Audrey Rider

SDSU Extension Early Childhood Field Specialist

Professional portrait of Audrey Rider
Photo

605-882-5140

SDSU Extension Watertown Regional Center
1910 West Kemp Ave
Watertown, SD 57201

Audrey Rider is the SDSU Extension Early Childhood Field Specialist and with childcare programs and providers to increase school readiness and enhance social-emotional growth and development among South Dakota’s youngest citizens. Audrey interacts closely with parents, teachers, early childhood professionals, caregivers, agencies, and stakeholders to coordinate resources and advance initiatives.

Areas of Expertise

  • Early childhood education and professional development
  • Social-emotional development and resilience
  • Ages and stages of child development

Programs and Services

State & Regional Offices

Watertown Regional Center

Also by Audrey Rider

Young woman playing with a toddler in a large sandbox.

SDSU Extension supports childcare access in rural communities

March 16, 2026

South Dakota State University Extension’s efforts to support expanding childcare access in rural communities helped three South Dakota communities in 2024-2025.

Young woman playing with a toddler in a large sandbox.

Bright Summers: Choosing Fun and Learning-Focused Care

Just as you did when you selected full-time care or after school care, you will want to consider various elements of summer care for your school-aged kids. Enriching summer programs are available through many types of settings, enabling children to have fun and explore at their own pace.

Teachers and students in an early childhood education classroom.

Building Thriving Parent-Teacher Relationships

Childcare providers and educators spend countless hours watching children develop and grow. It is important for parents to build a strong reciprocal relationship with educators that helps support healthy learning and development.

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