New national data shows South Dakota near the bottom of the country when it comes to school readiness for young children. According to the latest National Children’s Health Survey, only about 58 percent of parents in the state say their children ages three to five are prepared to start school. That’s the fourth‑lowest rate in the nation and the lowest among Great Plains states.
Early‑childhood specialists say the first five years of development are critical, and many South Dakota families face challenges that make it harder for children to enter kindergarten ready to learn. The state does not offer publicly funded preschool, and access to pre‑K programs can be limited, especially in rural areas. With more than 70 percent of households having both parents working, families often have less time to support early learning at home.
Poverty also plays a role. While the statewide poverty rate has improved, some counties — particularly in reservation areas — still face extremely high levels of economic hardship. Educators on the Pine Ridge Reservation report that many children arrive at preschool without the early experiences they need, and some child‑care programs lack strong educational components.
Head Start programs and local educators are working to close the gap by updating curriculum, training teachers and offering tools that help parents support learning at home. They say they’re beginning to see progress, but the statewide readiness numbers show there’s still a long way to go.
