CPCM is one of 20 Awardees nationwide of the Federal Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Early Childhood Comprehensive Systems (ECCS) grant. HRSA’s ECCS grant program aims to build integrated maternal and early childhood systems of care that are equitable, sustainable, comprehensive, and inclusive of the health system as a key partner.
Our Work
SD ECCS has built a cross-sector Advisory Board to guide our collaborative work. In the first year, we researched South Dakota’s services and resources in six core areas of impact for children: Medical/Disabilities, Legal/Safety, Prenatal/Parenting Engagement and Education, Childcare, Dental, and Behavioral/Mental Health. Online panel discussions were held featuring local experts and parent members of the SD ECCS Family Leadership Group. The panel discussions culminated in our first strategic planning session.
Our Vision and Goals
All South Dakota children are ensured a strong start through access to a range of parenting, education, health, and family support services within a coordinated delivery system. The goals of SD ECCS are:
- Enhance alignment and collaboration between MCH and other early childhood systems of care.
- Advance a common vision for early developmental health and family well-being, and strengthen shared competencies for innovative and efficient service delivery.
- Strengthen coordination of intake, screening, referral, and navigation across family and early childhood systems of care.
- Increase capacity for meaningful engagement and partnerships with parents.
- Identify strategies that support the funding and sustainability of multi-generational preventive services and systems for all children and families.
SD ECCS Advisory Council Members
- Sarah Aker, SD Department of Social Services, Office of Medical Services
- Jennifer Ball, South Dakota State University, College of Pharmacy & Allied Health Professionals
- Pamela Bennett, SD Department of Social Services, Division of Child Protection Services
- Janessa Bixel, SD Association for the Education of Young Children
- Melanie Boetel, SD Department of Social Services, Division of Behavioral Health
- Sarah Carter, SD Department of Education, Office of Early Childhood Services
- Carrie Churchill, DOH MIECHV, Bright Start Home Visiting
- Gina Curran, ECCS Family Leadership Group
- Sara DeCoteau, Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate
- Sheri Fischer, Children’s and Women’s; Sanford Health at Sioux Falls USD Medical Center
- Melissa Fluckey, SD Department of Social Services, Division of Child Care Services
- Jennifer Folliard, Community Healthcare Association of the Dakotas
- Crystal Goeden, SD Department of Education, Birth to Three
- Eldridge “E.G.” Grinnell, ECCS Family Leadership Group
- Jessica Gromer, John T. Vucurevich Foundation
- Connie Halverson, Delta Dental of South Dakota
- Samantha Hynes, SD Department of Health, Title V MCH, Office of Child and Family Services
- Marni Johnson, Center for Disabilities
- Terra Johnson, Early Care and Education Coordinator for Regions 3 and 5
- Brooke Jones, Child’s Voice at Sanford Health
- Janet Kittams, Helpline Center
- Kayla Klein, Early Learner SD
- Eric Kurtz, Center for Disabilities
- Carrie Sanderson, Center for the Prevention of Child Maltreatment
- Lisa Sanderson, SD Parent Connection
- Betsy Schuster, Helpline Center
- Andrew Stremmel, South Dakota State University, School of Education, Emeritus
- Amy Witt, Lutheran Social Services
Early Childhood Core Area Panels
This project was supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of an award to CPCM at The University of South Dakota totaling $255,514.00 with 0 percentage financed with non-governmental sources. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government. For more information, please visit HRSA.gov.
