After more than a decade of providing childcare services to infants/toddlers and preschool-aged children, LSS is discontinuing these programs due to financial sustainability challenges. The last day of programming for infant/toddler and preschool programs will be August 16.

"We have made the difficult decision to close our infant/toddler and preschool programs," said Rebecca Kiesow-Knudsen, President/CEO. "Despite our efforts to balance operational costs with affordable service rates for families, we find ourselves unable to sustain these programs financially."

The afterschool and summer programs for school-age children will continue uninterrupted at all Sioux Falls locations—Southern Hills, Hilltop, and Here4Youth.

Kiesow-Knudsen acknowledged the impact of this decision on families, saying "We understand the gravity of this decision, especially for the families currently enrolled. Providing families with a transition period is important to us, and we are committed to supporting them during this time."

Kiesow-Knudsen explained, “Temporary assistance from the federal government during and after COVID allowed LSS to sustain the program during a time of uncertainty for families. As this funding has been expended, we have been placed in a position to reassess our ability to continue providing these services.”

“We are disheartened that this will impact families and staff,” says Kiesow-Knudsen. “We have been in communication with other childcare providers in the community to help families find alternative care options and to connect our staff with other employment options. We also encourage childcare providers with available openings to contact us.”

LSS has provided advocacy on the escalating crisis in childcare and participated in local and statewide initiatives addressing the issue, but long-term, sustainable solutions have not developed.