BROOKINGS — SDSU Extension is supporting rural South Dakota communities in exploring solutions to meet childcare shortages.

Childcare providers and parents are asked to complete a short survey by May 31 on the Childcare Needs in South Dakota page, found here.

The survey is a response to the shortage of rural daycare providers throughout South Dakota. SDSU Extension provides resources, partnerships and research on advocating for early childhood workforce development.

As childcare becomes more difficult to find, parents in many rural communities travel longer distances or rely on grandparents or other relatives. Sometimes, one parent stays home with the children, limiting income and career aspirations.

“We really want to hear from the parents and providers in rural communities so we can begin helping them come up with solutions to the childcare crisis,” said Audrey Rider, SDSU extension early childhood field specialist.

Once the survey data has been collected, SDSU Extension will work with the Beresford, Lead/Deadwood, and Webster communities to lead discussions and support economic development groups to address their unique childcare needs.

SDSU Extension experts from various disciplines will guide discussions and help communities form a sustainability plan. They will also demonstrate the benefits of being in the childcare profession and the positive impact it can have on a community’s local economy.

Rider said rural communities have been overlooked in some of the recent childcare crisis work because of a limited capacity to build task force groups and collaborative work groups needed for viable, long-term solutions.

For more information and childcare resources, visit the Childcare Needs in South Dakota page or contact Rider at 605-882-5140.