South Dakota Women, Infants, and Children Program Supplemental Nutrition Program (WIC) WIC is a nutrition program that helps pregnant women, new mothers and young children eat well and stay healthy. Click Here for more information about the WIC Program or search for your the local WIC agency based on where you live by clicking the button below.

One of the top priorities of the Bright Start Initiative is to assure that every baby born in South Dakota has the opportunity for a good start in life. Bright Start components include the areas of infant brain development, comprehensive early childhood development that includes physical, intellectual, emotional and social development, parent education and health care.

Bright Start is a comprehensive early childhood initiative composed of the following components:

• Home Visitation
• Newborn Hearing Screenings
• Early Intervention Screenings
• Immunizations
• Web Site
• Parent/Infant Welcome Box
• Monthly Parent Update
• Responsive Parenting Seminars

The Home Visitation program targets expectant mothers and is designed to help them improve their health in order to give birth to healthy babies. Parents and prospective parents will receive home visits to learn how to care for their personal health needs, care for their child or children, stimulate their child’s development and provide a nurturing home environment.

Newborn hearing screenings, early intervention screenings and immunizations are all part of the effort to ensure a child’s bright start in life.

Visit their web site for more information.

Project 8: Governor's Child Seat Program

Project 8 is South Dakota's new goal to keep kids safe by making sure they are in the best child seat for their height and weight, until they are at least 8 years old. At 8 years, most can safely wear a seat belt because they are taller than 4'9" and weigh more than 80 pounds.

Project 8 also distributes child seats to income eligible parents and children statewide, by assessing financial need. Contact a Project 8 program near you for more information.

Resources for Parents with Children who have Special Needs

South Dakota Parent Connection - They connect families caring for children (birth to 26) with the full range of disabilities or special health care needs to information, training and resources in an environment of support, hope and respect.