Content by Audrey Rider

Young boy measuring flour, 4-H, Cloverbuds

Guidelines for 4-H Cloverbud Volunteers

Guidelines for 4-H Volunteers planning activities for Cloverbud-aged youth.

three boys sitting on the floor playing with marbles and plastic tracks.

Babysitting Workshop

Babysitting Workshop Curriculum to teach youth the skills, knowledge, and responsibility needed to provide safe and effective childcare.

Young woman playing with a toddler in a large sandbox.

SDSU Extension webinar helps farm families integrate childcare into planning

April 24, 2026

South Dakota State University Extension is hosting a webinar to help farm families integrate childcare into their overall plans.

Young boy measuring flour, 4-H, Cloverbuds

Cloverbud Corner

Different lesson plans and activities for Cloverbud-aged 4-H members.

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.

Group of adults and children playing doubleball game in a field

Native American Resources

This resource page provides culturally informed tools and guidance to help childcare providers support Native American children and families.

Child stacking blocks against an entertainment center in al living room.

Schema Play is Not Challenging When Understood

Schemas, or imaginative and repetitive play patterns, may seem challenging at first, but they help children make meaning of their world. By identifying and supporting schema behaviors, teachers and parents can turn frustration into growth and joy.

Mother and toddler doing a learning activity on a tablet computer.

Embracing Technology to Teach Early Literacy Skills

Research suggests that learning happens when children can use multiple senses, such as sight, sound, and touch. With technology, parents, caregivers, and educators can nurture reading skills in new, exciting ways!