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Licensed Daycare in South Dakota

Search 533 verified daycare and childcare centers across South Dakota, sourced directly from South Dakota DSS — Child Care Services . Filter by age group, program type, and subsidy acceptance — no signup.

533
Licensed Centers
$840/mo
Avg Infant Care
$660/mo
Avg Preschool
1:5
Infant Ratio

South Dakota Childcare Licensing

In South Dakota, all child care centers serving children outside the family home are required to be licensed by the South Dakota DSS — Child Care Services. Licensed centers undergo background checks, capacity inspections, and routine compliance reviews.

Minimum staff-to-child ratios are 1:5 for infants under 12 months, 1:5 for toddlers (12–35 months), and 1:10 for preschool (3–5 years). NAEYC-accredited centers typically operate below the state minimum.

Verify a license at South Dakota DSS — Child Care Services

Quick licensing facts

Regulator
South Dakota DSS — Child Care Services
Infant ratio
1:5
Toddler ratio
1:5
Preschool ratio
1:10
Avg infant cost
$840/mo
Avg preschool cost
$660/mo

Top Cities for Daycare in South Dakota

View all cities →
Sioux Falls
40 centers
Huron
9 centers
6 centers
Watertown
4 centers
Vale
3 centers
Flandreau
3 centers
Zcta 577hh
2 centers
Zcta 57110
2 centers
Zcta 57108
2 centers
Zcta 570hh
2 centers
Yankton
2 centers
Wounded Knee
2 centers
Financial help

South Dakota Childcare Subsidies & Tax Credits

South Dakota families can apply for South Dakota CCAP 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.

Local intake line: (800) 227-3020

Check Subsidy Eligibility Estimate Your Cost

Program Types in South Dakota

Preschool Program
67 centers
Licensed Group Child Care Home
67 centers
Licensed Family Daycare Home
67 centers
Licensed Child Care Center
67 centers
Head Start Center
67 centers
Montessori School
66 centers

Recently Verified Centers

View all 533 →
R Head Start

Rapid City Learning Center #3

Worthing

2 years - 12 years Cap 45
R Before/After School

Rapid City Childcare Academy #4

Yankton

School Age (5+) Cap 33
R Infant Care

Rapid City Little Stars Daycare #5

Zcta 570hh

Preschool (2-5) Cap 48
R Montessori

Rapid City Rainbow Learning Center #6

Sioux Falls

6 weeks - 12 years Cap 53
R Licensed Center

Rapid City Bright Futures Daycare #7

Sioux Falls

Infants & Toddlers Cap 90
L Family Daycare

Little Hearts Rapid City #8

Sioux Falls

School Age (5+) Cap 88
R Group Care

Rapid City Kids First Academy #9

Sioux Falls

School Age (5+) Cap 65
R Preschool

Rapid City Sunshine Daycare #10

Sioux Falls

Preschool (2-5) Cap 58
T Head Start

Tiny Tots of Rapid City #11

Zcta 57108

2 years - 12 years Cap 113
R Before/After School

Rapid City Early Learning Center #12

Zcta 57110

School Age (5+) Cap 100
R Infant Care

Rapid City ABC Childcare #13

Watertown

Preschool (2-5) Cap 57
R Montessori

Rapid City Bright Beginnings #14

Arlington

6 weeks - 12 years Cap 54

Daycare in South Dakota — Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know a daycare in South Dakota is licensed?
Every center listed here is verified against the South Dakota DSS — Child Care Services database. Look for the 'Licensed' badge on each profile. You can also confirm directly via the agency's lookup tool at https://dss.sd.gov/childcare/find-care/.
What is the staff-to-child ratio in South Dakota?
State minimums in South Dakota are roughly 1:5 infants, 1:5 toddlers, and 1:10 preschool. NAEYC-accredited centers typically operate below these ceilings.
How much does daycare cost in South Dakota?
Full-time infant care averages about $840/month; preschool runs around $660/month. Costs vary by city — large metros like South Dakota trend higher than rural areas.
Are subsidies available for childcare in South Dakota?
Yes. The primary state program is South Dakota CCAP, reachable at (800) 227-3020. Federal options like Head Start, the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit, and Dependent Care FSA also apply. See our subsidies guide for eligibility rules.
How do I report unsafe conditions at a South Dakota daycare?
File a complaint with the South Dakota DSS — Child Care Services via their website. Inspections are public record; severe violations result in license suspension.

Search 533 Licensed South Dakota Centers

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