BROOKINGS, S.D. – South Dakota State University Extension’s efforts to support expanding childcare access in rural communities helped three South Dakota communities in 2024-2025.
SDSU Extension facilitated local childcare roundtables and provided ongoing technical assistance in Lead/Deadwood, Webster and Doland during 2024–2025. SDSU Extension staff helped bring community leaders, parents, educators and business owners together to identify needs and develop practical solutions. Each community used the support differently, based on local priorities.
Audrey Rider, SDSU Extension Early Childhood Field Specialist, said these community-driven efforts play a critical role in supporting workforce stability, economic development and the long-term vitality of rural towns.
“By working with these communities, I was able to help them continue growing and keep their economy and workforce thriving,” said Audrey Rider, SDSU Extension Early Childhood Field Specialist. “I feel like we listened to what each community wanted in our community roundtables and helped them develop programs and solutions that will be sustainable.”
In Lead/Deadwood, a community needs survey confirmed demand for afterschool and summer programming. The findings led to the opening of a new afterschool program at Deadwood Elementary in September 2025.
The program, 2nd Step, provides afterschool care for eight children, age kindergarten through fifth grade. Kaylee Linn-Wellford, director of the Northern Hills Alliance for Children, said the research collected through the SDSU Extension-facilitated survey was essential in building support from the school board, superintendent and administrative team.
“That was crucial. Without that information I don’t think they would have been as willing to let me use the space,” Linn-Welford said. “We had a great experience working with Audrey and the rest of the team.”
Webster directed project resources toward planning a future childcare center by supporting architectural design and curriculum development. The local afterschool program also upgraded learning materials to enhance youth programming.
A new facility, Knapp and Play Learning Center, opened on Sept. 9, 2025, and has 39 children enrolled, with 22 on the waiting list. Christi Christensen, outgoing director of the center, said they are one of the only childcare options in Webster.
In Doland, an investment supported new educational and outdoor equipment at Doland Community Daycare and helped the program work with city officials to strengthen long term sustainability planning.
Mindy Rowe, director of Doland Community Daycare, said they have 27 children enrolled, and have had a waiting list for the last four or five years. She is grateful for the support, both from SDSU Extension and the community.
“We have a ton of support from our community,” Rowe said. “They know how important it is to have a daycare in the city.”
Across all communities, families benefited through expanded learning environments and more reliable childcare options. Stakeholders reported that SDSU Extension’s facilitation and guidance helped move local ideas from discussion to action.
“I plan to partner with other SDSU Extension colleagues to conduct needs assessments in other rural communities throughout South Dakota and see how we can help them address childcare and workforce needs,” Rider said.
For more information, contact Audrey Rider, SDSU Extension Early Childhood Field Specialist.
