Early Childhood Connections
Early Childhood Connections (ECC) is a nonprofit organization here to help childcare providers and parents in Western South Dakota. Our goal is the best care and education for children in our community.
Our Mission
Early Childhood Connections enriches the lives of children and increases the quality of childcare by working with parents, caregivers, and educators.
What we provide
ECC provides training, on-site technical assistance, and coaching to childcare providers. We help them address social, cognitive, and emotional development, problem-solving skills, language and physical development, health, and safety. We also provide referrals, resources, and training to parents, as well as community education.
Area Served
ECC is part of the Early Childhood Enrichment (ECE) System in South Dakota. The Department of Social Services created this system to support better childcare services. We work with agencies and resources to increase the quality of childcare and promote children’s well-being within Region 1 of the South Dakota ECE system. ECE has guides and checklists to help childcare providers and parents have better tools.
We serve 13 counties, including:
Starting Strong is a program that helps low-income families afford preschool. Our goal is to give these kids a chance to go to preschool when they might not be able to afford it otherwise.
Starting Strong also helps preschools have the tools they need to build high-quality programs.
Resources
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For childcare providers
Understand how children learn and develop.
Learn about health and safety.
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For parents
Find care for children and learn about family assistance.
Learn about health and safety.