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South Dakota Head Start Association

A positive voice, powerful advocate, and promoter of quality programs for children, families and communities in South Dakota

Donate

South Dakota Head Start Association

A positive voice, powerful advocate, and promoter of quality programs for children, families and communities in South Dakota

Donate

Welcome

Welcome!

Head Start is the nation’s leading investment in early childhood care and education, and promotes school readiness through the enhancement of social and cognitive development by providing education, health, nutrition, social, and family support services. Parents are respected as the primary educators and nurturers of their children and are encouraged to be actively involved in their child’s education and growth.

South Dakota Head Start programs are federally funded with no State funds appropriated for support. Programs are monitored intensively to assure quality and adherence to provisions of the Head Start Act. 20% of the total funding for Head Start programs must come from the community. 90% of children enrolled in Head Start must meet Federal Poverty guidelines. 10% of enrollment must be available to children with disabilities.

The dollar investment in Head Start programs has a high rate of return. For each dollar invested in Head Start, there is an economic gain of $7-$10. Some research suggests it could be as much as $17. This is realized in reduced expenses of grade retention, special education services, and a higher earning potential and economic success in adulthood, thus reducing dollars needed for welfare and the criminal justice system.

Learn about the History of Head Start.

Testimonials

Head Start Policy Council member

"My son has learned so much with Head Start. He enjoys his home visits with his teacher and loves PALS, especially the sensory table. It has been such a great opportunity for him to socialize and have new experiences. It is truly a wonderful program and I would recommend it to any family."

Head Start Parent

"I love Head Start because me and my child learn new things and I learn how to use new tools to teach my child."

Chad & Brianna Boelhower

"The childcare program at Inter-lakes Community Action Partnership (ICAP) has been a blessing to our family in several ways. First, I was able to pursue my dream of attending law school because of the assistance ICAP provided our family. First year law students aren’t permitted to work, and South Dakota doesn’t provide childcare assistance to graduate students. This put our family in a difficult position. ICAP gave us the means to realize my dream, and ultimately become more capable of providing for my family in the near future.

Second, ICAP is more structured, and offers a more reliable educational program for its children than most other daycares. My wife, Brianna, and I place a high priority on education, and structure, in the lives of our children, and ICAP easily surpasses our expectations. On a related note, ICAP provides a more balanced and healthy meal plan for its children than many other daycares. When tested, our children regularly perform above average for their age, and ICAP has been instrumental in their achievements and mental growth.

Third, and most importantly, the staff and teachers treat our children in a loving and respectful manner. Our son, Oliver, has been out of the program for around a year. When Oliver comes in to help pick up our daughter the teachers and staff call him by name, and interact with him as if he never left. Oliver absolutely loves a couple of the teachers, and literally runs to them to hand out hugs almost daily. Our daughter, Eloise, is independent and less quick to warm up to people. Even she has developed close relationships with a couple of teachers and a staff person. Both of our children experienced some separation anxiety when getting dropped off at ICAP. Due to the close relationships each of them developed with their respective teachers the anxiety quickly diminished, all but disappearing.

The most important hope any parent can have for their children is that they will be healthy, happy, and loved. Anytime our kids spend time at ICAP I know unequivocally that these desires are being met, and surpassed. I have referred close friends to ICAP for their childcare needs because I feel unabashedly certain that ICAP is a diamond in the rough, and quite possibly the best childcare center in the city. If you have any questions, or want further elaboration, please do not hesitate to contact us."

South Dakota Head Start Association

South Dakota Head Start Association

Welcome

Welcome!

News

SDHSA Applauds passage of SB118

Testimonials

Head Start Policy Council member

Head Start Parent

Chad & Brianna Boelhower

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