Daycare

All Daycare Content

SDSU Extension Early Childhood Field Specialist Audrey Rider reading a book to a group of four children.

Child Education

Nationally, more than 60 percent of households are dual income, resulting in an increased need for early childhood education programming.

School lunch staff serving trays of healthy food a group of children.

Benefits of Farm to School and Early Care and Education

Farm to school (F2S) programs have potential to create substantial positive impacts on an array of F2S stakeholders, including kids, schools (foodservice and education), early care and education (ECE) programs, agricultural producers, families and communities. Benefits exist in the areas of public health, economic development, education, environment, equity and community engagement.

Three children working in a community garden.

What is Farm to School and Early Care and Education?

Farm-to-school enriches the connection communities have with fresh, healthy food and local food producers by changing food purchasing and education practices at schools and early childhood education settings.

A cup-shaped infographic with five levels outlining beverage guidlines for age groups from 5 and under to 2 to five years.

New Guidelines on Healthy Beverages for Young Children Keeping Little Ones Healthy Every Sip of the Way

What your child drinks is just as important as the food they eat each day. Recently, new recommendations were released to help parents and caregivers navigate this important time for children.

Two young girls enjoying healthy snacks after school. Courtesy: Bob Nichols, USDA [CC BY 2.0].

Child and Adult Care Food Program: The At-Risk After-School Snack and Meal Program Providing Nutrition and Enrichment After the School Day Is Over

The At-Risk Afterschool Meal Program is a part of the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) that focuses on getting children a nutritious meal after the bell rings. For some, this may fill the gap that may occur from lunch that day until the next morning at breakfast.

Group of young children climbing on a playground obstacle course.

Kids Are Tough, but They Still Need Resiliency Skills!

Kids are tough, but how can we teach them to become resilient and recover from the difficulties they will face during their childhood? Learn some tips to help children build resilience during difficult times.

Mother and young daughter wearing masks in an outdoor park.

Helping Kids Deal With Change

As we are all going through these times of change and uncertainty, remember to talk to your child or children in your care and don’t just avoid the behaviors.

A young male student studying at the kitchen table with an older sister.

Managing Child Care Options When Schools Close

As schools and some child cares close across South Dakota, many parents are left scrambling for child care options.

Three children washing their hands together in a bathroom sink.

How to Talk to Your Kids About COVID-19

Parents, it is important to talk to your children about what COVID-19 is and why it is a pandemic so they understand the cancellations and changes in their daily routines. Here are some tips from the CDC to help you talk to your children and how much information to expose them to.

Lunch room in a daycare facility with plates set on the tables and fall decorations in the background.

Importance of Proper Nutrition and Physical Activity in Early Childhood

Childcare outside the home is relatively common in the United States, as a majority of children ages two-to-five attend some type of childcare and spend roughly 30 hours per week in others care. Due to this, both parents and early childhood educators are responsible to ensure children are receiving the nutrition they need for proper childhood development.