age three offer long-term fiscal benefits.
13.3% Were unsure whether a parent’s level of chronic stress affects a young child’s brain development.
Different priorities
South Dakota policymakers have a range of views about government involvement in early childhood brain development.
86.7% Agreed that services from pregnancy through age three offer long-term social benefits.
73.3% Agreed that investing in services from pregnancy through age three results in long-term fiscal benefits.
Children’s Day at the Capitol
Investing in children, empowering healthy communities.
Make plans to join us on January 21 and 22. Each year, organizations working to improve the lives of children and families gather during the legislative session. They share their work with the public, lawmakers, government staff and other advocates.
Participate in Children’s Day
Event sponsors help bring a shared focus to children’s well-being during the legislative session. Sponsors are recognized in print and online materials for the day’s activities. Organizations may participate on either day.
Sponsorship options include:
$250: Booth space on Wednesday, January 21. Cookies are provided in the Rotunda, with no program. Space is limited to 10 organizations. No spots are available.
$500: Booth space on Thursday, January 22. Lunch and a program are provided in the Rotunda. Space is limited to 10 organizations. Two spots are available.
The Dad Connection Webinar Series
Center for the Prevention of Child Maltreatment, in partnership with SD Department of Social Services welcomed more 70 training participants to a limited-series online learning opportunity focused on the role of dads.
The Dad Connection series included four webinar learning opportunities presented by J. Michael Hall, Strong Fathers-Strong Families:
- The Different Roles of Mothers and Fathers and How They Best Serve Children
- Co-Parenting and Co-Piloting a Child’s Future
- Fathers and Their Positive Impact on a Child’s Mental Health and Behavior
- Fathers and Their Positive Impact on a Child’s Education Success—Now and in the Future
All training sessions are now available to view online at https://sdcpcm.com/training/.
SD ECCS
Touchpoints Webinars
The November recording, Businesses for Babies: Strategies to Support South Dakota’s Youngest Families, is now available for viewing.
Join us for upcoming ECCS Touchpoints webinars:
- December 9 | 12-1pm CT; Understanding Autism in Early Childhood (0–3 Years) presented by Aimee Deliramich, PhD, University of South Dakota
Court Improvement Program
The November session, Utilizing Native American Lakota Culture to Heal and Examine Social Determinants of Tribal Health and Persevering Through Unsolved Trauma, is now available to view.
Join us for upcoming CIP Trainings:
- January 28 | 12-1pm CT; Child and Family Services Review: Program Improvement Planning
Growing Together: A Master Class in Child Development Professional Inquiry
Growing Together is an eight-week, online master class designed to deepen professional understanding of child development through exploratory practice — a reflective, inquiry-based approach to learning from one’s own experiences. Participants will engage in meaningful self-study and shared inquiry to collectively explore essential questions about children, families, and their own professional identities.
Trainers: Dr. Jennifer Kampmann & Dr. Andrew Stremmel
Dates: March 2, 9 & 23 and April 13 & 27 (6:30-8:00 p.m. CST)
Capstone Seminar: 1-day seminar and final presentations on 5/8/26 at USD Sioux Falls
Participants will:
- Develop their own question of practice — a personal inquiry into an aspect of their work with children and/or families.
- Engage in reflective, creative, and artistic methods (storying, journaling, observation, conversation).
- Gain confidence as reflective practitioners who continually learn from experience.
- Present their inquiry projects and insights during a collaborative one-day, in-person capstone seminar at USD Sioux Falls. (A stipend will be provided for successfully completing the course and participating in the capstone seminar.)
By the end of this master class, participants will:
- Understand themselves and their practice in new ways.
- Cultivate habits of curiosity, reflection, and professional inquiry.
- Design a sustainable framework for lifelong learning and development
- Build a community of practice with others dedicated to children’s growth and well-being.
Stronger Families Together
Foster and adoptive families are greatly needed in South Dakota. When families are unable to provide safe care for children due to significant challenges they are experiencing, foster families are needed. In addition to providing care for children, foster families also provide encouragement and support to the entire family as they are working to make changes so the children can return home.
Families supporting families is a shared value in South Dakota. By offering a helping hand to other families in our communities, we can build “Stronger Families Together”.