BROOKINGS – Brookings Economic Development Corporation and the Brookings Child Care/Early Learner Task Force have announced the development of the Brookings Area Child Care Directory.

Selecting the right child care provider is one of the most important decisions a parent must make. While the criteria and priorities in choosing the right setting are different for every family, the first step is to identify what options are available. 

The new, online tool will feature a robust list of area child care options for parents to review as they initiate their search. 

The idea for the local directory came from BEDC’s Child Care/Early Learner Task Force last fall. 

“We had heard anecdotally that parents struggled in their search for child care. That became a reality underscored by the data derived from the 2020 Child Care Survey,” said BEDC’s director of workforce development, Sarah Hauge. “Additionally, we found that many parents have a challenging time with the ‘where do I start’ aspect of child care.” 

“When we think about the benefits of this tool, we are not just thinking about the parents. The directory helps child care providers promote their services and build their businesses as well,” Hauge said. “It’s a win-win for both the parents and the providers.”  The child care directory can be found at www.liveinbrookings.com/live/childcare/. 

Child care providers who would like to be featured in the directory are encouraged to reach out to BEDC. There is no fee to be listed or to utilize the directory.

For more information regarding the Brookings Area Child Care Directory or the Early Learner South Dakota initiative, contact Hauge at Sarah@Brookingsedc.com or by calling 697-8103, or visit www.earlylearnersd.org. 

Child care is just one of the many workforce development programs and initiatives being addressed by BEDC through its mission to grow the area’s workforce by establishing retention and recruitment programs and providing tools and resources to employers. Visit www.brookingsedc.com to learn more.