Mission Statement
The mission of the SoDakSACA is to promote quality Out-of-School Time programs for children and youth through professional development and public advocacy.
SoDakSACA History
Prior to 1998, South Dakota out-of-school time (OST) directors and their staff did not know one another, and there was no formal network to provide support for this group. There was also no conference or training available specifically geared for school-age care professionals.
Interest in forming an affiliate organization to the National School-Age Care Alliance (NSACA) grew, after a statewide conference on school-age care in 1998, sponsored by the state Child Care Services office. Many directors and staff also attended the national NSACA conference in San Antonio in 1999, and our goal became one of forming our own organization and becoming affiliated by the next NSACA conference in April 2000.
Our first official meeting was called to order in October, 1999, at the South Dakota Association for the Education of Young Children (SDAEYC) conference in Aberdeen, SD, with election of officers and board members, and the passage of by-laws.
In late October 1999, Sioux Falls was the site of the first SoDakSACA sponsored workshop. Jim “Mr. H-A-P-P-Y!!” Atkinson attracted approximately 90 new members.
SoDakSACA officially became a NSACA, now known as NAA (National Afterschool Association), affiliate in March of 2000.
Since that time, SoDakSACA sponsors the SoDakSACA Conference annually in October, and also the Afterschool Day at the Capitol each year in January or early February at the State Capitol Rotunda. In recent years, SoDakSACA has co-sponsored the statewide Lights On Afterschool event. SoDakSACA began hosting the annual OST Directors’ Retreat in 2013 to continue this unique leadership training opportunity for directors, which was started by the Division of Child Care in 2004.
Upcoming Events
2025 SoDakSACA Annual Conference
Recent News
Class of 2025 Next Generation of Afterschool Leaders
The National AfterSchool Association (NAA) is proud to announce the Class of 2025 Next Generation of Afterschool Leaders! This award recognizes young leaders in the out-of-school time field who have a proven passion for the development of themselves and others and who...
South Dakota School Age Care Alliance
"Out of School Time" in South Dakota!
SoDakSACA voted to endorse the NAA Core Competencies
Click here to learn about NAA Core Competencies!
SoDakSACA is the South Dakota Affiliate of the National AfterSchool Association.
The South Dakota Network for Children and Youth is the SD Affiliate of the National AfterShool Association. NAA and its State Affiliates share a mutual purpose and agreement to support, develop, and advocate for Out-of-School Time professionals and the profession. NAA and its State Affiliates build connectivity among stakeholders and create opportunities for engagement to ensure a vibrant future for the Out-of-School Time profession. OST professionals who are not currently paid NAA members and live in South Dakota, our state affiliation and an Annual Fall Conference registration make you eligible for a free NAA membership. If you prefer, NAA membership may be purchased directly from NAA on a sliding scale from $25 to $150.
Program Highlight
If you would like your after school program highlighted, please submit program information and pictures to Stacey.ross@k12.sd.us
Every young person deserves high-quality afterschool experiences that support their growth, spark their curiosity, and help them thrive. And behind every great program is a dedicated Afterschool Professional—a mentor, educator, and champion for kids.
This Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week, from April 21 to 25, 2025, we’re shining a light on the 850,000+ afterschool professionals nationwide who make a profound difference every day.
Why does it matter?
✅ 7.8 million children rely on afterschool programs for learning, exploration, and support.
✅ Skilled, caring professionals create safe, enriching spaces for youth to grow.
✅ Every child deserves access to quality programs— and that starts with recognizing and supporting the workforce that makes them possible.
Join us in celebrating! How will you show appreciation this week? Drop a comment, share a story, or use #HeartOfAfterschool to spread the love!
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#lightsonafterschoolSpring is in the air, you know what that means...The #LightsOnAfterschool Poster Contest is officially OPEN! 🎨
We’re inviting programs to submit student artwork that captures the spirit of afterschool—whether it’s a drawing, painting, or graphic design. The grand prize? $500 and national recognition! The winning design will be displayed at thousands of celebrations worldwide and featured on our website, blog, and in a national press release.
Read the full rules, guidelines, and entry information: www.afterschoolalliance.org/afterschoolsnack/The-2025-Lights-On-Afterschool-Poster-Contest-is-ope... ... See MoreSee Less
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As Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week wraps up, remember: your impact doesn’t end today.
Keep the celebration going! Thank an afterschool pro, share your appreciation, or support your local program.
Here’s to the incredible people shaping the next generation, one moment at a time.
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