State-Verified

Licensed Daycare in Charleston, South Carolina

Q: What's the average daycare cost in Charleston?

Statewide averages in South Carolina run roughly $870/month for infants and $680/month for preschool. City-specific costs vary — large metros and dense neighborhoods trend higher than rural ZIPs. Use the cost estimator for a closer ballpark.

Q: Are subsidies available for daycare in Charleston?

South Carolina families can apply for South Carolina Voucher Program (ABC Quality) (intake: (800) 476-0199). Federal options like the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit and a Dependent Care FSA stack on top. See our subsidies guide .

60 licensed daycares in Charleston, verified weekly. Compare cost, age groups, and Head Start spots in your ZIP — directly from official South Carolina licensing records.

Licensed Centers

Infant Spots

$870/mo

South Carolina avg infant

1:6

State infant ratio

Childcare costs in Charleston

ChildCare Aware reports the South Carolina average full-time cost at $870/month for infant care and $680/month for preschool. City-level prices in Charleston vary by ZIP code and program model — Head Start sites are free for eligible families, family daycare homes typically run 10-30% below center rates, and accredited centers run above the average.

The Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit and a Dependent Care FSA ($5,000 max) reduce effective cost regardless of program. South Carolina families may also qualify for South Carolina Voucher Program (ABC Quality) (intake: (800) 476-0199).

Full South Carolina licensing & cost overview

Quick facts

State regulator: South Carolina DSS — Division of Child Care Services
Infant ratio: 1:6
Toddler ratio: 1:8
Preschool ratio: 1:18
Avg capacity: 73 kids

ZIP codes covered

29407 11 29404 7 29423 6 29420 6 29418 6 29414 6 29412 6 29405 6

Program types in Charleston

All Charleston licensed centers

Page 1 of 1

A Head Start

Active Kids Columbia #96

Charleston

2 years - 12 years Cap 65

C Head Start

Charleston Little Stars Daycare #170

Charleston

2 years - 12 years Cap 34

H Head Start

Happy Days Florence Daycare #42

Charleston

2 years - 12 years Cap 119

R Head Start

Rock Hill Kids First Academy #69

Charleston

2 years - 12 years Cap 98

S Head Start

Summerville ABC Childcare #143

Charleston

2 years - 12 years Cap 70

S Head Start

Sumter Discovery Preschool #116

Charleston

2 years - 12 years Cap 35

Open a listing for the full state-registry record — capacity, age range, contact info, and license issue date.

Frequently asked questions from families searching for child care here.

How many licensed daycare centers are in Charleston, South Carolina?

Our directory lists 60 licensed childcare centers in Charleston, South Carolina, sourced from South Carolina DSS — Division of Child Care Services. All listings hold a current state license at indexing time; verify status directly via the state's lookup tool before enrollment.

What's the average daycare cost in Charleston?

Statewide averages in South Carolina run roughly $870/month for infants and $680/month for preschool. City-specific costs vary — large metros and dense neighborhoods trend higher than rural ZIPs. Use the cost estimator for a closer ballpark.

What staff-to-child ratios apply in Charleston daycares?

All licensed South Carolina centers must meet the state minimum: 1:6 for infants, 1:8 for toddlers, and 1:18 for preschool. NAEYC-accredited centers in Charleston typically operate below these ceilings.

Are subsidies available for daycare in Charleston?

South Carolina families can apply for South Carolina Voucher Program (ABC Quality) (intake: (800) 476-0199). Federal options like the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit and a Dependent Care FSA stack on top. See our subsidies guide.

How do I verify a Charleston daycare's license?

Look up the provider directly in the official South Carolina DSS — Division of Child Care Services search. License status is the single most important credential to confirm before enrolling.