Licensed Daycare in South Dakota
Search 533 verified daycare and childcare centers across South Dakota, sourced directly from State Department of Children & Family Services . Filter by age group, program type, and subsidy acceptance — no signup.
South Dakota Childcare Licensing
In South Dakota, all child care centers serving children outside the family home are required to be licensed by the State Department of Children & Family Services. Licensed centers undergo background checks, capacity inspections, and routine compliance reviews.
Minimum staff-to-child ratios are 1:4 for infants under 12 months, 1:6 for toddlers (12–35 months), and 1:10 for preschool (3–5 years). NAEYC-accredited centers typically operate below the state minimum.
Quick licensing facts
- Regulator
- State Department of Children & Family Services
- Infant ratio
- 1:4
- Toddler ratio
- 1:6
- Preschool ratio
- 1:10
- Avg infant cost
- $1,230/mo
- Avg preschool cost
- $860/mo
South Dakota Childcare Subsidies & Tax Credits
South Dakota families can apply for CCAP (Child Care Assistance Program) based on income and work/school status. Federal programs — the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit, Dependent Care FSA ($5,000 cap), and Head Start — stack on top of state assistance.
Recently Verified Centers
View all 533 →Growing Minds Sioux Falls #13
Zcta 577hh, SD
Head Start CenterSioux Falls Children's Place #14
, SD
Before & After School CareHappy Days Sioux Falls Daycare #15
, SD
Infant & Toddler CenterSioux Falls KinderCare #16
, SD
Montessori SchoolSioux Falls Primrose School #17
Alcester, SD
Licensed Child Care CenterLa Petite Academy Sioux Falls #18
Aurora, SD
Licensed Family Daycare HomeSioux Falls Discovery Preschool #19
Baltic, SD
Licensed Group Child Care HomeSioux Falls Stepping Stones #20
Beresford, SD
Preschool ProgramFirst Steps Sioux Falls #21
Corson, SD
Head Start CenterSioux Falls Little Scholars #22
Brookings, SD
Before & After School CareSioux Falls Creative Kids #23
Burbank, SD
Infant & Toddler CenterABC Academy Sioux Falls #24
Canistota, SD
Montessori SchoolDaycare in South Dakota — Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know a daycare in South Dakota is licensed?
What is the staff-to-child ratio in South Dakota?
How much does daycare cost in South Dakota?
Are subsidies available for childcare in South Dakota?
How do I report unsafe conditions at a South Dakota daycare?
Search 533 Licensed South Dakota Centers
Free, no signup, filter by age and subsidy acceptance.