Growing Roots, Inc.

Growing Roots, Inc. LICENSED Early Childhood Program with a Montessori-inspired and outdoor preschool approach. Located in lovely Custer, SD.

Half or full day, partial or full week options. We support child-led education every single day!

Our Summer Outdoor Program is officially underway, and the mud kitchen is already hard at work!From mixing up mud pies a...
06/03/2026

Our Summer Outdoor Program is officially underway, and the mud kitchen is already hard at work!

From mixing up mud pies and creating nature-inspired masterpieces to digging, building forts, and exploring every corner of our outdoor classroom, children are spending their days immersed in hands-on play and discovery. There’s something magical about muddy hands, messy clothes, and the creativity that comes from open-ended outdoor adventures.

These moments may look like simple play, but they’re filled with problem-solving, imagination, collaboration, and connection to the natural world.

Here’s to a summer of muddy hands, big adventures, and childhood memories made outdoors. 🌿🥧☀️

🌿 Welcome Our New Executive Director, Sarah Jane! 🌿We are thrilled to welcome Sarah Jane as the new Executive Director o...
06/01/2026

🌿 Welcome Our New Executive Director, Sarah Jane! 🌿

We are thrilled to welcome Sarah Jane as the new Executive Director of Growing Roots.

Sarah Jane is a community-centered leader, mother, advocate, and lifelong lover of the outdoors whose values are deeply rooted in connection, resilience, creativity, and a passion for child-led learning. Growing up on a farm, she developed a strong work ethic, deep respect for nature, and an appreciation for the lessons that come from spending time outdoors—values that continue to guide her today.

Sarah Jane believes children thrive when they are given opportunities to experience wonder, independence, creativity, and meaningful connection with the natural world. She is especially drawn to Growing Roots’ commitment to child-led learning, outdoor exploration, and Montessori-inspired education that honors the whole child.

As Executive Director, Sarah Jane looks forward to building upon the strong foundation already established at Growing Roots by supporting staff and families, strengthening communication, fostering community partnerships, and helping ensure the long-term sustainability and growth of the organization. Her leadership approach is grounded in collaboration, transparency, compassion, and shared purpose.

“I feel honored to step into this role and look forward to listening, learning, and growing alongside the staff, board, families, and wider community who have already contributed so much care and intention to Growing Roots.”

Please join us in giving Sarah Jane a warm Growing Roots welcome! 💚

At Growing Roots, we believe strong student-teacher relationships are the foundation for meaningful learning 🌱With small...
05/29/2026

At Growing Roots, we believe strong student-teacher relationships are the foundation for meaningful learning 🌱

With small class sizes and consistent teachers, children are able to build trust, confidence, and a true sense of belonging. In a Montessori environment, teachers carefully observe each child’s interests and readiness, guiding learning in a way that is individualized and child-led.

Rather than every child doing the same activity at the same time, children are encouraged to explore, make choices, work independently, and learn at their own pace. This helps foster curiosity, confidence, concentration, and a genuine love of learning.

When children feel safe, connected, and respected, learning naturally follows 💛

🌱 Want to make a lasting impact on child-centered education in our community? Growing Roots is looking for new Board Mem...
05/28/2026

🌱 Want to make a lasting impact on child-centered education in our community? Growing Roots is looking for new Board Members! 🌱

We are expanding our leadership team and looking for passionate individuals to serve a 2-year term starting this July. If you believe in empowering children and want to help guide our mission, we’d love to have you.

✨ Positions We’re Spotlighting This Year:

At-Large Members: Creative thinkers and community advocates who want to help us grow.

Treasurer: A finance-savvy individual (think accounting, nonprofit finance, or financial best practices) to help keep our mission structurally sound.

⏰ The Commitment: Just 5 hours a month, including our regular board meetings (currently the 3rd Thursday of the month at 3:45 PM, though we can be flexible based on member needs).

This is an incredible way to give back, grow your leadership skills, and support local education.

👉 Ready to learn more or apply?

Apply at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeauPRCzU8zDblH0QGENMVEkZdEFCI-9PCGacq_4_Q6_2qWjQ/viewform?usp=dialog

Email us at [email protected] with questions!

Let's grow together!

Big things are happening at Growing Roots 🌱Renovations for our new licensed 0–3 classroom are officially underway!We are...
05/27/2026

Big things are happening at Growing Roots 🌱

Renovations for our new licensed 0–3 classroom are officially underway!

We are incredibly grateful to Custer Lutheran Fellowship for allowing us to utilize this space as we work to expand early childhood care in our community. Renovations include opening a wall between two rooms to create one cohesive classroom space, as well as adding a direct doorway into the bathroom so the classroom has dedicated bathroom access.

A huge thank you to Cloud Construction for helping bring this project to life.

These are the “before” photos, and we can’t wait to show you how the space transforms over the coming weeks.

This project is possible because of the incredible support from our community and fundraising efforts to help meet a vital need in Custer.

We can’t wait to welcome more little learners soon 💛

05/26/2026

🌿Give your child an old-fashioned summer of pure outdoor play! 🌿

At Growing Roots in Custer, SD, we believe the best classroom has no walls. Our summer program is designed to get kids outside, dirty, and deeply connected with nature.

Why parents love Growing Roots:

🌿All-Outdoor Program: Deep nature connection every single day.

🌿Flexible Schedules: 2 to 5 days/week (Mornings or Full Days available).

🌿Child-Led Play: Fostering creativity, friendship, and problem-solving.

Now accepting potty-trained 2.5 to 6-year-olds in Custer, SD.

Secure your child’s spot for a summer of wonder! 👇
🔗 GrowingRootsSD.com

A huge thank you to our incredible raffle sponsors for donating amazing items, experiences, and services to help support...
05/26/2026

A huge thank you to our incredible raffle sponsors for donating amazing items, experiences, and services to help support the Growing Roots 0–3 classroom expansion. Your generosity directly helps us continue creating a nurturing, enriching environment for our youngest learners!

Thank you to:

• Buffalo Ridge Resort
• The Outdoor Shop
• McCoy PC Law Firm
• Skogen Kitchen
• Hjem A.M.
• Wild Spruce Market
• Adventure Rentals
• Black Hills Parks and Rec
• Sam Smolinsky
• Justin Yousey

We are so grateful for the support from our community and local businesses. Thank you for helping us grow. 🌱

As we enjoy time with family this Memorial Day, we pause to reflect on courage, service, and gratitude — values we hope ...
05/25/2026

As we enjoy time with family this Memorial Day, we pause to reflect on courage, service, and gratitude — values we hope to model for the children in our community each day. We remember and honor the brave men and women whose sacrifice made these moments possible.

Wishing our Growing Roots families a safe and meaningful holiday. 🇺🇸

Photo Credit: Angel Pierson Photography

There’s something special about real tools in little hands. 🔨Using a hammer and nails helps children build fine motor co...
05/22/2026

There’s something special about real tools in little hands. 🔨

Using a hammer and nails helps children build fine motor control, hand-eye coordination, focus, and confidence — all while learning practical life skills through meaningful work. In our outdoor classroom, students have opportunities to create, problem solve, and discover what they’re capable of one project at a time.

Address

12622 US Highway 16A
Custer, SD
57730

Opening Hours

Monday 7am - 5:30pm
Tuesday 7am - 5:30pm
Wednesday 7am - 5:30pm
Thursday 7am - 5:30pm
Friday 7am - 5:30pm

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