Our Story
Compassion Child Care opened its doors in April of 2012. The need for affordable childcare in Sioux Falls was evident, but we were surprised at how quickly working-poor families began to reach out for help. Within six months, Compassion Child Care was full, providing services for ninety-two children aged five weeks to five years old. Since that time, CCC has served over 400 children and ministered to over 300 families by providing excellent childcare and connecting parents with counseling, job training and other resources. We have been amazed at God's goodness.
Understanding the Need for Scholarship Families
For CCC families, a wrong turn in the past…maybe one bad decision, or a bad upbringing, unforeseen circumstance, such as an illness compromises overall stability. Finances are tight. Parents, many of whom are single moms, work multiple jobs to get ahead but are hindered in their employment efforts as they lose some of the welfare safety nets as their income grows. With all of this, families are forced to make difficult decisions during the formative years of a child’s life. Siblings may end up caring for younger siblings in unsafe environments. Arguments and stress may cause further fractures in relationships and can have lasting impacts on children. These factors put the entire family at risk and drive the cycle of poverty. This is where Compassion Child Care comes in.
Cost is the largest obstacle for families in need of daycare. A person working full-time for $18/hour who has two children (ages 2&5) will spend at least 40% of their take-home income on daycare. This quickly becomes unsustainable when all other living expenses are considered. CCC offers a scholarship program for daycare tuition so that families pay a portion based on their gross income and the total number in their family. As families are able to take job promotions or move up in employment, their portion of tuition also grows.
Moreover, while CCC families fall within the poverty income guidelines, they also experience immense poverty of relationship. Compassion Child Care aims to bridge that gap by connecting families to one another through community events and by connecting families to local churches as well as mentors. We believe the greatest human need, regardless of income, is a relationship with Jesus and that remains our main mission at CCC.
CORE VALUES
Christian
We will seek to emulate Christ in our interactions with all children, their parents, and the community. Our approach will be an intentional one, using every aspect of our daycare program (art, music, language, etc) to share the good news of Jesus Christ. We will strive to treat all children with the dignity, equality, and respect they deserve as children created in the image of God.
Affordable
We exist to empower low-income families with the means to access certified, comprehensive childcare at a price that enables them to stabilize their overall financial life. We provide scholarships to families in relation to their income and life circumstance.
Educational
We are a responsible partner in offering educational development to all children. We offer age-appropriate educational programs and set development goals for each child. We will communicate with parents regularly on educational and development goals.
Holistic
Our desire is to see families flourish spiritually, physically, emotionally, and financially. Therefore, we seek to connect parents with resources to budget effectively, receive counseling, and meet additional needs they have. A unique housing program is also available for single mothers through CCC that provides a place for a mother and her child(ren) to be refreshed spiritually, physically, financially, and emotionally.