Early Learner

Expectant Parent Resources:

• Bright Start Program - supports expectant, first-time moms by connecting you with a free personal nurse to walk alongside every step of pregnancy.
• Birth & Baby Education- Brookings Health System offers virtual courses and materials for expectant parents.
• New Born Classes - Avera offers virtual and in person classes and education for childbirth preparation.

Parenting Classes & Resources:

• Responsive Parenting Classes - Child and Family Resource Network offers free four-week class series that helps parents respond in ways that encourage and enhance a child’s development by understanding the world from a child’s perspective ages birth - 3.
• Common Sense Parenting Classes - Child and Family Resource Network offers free six-week parenting classes for parents or individuals who engage with school-aged children grades kindergarten - 12th grade.
• Tend offers guided playgroups, parenting education, and resource navigation on topics of lactation, infant massage, sleep, toilet training, babywear, and care seat safety.

Youth Mental Health Resources & Considerations:

• The 5 C's of Media Use is an approach to help families balance media and promote healthy habits.
  • Infancy (Birth - 18 months)
    • Spanish
  • Toddlers & Preschoolers (2-4)
    • Spanish 
  • School Aged Children (5-10)
    • Spanish

Children's Museum of South Dakota - offers interactive play through classes, art, and interactive and informal exhibits.

• Access Initiative - offers discounted admission to the Children’s Museum of South Dakota to those who qualify for public income-related assistance.

Dolly Parton Imagination Library Program (Birth-5) - offers age appropriate books for free to children and families ages birth - 5.

Brookings Public Library - offers variety of early literacy, family learning, and free recreation space, giving families access to books, educational activities, programs, and a welcoming space to spend time together.

• 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program
• Access the Public Library Activities Calendar to find crafts & hands-on activities, puppet shoes, summer ready program, and more.

Born Learning Trails - offers free, evidence based developmental learning experiences to increase school readiness for children (birth - 8), families, and individuals within Brookings County.

Resource Directories:

• Helpline Center Website Family Resource Directory
• Brookings Helping Hand Emergency Need Resource Guide: English & Spanish
• Brookings County Mental Health Provider Listing - connects individuals and families with local mental health providers and counseling services, helping residents find support that fits their needs.
• Brookings County Services Accepting State Assistance Guide

Local Resources:

Delta Dental Mobile Program - The Brookings Area United Way helps bring this program twice a year to Brookings County, providing free preventative, diagnostic, and restorative dental care to children and young adults ages 0 - 21. Families can call 211 to schedule an appointment.

Local Diaper Distribution Site- The Harvest Table offers free diapers and baby wipes to families, along with a no-cost weekly meal and other basic needs resources. Call Harvest Table (605)-692-1480.

South Dakota Department of Social Services (DSS):

• Apply online for Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) or call (605)- 318-9477.
• Child Care Assistance Program - Available to families who meet income guidelines and work/school requirements to help pay for child care as they work/ go to school.
• Medicaid and Child Health Insurance Program (CHIP) - helps pay for doctor visits, hospital stays, prescriptions, and other services your family needs to stay healthy for children and families who meet income eligibility requirements.

South Dakota Department of Health:

• Women, Infants & Children's Program (WIC) - provides eligible pregnant women, infants, and young children with nutritious food benefits, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and community referrals.

Community HealthCare Association of the Dakotas (CHAD):

• Get Covered South Dakota - provides free help with health insurance, understanding options, applying for Marketplace or Medicaid coverage, and finding plans that fit your needs and budget.