8.1 Coordination with Partners to Expand Accessibility and Continuity of Care

Lead Agencies must coordinate child care services supported by CCDF with other federal, State/Territory, and local level programs. This includes programs for the benefit of Indian children, infants and toddlers, children with disabilities, children experiencing homelessness, and children in foster care. 8.1.1 Coordination with required and optional partners Describe how the Lead Agency coordinates and the results of this coordination of the provision of child care services with the organizations and agencies to expand accessibility and continuity of care and to assist children enrolled in early childhood programs in receiving full-day services that meet the needs of working families. The Lead Agency must coordinate with the following agencies: a. State Advisory Council on Early Childhood Education and Care or similar coordinating body (pursuant to 642B(b)(I)(A)(i) of the Head Start Act). Describe the coordination and results of the coordination: The involvement of the Office of Licensing and Accreditation (OLA) and the Child Care Services (CCS) Quality Initiatives representatives in the Child and Family Services Interagency Workgroup demonstrate a coordinated and multi-agency approach to addressing issues related to children in South Dakota. Here's a breakdown of the key points regarding this interagency workgroup: Composition of the Workgroup: The Child and Family Services Interagency Workgroup comprises representatives from various state government entities that play significant roles in serving young children. These entities include: Department of Social Services (DSS): Behavioral Health, Child Protection Services, Medical Services (Medicaid), Economic Assistance, and Child Care. Department of Education: Head Start Collaboration Office and Birth to Three Program. Department of Health: Community Health Services, Child and Family Services, Maternal Child and Health, and WIC (Women, Infants, and Children). Department of Human Services: Developmental Disabilities. Department of Tribal Relations. Frequency of Meetings: The workgroup meets quarterly to discuss goals and objectives related to addressing common issues faced by children from birth through school age. This regular meeting schedule allows for ongoing collaboration and communication among the agencies involved. Sharing of Data, Information, and Resources: Each agency represented in the workgroup routinely shares data, information, and resources. This sharing of resources facilitates coordination and collaboration across agencies, enabling them to collectively make a difference for children in the state. Focus on Child Well-being: The workgroup's discussions focus on addressing common issues related to children's well-being, encompassing various aspects such as health, education, family support, and developmental disabilities. By bringing together diverse perspectives and expertise, the workgroup seeks to identify solutions and strategies to improve outcomes for children in South Dakota. Overall, the Child and Family Services Interagency Workgroup serves as a valuable platform for collaboration and coordination among state agencies involved in serving children and families. By working together, these agencies can leverage their collective resources and expertise to better meet the needs of children across the state. b. Indian Tribe(s) and/or Tribal organization(s), at the option of the Tribe or Tribal organization. Describe the coordination and results of the coordination, including which Tribe(s) was (were) involved: Oversight and Coordination: Child Care Services (CCS) and the Office of Licensing and Accreditation (OLA) connect with tribal child care administrators who oversee the 24 state-licensed programs to ensure continuity of provider requirements and enhance the supply of providers for children from birth through school age. This coordination helps meet the accessibility needs of families and ensures consistent support for child care providers. Formal Meetings and Updates: Formal meetings occur at least once per plan cycle with tribal administrators to share program updates and any changes that may affect providers in their service areas. This communication ensures that tribal child care administrators are informed about relevant developments and can effectively support providers in their communities. Coordination of Training Needs: CCS and OLA staff, along with Early Childhood Enrichment programs, coordinate training needs with tribal child care and Head Start programs. This collaborative approach ensures that training opportunities are tailored to the needs of providers serving tribal communities and support the professional development of child care staff. Monthly Coordination Efforts: CCS facilitates monthly coordination efforts with tribal child care administrators regarding families who are dually eligible for services. This coordination helps prevent duplication of services and ensures efficient use of resources to support families' child care needs. Tribal Consultations and Input Gathering: CCS conducted a formal meeting in January 2024 with Tribal CCDF Coordinators specifically to gather input for the development of the 2025-2027 Plan. Tribal consultations will continue throughout the plan period to ensure coordinated efforts for all child care providers and families in South Dakota. CCS sends semi-annual program update notifications to Tribal CCDF leaders that include surveys to help identify areas for ongoing coordination. Overall, these coordinated efforts foster collaboration, communication, and mutual support between CCS, CCL, tribal child care administrators, and other stakeholders. By working together, they can better address the needs of child care providers and families, promote access to high-quality child care services, and support the well-being and development of children across South Dakota. [ ] Not applicable. Check here if there are no Indian Tribes and/or Tribal organizations in the State/Territory. c. State/Territory agency(ies) responsible for programs for children with disabilities, including early intervention programs authorized under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Describe the coordination and results of the coordination: Membership in Birth to Three Program: The Office of Licensing and Accreditation (OLA), Child Care Licensing Program Manager is a member of the Birth to Three Program, which serves as the Lead Agency for Part C early intervention services within the Department of Education. This membership allows for coordination and collaboration between OLA and Birth to Three Program initiatives. Quarterly Meetings with Interagency Coordinating Council: OLA meets quarterly with the Birth to Three Interagency Coordinating Council to discuss issues related to early intervention services and provide input on the development of the Birth to Three Program State Plan and performance reporting requirements. This collaboration ensures alignment of efforts and maximizes the impact of services provided to children and families. Contracting with Regional ECE Programs: Child Care Services (CCS) contracts with regional Early Childhood Enrichment (ECE) programs to increase provider awareness and knowledge of resources and services available for families of children with special needs. This includes offering training, onsite technical assistance, and coaching to child care providers to support their ability to accommodate the needs of children with special needs. Individualized Supports and Services: Through this collaboration, each provider receives individualized supports specific to the child's needs. This may include coordinating access to other services and supports as needed, offering special services on a case-by-case basis for families facing challenges in finding or maintaining child care for children with special needs. Multi-disciplinary Team Approach: The team involved in providing supports and services includes regional ECE staff, OLA specialists, subsidy program specialists, and others depending on the family's needs. This multi-disciplinary approach ensures comprehensive support and coordination of services to meet the unique needs of each child and family. Goal of Smooth Transitions and Appropriate Care: The overarching goal is to ensure the most appropriate care setting for the child and facilitate smooth transitions into programs by ensuring caregivers are properly trained and appropriately compensated for specialized care needs. This approach aims to promote the well-being and development of children with special needs while supporting their families. Overall, this collaborative effort between OLA, the Birth to Three Program, CCS, and regional ECE programs exemplifies a commitment to providing high-quality, inclusive early childhood education and care services for children with special needs and their families in South Dakota. d. State/Territory office/director for Head Start State collaboration. Describe the coordination and results of the coordination: The coordination between Child Care Services (CCS) and the South Dakota Head Start Collaboration Office, housed within the Department of Education, is aimed at enhancing professional development opportunities for early childhood educators and ensuring continuity of care for children participating in both child care and Head Start programs. Here's how CCS is working to achieve these goals: Promotion of Pathways to Professional Development Career Ladder Program: CCS is increasing promotion of the Pathways to Professional Development Career Ladder program. This initiative provides early childhood educators with opportunities for professional growth and advancement through structured pathways. By promoting this program, CCS aims to support the professional development of child care providers and improve the quality of early childhood education in South Dakota. Stand-alone and Integrated Training on Early Learning Guidelines: CCS collaborates with the Head Start Collaboration Office to provide stand-alone and integrated training on the Early Learning Guidelines for Head Start and child care programs. This training ensures that educators in both settings are equipped with the knowledge and skills to support children's development effectively. By aligning training efforts, CCS and the Head Start Collaboration Office promote continuity of care and a seamless transition for children between child care and Head Start settings. Maintaining Availability of Child Care Slots for Head Start Participants: CCS ensures continuity of care for children attending both child care and Head Start programs by continuing to pay child care providers for care during the time children are attending Head Start. This practice maintains availability of child care slots for children who may only attend Head Start for a portion of the day, ensuring that their child care arrangements remain stable and accessible. Overall, the coordination between CCS and the Head Start Collaboration Office aims to support the professional development of early childhood educators, promote continuity of care for children, and improve the quality of early childhood education programs in South Dakota. By working together, these agencies contribute to the well-being and development of young children in the state. e. State/Territory agency responsible for public health, including the agency responsible for immunizations. Describe the coordination and results of the coordination: The coordination between Child Care Services (CCS), Office of Licensing and Accreditation (OLA), and the Department of Health (DOH) in South Dakota demonstrates a collaborative effort to enhance and align quality services, ensure a healthy child care environment, and provide parents with information about available services and resources. Here's a breakdown of the coordinated activities: Access to Immunization Information System: OLA collaborates with DOH to grant licensed child care programs and OLA specialists' access to the DOH SD Immunization Information System. This allows providers to expedite enrollment in programs by accessing immunization records for children. OLA also reviews child immunization records during annual inspection visits. DOH provides ongoing training to licensing inspectors to ensure they understand SD immunization requirements. Floor Plan Reviews: OLA contracts with DOH to conduct formal floor plan reviews for programs seeking licensure. This coordination ensures child and school age facilities meet health standards. Sharing Information and Services: Child Care Services promotes the use of developmental screenings conducted by DOH by providing information on the DSS website and including it in child care provider and parent trainings. Information on available services such as the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and well-child checkup information is also shared with providers. Implementation of DOH Funded Programs: CCS oversees the implementation of DOH- funded programs such as the Physical Activity and Technical Assistance (PATA) and fitCare, which aim to promote physical activity, nutrition, and overall wellness among children in child care settings. Overall, these coordinated efforts between CCS, OLA, and DOH demonstrate a commitment to ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of children in child care programs, as well as providing valuable support and resources to parents and providers. Collaboration between agencies strengthens the effectiveness of services and contributes to a healthier and safer child care environment. f. State/Territory agency responsible for employment services/workforce development. Describe the coordination and results of the coordination: The coordination between Child Care Services (CCS) and the South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation (DLR) exemplifies a proactive approach to meeting the needs of vulnerable populations and ensuring effective child care options. Here's how CCS works closely with DLR to facilitate seamless services: Mutual Case Collaboration: CCS and DLR Employment Specialists collaborate on mutual cases, ensuring that families receiving employment services also have access to appropriate child care options. By working together, they can address the holistic needs of families, including child care, to support employment and workforce development goals. Monitoring Contract Slot Usage: CCS and DLR monitor contract slot usage to ensure that child care options are effectively utilized and meet the needs of vulnerable populations. This collaborative effort helps to optimize the allocation of resources and ensures that families have access to the child care services they require. Coordinating Changes: If a contracted child care facility is no longer convenient for families due to location or transportation issues, CCS and DLR coordinate changes to better align with family needs. This proactive approach ensures that families have access to child care options that are both convenient and suitable for their circumstances. Training for DLR Staff: CCS provides ongoing training for DLR staff to ensure they are knowledgeable about child care policies, procedures, and any rule or policy changes. This training helps DLR staff address questions from families, understand start dates for child care services, and ensure consistency in implementation and messaging. Overall, the partnership between CCS and DLR demonstrates a commitment to supporting families in accessing quality child care services while pursuing employment and workforce development opportunities. By working collaboratively, these agencies can better address the needs of vulnerable populations and provide seamless, effective services to families across South Dakota. g. State/Territory agency responsible for public education, including pre-Kindergarten. Describe the coordination and results of the coordination: The coordination efforts between the South Dakota Department of Education and Child Care Services (CCS) and Office of Licensing and Accreditation (OLA) demonstrate a commitment to streamlining access to early childhood and school-age services for families. Here's how these coordinated activities enhance family access: Information Sharing about Child and Adult Care Food Programs: CCS and OLA ensure that child care providers are informed about the Child and Adult Care Food programs offered through the Department of Education. This ensures that regulated family child care, day care centers, and before and after school programs are aware of and can access nutritional support services for the children they serve. Coordination with Head Start Collaboration Office: Coordinating with the Head Start Collaboration Office, CCS and OLA oversee the development and review of the SD Early Learning Guidelines. This collaboration ensures alignment between Head Start programs and other early childhood education providers, promoting consistency and quality in early childhood education practices. CCS also coordinates with the Head Start Collaboration Office regarding the delivery of CDA training for high school students. Inclusion of Homeless Education Information in Training: CCS coordinates with the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Coordinator to ensure homeless education information are incorporated into training provided to child care providers. This ensures that providers are equipped with the necessary knowledge and resources to support the development and well-being of the children they serve, including those experiencing homelessness. Support for 21st Century Community Learning Centers: OLA works with 21st Century Community Learning programs to identify programs that require licensure. OLA provides support to these programs to assist them in becoming licensed and conducts ongoing monitoring to ensure compliance with regulatory standards. This collaboration helps to ensure the safety and quality of out-of-school time programs for children and families. Overall, the coordinated efforts between the South Dakota Department of Education, CCS, and OLA aim to improve access to early childhood and school-age services for families. By working together, these agencies enhance the quality and availability of programs that support the well-being and development of children across the state. h. State/Territory agency responsible for child care licensing. Describe the coordination and results of the coordination: The Office of Licensing and Accreditation (OLA) is the DSS agency responsible for child care licensing. There is close coordination between OLA and Child Care Services (CCS) as these are the two co-administering CCDF lead agencies. Our coordinated efforts are crucial in the development of the CCDF State Plan, ensuring compliance with goals and requirements, and promoting the health and safety of child care programs. Here's how OLA and CCS work together: Routine Meetings and Information Sharing: OLA and CCS meet routinely to exchange information, address challenges, and coordinate efforts to achieve State Plan goals and requirements. These meetings provide opportunities for collaboration, problem-solving, and ensuring alignment between the two offices' activities. Shared Database System for CCDF Funding Eligibility: OLA informs CCS about which child care providers are eligible for Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) funding through systems that are interfaced. This collaboration ensures that eligible providers can access necessary funding to support the care and education of children. Feedback Collection and Training Support: OLA gathers feedback from licensed and registered child care programs to identify training and support needs related to health and safety requirements and program quality. This feedback informs CCS of necessary training and support services to help programs meet standards and operate as high-quality child care providers. Overall, the coordination between OLA and CCS ensures effective collaboration, resource utilization, and support for child care programs, ultimately promoting the health, safety, and quality of care for children in South Dakota. i. State/Territory agency responsible for the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) and other relevant nutrition programs. Describe the coordination and results of the coordination: The coordination between the Office of Licensing and Accreditation (OLA) and the South Dakota Department of Education's Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) demonstrates a concerted effort to ensure that child care providers receive comprehensive support and access to vital resources. Here's how CCL and CACFP work together: Biannual Meetings with CACFP Staff and Sponsors: OLA holds regular meetings with state CACFP staff and local sponsors twice a year. These meetings serve as a platform to share program updates, address concerns, and coordinate communication about services provided. By meeting regularly, OLA and CACFP can ensure alignment of goals and objectives, as well as address any issues that may arise. Regulation Consistency and Information Sharing: OLA specialists work closely with CACFP sponsors to ensure consistency in regulations between the two programs. This coordination ensures that child care providers receive accurate and up-to-date information on regulations and requirements from both OLA and CACFP. Sharing current and correct information helps providers maintain compliance and access available resources. Sharing Provider Status Changes with CACFP: OLA shares changes in child care provider status with state CACFP staff. This coordination allows CACFP to update their records and outreach efforts accordingly, ensuring that providers receive uninterrupted access to CACFP benefits and support services. Incorporating CACFP Information During Inquiries and Application Process: OLA specialists include information about CACFP benefits and participation opportunities during the inquiry process for child care providers. They also encourage participation in CACFP during the provider application process, highlighting the benefits of the program for registered and licensed programs. Overall, the coordination between OLA and CACFP enhances support for child care providers by ensuring consistency, communication, and access to essential resources and benefits. By working together, these agencies can better meet the needs of child care providers and promote the well-being of children in South Dakota. j. McKinney-Vento State coordinators for homeless education and other agencies providing services for children experiencing homelessness and, to the extent practicable, local McKinney-Vento liaisons. Describe the coordination and results of the coordination: The coordination between Child Care and key organizations like the South Dakota Department of Education Title X Part C - McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Office highlights a commitment to ensuring that child care services are accessible to homeless populations in the state. On-going coordination efforts include the sharing of resources and identifying ongoing training opportunities for Lead Agency staff, the Early Childhood Enrichment (ECE) System, and child care providers. This ensures that staff and providers are equipped with the knowledge and skills to effectively support homeless families and address their unique needs. k. State/Territory agency responsible for the TANF program. Describe the coordination and results of the coordination: State agency responsible for TANF is located in the DSS - Division of Economic Assistance (EA). Because CCS also housed within the Division in EA and working with many of the same families, several opportunities exist to ensure coordination of services, information, and input throughout the year. In addition, the EA division director meets regularly with the CCS Program Administrator who is the lead agency CCDF administrator. Weekly communication opportunities exist for enhancing efforts to align programs for children of all ages to the extent practicable. Through this coordination we have identified ways to better communicate information between the TANF and CCA programs, such as adding an appendix to the TANF manual related to CCS, to ensure that staff in both programs have the information available to efficiently assist mutual recipients. CCS and other EA programs including TANF are continuing to work on specific goals and efforts to enhance state technology systems to benefit customers and improve service delivery. l. State/Territory agency responsible for Medicaid and the State Children’s Health Insurance Program. Describe the coordination and results of the coordination: The State agency responsible for Medicaid CHIP is located within the DSS. The State Medicaid director is located in the Division of Medical Services. Staff who determine eligibility for Medicaid and CHIP are located within the Division of Economic Assistance (EA). EA Benefits Specialists are responsible for determinations for multiple programs including Medicaid, CHIP, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (SNAP) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). Benefits Specialist assess family needs and assist in connecting those families to a variety of DSS programs, including CCS and to community resources that may assist the family. Department division directors and division staff work closely to ensure coordination of services and sharing opportunities across multiple divisions and programs. Effort is taken to align programs and processes where possible to provide a streamlined experience for our common customers. For example, the CHIP brochure is shared with all families applying for child care assistance and with Child Care providers for distribution to families. m. State/Territory agency responsible for mental health services. Describe the coordination and results of the coordination: The Behavioral Health Division responsible for mental health is housed within DSS. Child Care recognizes that mental health of children is an important aspect to their growth and development. The coordinated goal includes enhancing awareness of early childhood mental health by focusing on building capacity across the State to increase accessibility to mental health services for young children. The result of this coordination effort has started the process to increase mental health services to child care providers in South Dakota which will result in improved care to children. n. Child care resource and referral agencies, child care consumer education organizations, and providers of early childhood education training and professional development. Describe the coordination and results of the coordination: The coordination between Child Care Services (CCS) and Early Childhood Enrichment (ECE) programs plays a vital role in supporting child care providers, families, and communities across South Dakota. Here's how CCS and ECE programs work together to enhance program quality and support: Training Delivery and Technical Assistance: CCS contracts with five ECE programs to deliver training, onsite technical assistance, and coaching to family, center, and school-age providers. These programs help providers meet licensing requirements and continuously improve program quality. They also offer consumer education services to families seeking child care or technical assistance related to child development, as well as assistance to communities in addressing early care and school-age care needs. Coordination and Communication: CCS coordinates with ECE programs through monthly conference calls and in-person meetings. These meetings serve to develop and implement new quality initiatives, discuss provider needs, and address technical assistance requests. Additionally, CCS and ECE programs coordinate with other organizations that provide direct services to families and caregivers, ensuring seamless service delivery across the state. Accessibility and Support in QRIS: In this plan period, CCS and ECE programs will coordinate all training requirements and participant coaching offered in the Quality Recognition and Improvement System (QRIS). This ensures accessibility for providers entering and progressing through the system. Planning and implementation meetings will be scheduled throughout the plan period to facilitate coordination and collaboration. The QRIS team will also coordinate with ECE programs to administer Environmental Rating Scale observations to support implementation of the evaluation component as needed. ECE staff have completed reliability training on the tools and are prepared to support programs involved in QRIS as well as through technical assistance. Overall, the coordination between CCS and ECE programs is essential for promoting high- quality child care services, supporting providers, and meeting the diverse needs of families and communities across South Dakota. By working together, they can enhance program quality, accessibility, and effectiveness, ultimately benefiting children and families statewide. o. Statewide afterschool network or other coordinating entity for out-of-school time care (if applicable). Describe the coordination and results of the coordination: The collaboration between Child Care Services (CCS), the South Dakota School Age Care Alliance (SoDakSACA) and South Dakota After School Network (SDAN) is essential for supporting the development of high-quality afterschool programs and enhancing professional development opportunities for staff members. Here's how CCS, SoDakSACA and SDASN are working together to achieve their goals: Professional Development Support: CCS collaborates with SoDakSACA and SDAN to provide professional development opportunities for staff members in afterschool programs. By working together, they can offer training sessions, workshops, and resources aimed at enhancing the skills and knowledge of afterschool program staff, ultimately improving the quality of care provided to children. School-Age Care QRIS Framework: CCS and the SDSU Quality Collaborative worked closely with SDAN in development of the SD School-Age Care QRIS framework for the QRIS pilot supporting the project with resources and connections to programs in operating in other states. This collaboration will continue into the current plan period to support the state implementation of the program. Information Sharing and Updates: CCS will provide state and federal updates to SoDAkSACA and SDAN through participation in meetings and conferences. By keeping SoDAkSACA and SDAN informed of relevant updates and changes in regulations or policies, CCS helps ensure that afterschool programs stay informed and compliant with requirements, ultimately benefiting the children and families they serve. Referral System for Parents: Through coordinated efforts, licensed school-age programs identified by CCS are provided to the SDAN for a referral system. This system helps parents find accessible school-age programming in South Dakota, facilitating access to afterschool care options for families across the state. Overall, the collaboration between CCS, SoDakSACA and SDAN demonstrates a commitment to promoting quality and accessibility in afterschool programming. By working together, they can support the professional development of staff, establish quality standards, and improve access to high-quality afterschool care for children and families in South Dakota. p. Agency responsible for emergency management and response. Describe the coordination and results of the coordination: The coordination between Child Care Services (CCS), Office of Licensing and Accreditation (OLA), and other relevant stakeholders in revising the Child Care Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan demonstrates a proactive approach to ensuring the safety and well-being of children in child care settings. Here's an overview of the key points regarding the revision process and goals for implementation: Plan Revision Process: CCS and OLA revised the existing Child Care Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan to ensure its effectiveness and relevance in addressing potential emergencies and disasters. The plan was shared with key stakeholders, including the Office of Emergency Management (OEM). Plan Accessibility: Upon completion, the revised Child Care Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan was successfully placed on the CCS website. Making the plan readily accessible to child care providers and other stakeholders enhances preparedness and ensures that relevant information is easily accessible in the event of an emergency. Enhanced Website Resources: DSS successfully updated templates for providers to access in creating their own Emergency plans. Future Goals: Regular Review Process: Establish a structured process for conducting annual reviews of the Child Care Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan. This process should involve key stakeholders, including representatives from DSS, CCS, OLA, and relevant partner agencies. Assessment of Applicability and Currency: During the annual review, assess the applicability and currency of the information content within the plan. Consider factors such as changes in regulations, emerging threats or hazards, lessons learned from past incidents, and feedback from child care providers and stakeholders. Engagement with Providers: Solicit feedback from child care providers regarding their experiences and challenges related to emergency preparedness and response. This input can help identify areas for improvement and ensure that the plan addresses the practical needs of providers. Alignment with Best Practices: Stay abreast of best practices in emergency preparedness and response within the child care industry. Incorporate relevant updates and recommendations into the plan to enhance its effectiveness and alignment with industry standards. Documentation and Reporting: Document the outcomes of the annual review process, including any updates or revisions made to the plan. Provide a summary report detailing the rationale behind the changes and any future actions or initiatives identified during the review. Training and Awareness: Ensure that child care providers are informed about the annual review process and the importance of keeping their emergency plans current. Offer training or informational sessions to support providers in implementing and maintaining effective emergency preparedness measures. q. The following are examples of optional partners a Lead Agency might coordinate with to provide services. Check which optional partners the Lead Agency coordinates with and describe the coordination and results of the coordination. i. [ ] State/Territory/local agencies with Early Head Start – Child Care Partnership grants. Describe: ii. [x] State/Territory institutions for higher education, including community colleges. Describe: CCS has articulation agreements with five higher education institutions: South Dakota State University (SDSU), Black Hills State University (BHSU), Southeast Technical College, Oglala Lakota College, and Sisseton-Wahpeton College. Each of the institutions has agreed to articulate the 120 hours of training and 480 hours of on-the-job training from the South Dakota Child Development Associate Training Program into 9 or more college credits. A representative from CCS serves on the Southeast Technical College Advisory Committee for the Early Childhood Specialist Program. The goal of this coordination is to ensure there is a clear path to higher education for the child care workforce. The result of this partnership is increased accessibility to degree seeking programs in higher education which enables providers increased access to ongoing professional development opportunities and gain knowledge that will enable them to increase their ability to provide nurturing and responsive care. iii. [x] Other federal, State, local, and/or private agencies providing early childhood and school-age/youth-serving developmental services. Describe: The South Dakota Department of Human Services (DHS) Family Support 360 program offers services and supports to families of children and youth with a developmental disability. Supports are designed specifically for each family and are intended to help families stay together. A need for the availability of child care options for children with significant special needs was identified. Providing care for these children and meeting their needs requires accommodations on the provider's part. Many of these accommodations are an expense for the provider. As a result of this CCS has developed a partnership with the DHS for when the need arises to assist with families whose children have special needs. These families often do not meet the eligibility requirements of the regular child care subsidy program and are experiencing special challenges in obtaining affordable child care. Families qualifying under the advanced special service needs program within the CCA program are eligible if their income falls below 85% of the state median income and a higher rate can be authorized for provider reimbursement. DHS coordinators often assist families in applying for childcare assistance and work closely with the family and the CCS to identify the child's needs. If the family needs assistance in securing child care, a Child Care Subsidy Program Specialist works with the CCL Specialist from the OLA and the family to help identify a provider so the family can secure a child care arrangement. If special training is needed for the child care provider, the regional ECE training program can provide training and supports or refer the provider to community services that provide training in the area of need. The goal is to increase the availability of care for children with special needs. Here4Youth is a child care program in Sioux Falls, which offers services to all children while specializing in the provision of quality services to children with disabilities. The program maintains a 1:5 staff to child ratio, which helps to ensure a positive enrichment and learning environment. Here4Youth can meet the needs of children who may not be successful in other settings. Child Care works closely with these families and the child care program to secure a higher rate of reimbursement which may be necessary to sustain the placement and ensure continuity of care. iv. [x] State/Territory agency responsible for implementing the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) programs grant. Describe: Staff from Maternal and Child Home Visitation participates on the Child & Family Workgroup with the CCDF State Administrator. During the regularly scheduled meetings coordination occurs on an ongoing basis regarding child care needs for the various areas served by the program. The program is operated in areas of high need to include the cities of Rapid City, Sioux Falls, Pine Ridge, Kyle, Huron, and the counties of Lawrence, Butte, Roberts, Day, Marshall, Lyman, Stanley, and Hughes counties. The goal of the program is improved maternal and newborn health; reduction in child abuse, neglect, normal treatment, and reduction of emergency room visits; improvements in school readiness and achievement; domestic violence awareness includes screening, referrals, and safety plans; family economic self-sufficiency; and coordination and referrals for other community resources and support. The Office of Licensing and Accreditation (OLA) continues to participate in the state Child Death Review team if there are death cases that occur and involve a state licensed or registered child care provider. v. [x] Agency responsible for Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment Program. Describe: The agency responsible for Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT) is the Division of Medical Services withing DSS. Ongoing communication and coordination occur with this Division to ensure information is shared with providers related to screening, referral and access. Information about EPSDT and Medicaid programs is provided to Child Care, TANF and other families in need. Program information, brochures, and contact information are provided to families at local DSS offices statewide. Information is also mailed to parents receiving child care subsidy and follow-up phone calls made to ensure parents are aware of these services and how to access them. The result of this collaboration is to provide an awareness of and access to families needing Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment for their child(ren). vi. [x] State/Territory agency responsible for child welfare. Describe: The coordination between the Office of Licensing and Accreditation (OLA) and the Division of Child Protection Services (CPS) within the Department of Social Services (DSS) underscores a shared commitment to safeguarding the well-being of children in child care settings. Here's how OLA and CPS work together: Timely Investigation of Allegations: In cases where allegations of child abuse or neglect arise in child care settings, OLA and CPS coordinate to ensure that investigations are conducted in a timely manner. This prompt response is critical for protecting children and addressing any concerns about their safety and well- being. Quality Training for Child Care Providers: OLA and CPS coordinate efforts to provide quality training for child care providers related to indicators of child abuse and neglect, as well as reporting requirements. By equipping providers with the knowledge and skills to recognize signs of abuse or neglect and report concerns appropriately, this collaboration helps to create a safer environment for children in child care. Overall, the coordination between OLA and CPS demonstrates a comprehensive approach to ensuring the safety and well-being of children in child care settings. By working together to investigate allegations and provide training, OLA and CPS contribute to the protection of vulnerable children and the promotion of a nurturing and secure environment in child care programs. vii. [x] Child care provider groups or associations. Describe: CCS and OLA work with South Dakota state child care provider associations to assist in the marketing of DSS programs such as the state Quality Recognition and Information System (QRIS) to their members. In addition, CCS and OLA reach out association leadership to share office updates including survey opportunities with the goal of increasing response rates to gain valuable information to guide DSS decision- making. viii. [x] Parent groups or organizations. Describe: South Dakota Parent Connections connects families caring for children/youth with the full range of disabilities or special health care needs to provide information, training, and resources. Individual assistance, workshops, printed materials, and online resources are available to families as well as professionals. A Family Resource Guide provides information on local, state, and national resources available to meet the needs of SD families raising children with disabilities and/or special health care needs. CCS is partnering with the CDC's Learn the Signs Act Early Ambassador for South Dakota that is housed within SD Parent Connection to share information with parents and child care providers. A representative from CCS serves on the South Dakota Act Early COVID-19 Response Team led by SD Parent Connection. In addition, staff from CCS and staff from SD Parent Connection sit on various advisory boards together where information is shared. CCS will continue to coordinate with Parent Connection staff when becoming aware of families in need of child care. ix. [x] Title IV B 21st Century Community Learning Center Coordinators. Describe: OLA works with 21st Century Community Learning programs to identify programs that require licensure. OLA provides support to these programs to assist them in becoming licensed and conducts ongoing monitoring to ensure compliance with regulatory standards. This collaboration helps to ensure the safety and quality of out-of-school time programs for children and families. x. [ ] Other. Describe: