Email Federal Child Care and Development Block Grant funds help low- income families pay for the child care they need to work or work and go to school. Eligibility is determined by the family's gross income and household size.
Eligible families receive a child care certificate which is good for a six-month period.
This certificate may be used to obtain child care from any provider who meets specific Child Care Services requirements. All providers must be at least 18 years of age and meet other CCS criteria. All families must sign-up for services and cooperate with the Office of Child Support Enforcement within six months of receiving child care assistance. Many children face poverty because absent parents neglect their responsibility to provide adequate financial support. To apply for assistance, a family must complete an application available from any local Department of Social Service or Job Service office or from the Child Care Services office in Pierre.