Another major Sioux Falls child care provider is closing its doors.
Lutheran Social Services is discontinuing child care services for infants, toddlers and preschool-aged children, according to a press release from the organization.
LSS operates Southern Hills Day Care in southeastern Sioux Falls, which has a capacity of 255 child care slots, according the Department of Social Services.
LSS President & CEO Rebecca Kiesow-Knudsen said in a statement they’re ending their child care program due to “financial sustainability challenges.”
“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,” Kiesow-Knudsen said.
The press release noted LSS has provided advocacy on the child care crisis and participated in initiatives addressing the issue, but "long-term, sustainable solutions have not developed."
“We are disheartened that this will impact families and staff,” Kiesow-Knudsen said. “We have been in communication with other child care providers in the community to help families find alternative care options and to connect our staff with other employment options. We also encourage child care providers with available openings to contact us.”
The last day for services is Aug. 16. LSS said its after school and summer programs for school-age children will continue uninterrupted.
This comes after another significant child care provider in Sioux Falls, Apple Tree, closed three of its four facilities earlier this year.
