South Dakota Early Learner Data Dashboard  The Early Learner South Dakota Data Dashboard provides information on early learners, their families, and their learning environments in South Dakota. This data is updated annually.

The return on investment ranges from $5 - $16 for each dollar spent. Savings result from lower remedial/special education costs, improved graduation rates and job opportunities, reduced incarceration rates, and more healthy life choices.

Nationwide, regardless of party, voters overwhelmingly (89%) want candidates to have a plan or policies ready to help working parents afford high-quality child care.

83.8% of mothers in SD are working outside of the home. Available child care is a must to keep these mothers and fathers in the SD workforce and continue to add to positive economic development growth.

About 17.7% of children in SD are food insecure (at risk of not having enough to eat). High-quality early learning settings can ensure up to 3 meals a day, 5 days a week. Early learning programs can help families get connected to other resources to help increase family stability.

31,477 children (14.6%) under age 18 live in poverty in South Dakota. Among American Indian children, 51% live in poverty. Families living in poverty or in low-income households experience many obstacles and face challenges raising a family.

Families must have resources to meet their basic needs for food, health care, jobs that pay a living wage, safe affordable housing, home visiting and parenting education services, and much more.