Early Childhood Connections

We have resolved our technical issues here at the office. Phones and emails are up and running again.

Now accepting applications for the 2026–2027 school year! 🎉
Did you know preschool helps children build independence and confidence as they learn to navigate new environments? Scholarships are available for 3–4-year-olds, helping ensure every child has access to high-quality early learning where they develop routines, independence, and a lifelong love of learning.
Take the first step toward a bright future--apply today! 🍎
*Scholarships accepted at the following programs*
-Dream Kids Preschool & Daycare
-Children’s House Montessori
-Every Child is Special
-Kyra’s Kiddos
-Lil’ Friends Learning Center
-St. Elizabeth Seton
-YMCA of the Black Hills

We are currently experiencing technical issues affecting our phone lines and email service. Our team is working to resolve the problem as quickly as possible.

We will provide an update as soon as service has been restored. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your patience.

Attention early childhood and school-age program leaders! Join us for the 5th annual Early Childhood and School-Age Leadership Summit in Oacoma.
This two-day conference includes two specialized learning tracks designed to empower and connect leaders from across the State.
Conference registration is free. A limited number of travel scholarships are available (1 per licensed program). Call ECC today to register and for more information – 605-342-6464.

🌿 🌙 Evening with the Experts 🌙 🌿

Join us for an engaging and meaningful conversation on Nature-Based Learning & Outdoor Play, where we’ll explore how outdoor experiences support children’s development, curiosity, emotional well-being, and connection to the world around them.

🗓 June 15th
⏰ 6:30–8:00 PM
💻 Online

We’re excited to welcome Marisa Knesel, Outdoor Education Teacher, alongside Jen Ennis from ECC, as they share the powerful impact nature-based learning can have in early childhood settings.

This session will focus on:
✨ The benefits of outdoor learning for the whole child
✨ Supporting emotional growth and regulation through nature
✨ Encouraging exploration, movement, and curiosity
✨ Practical outdoor learning ideas for all types of programs and spaces

Marisa brings a unique perspective shaped by years of experience in both traditional classrooms and outdoor education environments. From creating movement-based programs for young children to leading learning experiences in the forests of Oregon, she is passionate about helping children thrive through meaningful connections with nature.

💬 Have a specific question or scenario? Send it in ahead of time as we’d love to incorporate real-life examples into the discussion!
📧 [email protected]

🎓 Eligible for 1.5 CECH hours

👉 Call or email to reserve your spot:
📞 605-342-6464
📧 [email protected]

Come reconnect with the joy, wonder, and learning that can happen outdoors!

Now accepting applications for the 2026–2027 school year!
Did you know preschool helps build early language and literacy skills that lay the foundation for reading success? Scholarships are available for 3–4-year-olds, connecting families with high-quality early learning opportunities where communication and literacy skills grow every day.
We’re here to support your family—apply today! 🍎

*Scholarships accepted at the following programs*
-Dream Kids Preschool & Daycare
-Children’s House Montessori
-Every Child is Special
-Kyra’s Kiddos
-Lil’ Friends Learning Center
-St. Elizabeth Seton
-YMCA of the Black Hills

🌙 Evening with the Experts 🌙
Join us for an engaging and inspiring conversation on Nature-Based Learning & Outdoor Play because meaningful learning doesn’t only happen within four walls.
🗓 June 15th, 2026
⏰ 6:30–8:00 PM
💻 Online
We’re excited to welcome Marisa Knesel, who will guide us through the importance of outdoor learning experiences and how nature-based practices can support children’s development, curiosity, regulation, and overall well-being.
This session will focus on:
✨ Creating meaningful outdoor learning opportunities
✨ Supporting child development through nature and play
✨ Practical ideas for programs with all types of outdoor spaces
✨ Simple strategies you can begin using right away
💬 Have a specific question or scenario? Send it in ahead of time; we’d love to incorporate real-life examples into the discussion!
👉 Call or email to reserve your spot:
📞 605-342-6464
📧 [email protected]
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, reflect, and reconnect with the power of nature in early childhood!

Babysitting is a common first job for young teenagers. The American Red Cross Babysitter Training was designed by experts for participants ages 11-16. This engaging, in-person program equips young sitters with essential child care skills, from planning fun, age-appropriate activities to preventing accidents and responding calmly to emergencies.

If your teenager is babysitting this year, or if you have a babysitter for your children, but want to make sure they know the necessary basics, give Early Childhood Connections a call to register! 605-342-6464.

🌙 Evening with the Experts: Business Practices for the Early Childhood Provider 🌙

Running a high-quality early childhood program requires more than passion alone! It also requires sustainable systems, strong leadership, and thoughtful business practices that support children, families, and staff alike.

Join Dr. Janessa Bixel, Ed.D and Jessi Beedle from ECC for an interactive webinar focused on the realities of managing and sustaining early childhood programs in today’s climate. Together, they’ll explore the connection between sound business management and high-quality care, while offering practical strategies providers can use in their own settings.

🗓 May 11th
⏰ 6:30–8:00 PM
💻 Online
🎓 Eligible for 1.5 CECH Hours or DSS Training Hours

Learn More About:
✨ Building sustainable early childhood programs
✨ Staffing and workforce challenges
✨ Financial considerations and program management
✨ Supporting quality while balancing operational demands
✨ Real-world problem solving for providers and administrators

💬 Participants are encouraged to pre-submit questions or scenarios they would like advice on from the experts!
📧 Send questions to: [email protected]

👉 To register:
📞 605-342-6464
📧 [email protected]

Whether you are a center director, administrator, in-home provider, or educator interested in leadership, this session is designed to support the important work you do every day.

🌙 Evening with the Experts 🌙

Join us for an engaging and practical conversation on Business Practices for the Early Childhood Provider because strong programs are built on both quality care and sustainable systems.

🗓 May 11th, 2026
⏰ 6:30–8:00 PM
💻 Online

We’re excited to welcome Dr. Janessa Bixel, who will guide us through key business practices that support effective, organized, and thriving early childhood programs.

This session will focus on:
✨ Strengthening the business side of your program
✨ Building systems that support staff, families, and sustainability
✨ Practical strategies you can apply right away

💬 Have a specific question or scenario? Send it in ahead of time! We’d love to incorporate real-life examples into the discussion!

👉 Call or email to reserve your spot:
📞 605-342-6464
📧 [email protected]

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, reflect, and grow your practice from the inside out!