Department of Social Services
For More Information: Alisa DeMers, 773-3609

Janklow Offers Communities Assistance 
with Planning Out-of-School Time Programs

(Pierre) – South Dakota school districts and communities have another opportunity to fund out-of school time (OST) programs if they act quickly, said Gov. Bill Janklow.

A workshop will be held in Pierre on Tuesday, Sept. 25, to provide school districts with grant application forms and technical assistance to plan local OST programs. Current grantees and schools wanting to apply for a grant to start a program in the next year are required to attend this workshop. The final day to register for the workshop is Friday, Sept. 21.

"People are beginning to understand that children spend more time out of school than in school, and studies clearly show that quality out-of-school time programs can make a powerful difference," Janklow said. "They help the kids, the parents, the parents' employers and the community."

Janklow began an initiative four years ago encouraging communities from across the state to develop quality programs at elementary and middle schools that would provide enrichment opportunities to students in their out-of-school time. 

"We know there are many parents, community leaders and school personnel who would like to provide appropriate programs for their students during non-school hours, but they don’t always know where to turn," Janklow said.

To register for the Pierre workshop, contact Jacque Johnson, Department of Social Services Child Care Services, at 1-800-227-3020 by Friday, Sept. 21.

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