House bill could help child care workers afford care

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) —  South Dakota lawmakers are considering a bill that could help more child care workers afford care for their own children.

South Dakota’s current child care assistance program provides aid for families making less than 209% of the federal poverty income level. That’s why some lawmakers want to change some of these program eligibility requirements.

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Lawmakers say child care providers across the state are struggling – not because they lack space, but because they don’t have enough staff.

Democratic Rep. Erin Healy and Republican Sen. Tim Reed are introducing an amended version of House Bill 1132 that would offer child care assistance to child care workers who make up to three times the federal poverty level, which is $63,000 for a single parent.

“What this addition in the bill does is states that a person who comes into the workforce as a child care worker can qualify for child care assistance,” Reed said. “So, their kids can go ahead and have child care and then they’re able to work in the child care facility.”

Representative Healy provided KELOLAND News with the following statement:

“Child care providers across our state are struggling—not because they lack space, but because they don’t have enough staff. Workers are leaving the industry simply because they can’t afford child care themselves. By expanding access to childcare assistance, we are taking a real step toward strengthening the workforce, keeping providers open, and ensuring families have access to the care they need.

Quality childcare is incredibly important for families. It helps parents go to work and gives kids a strong start in life. But low pay and high childcare costs are making it hard for workers to stay in their jobs, leading to a shortage of providers.

If you are someone who has had a difficult time finding childcare or have left the childcare workforce, please contact your legislators and share your story.”

The CEO at the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Sioux Empire said the amendment could attract more workers into the child care industry, which ultimately benefits families.

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“If you can get more child care workers and employees working for child care providers, they can take more kids and then, therefore, more people can go to work,” CEO of the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Sioux Empire Stacy Jones said.

Healy and Reed call it a tool for recruitment and retention.

“It can be very tough to find a provider,” Reed said. “We hope to open up more capacity for those folks that are struggling to find care for their children.”

On Thursday morning, the bill passed out of Health and Human Services. It now goes to the House floor.