Licensed Daycare in South Carolina
Find the right daycare in South Carolina in under 5 minutes. 2,275 licensed centers — filter by age, cost, and subsidy. Verified weekly against South Carolina DSS — Division of Child Care Services. Free, no signup.
South Carolina Childcare Licensing
In South Carolina, all child care centers serving children outside the family home are required to be licensed by the South Carolina DSS — Division of Child Care Services. Licensed centers undergo background checks, capacity inspections, and routine compliance reviews.
Minimum staff-to-child ratios are 1:6 for infants under 12 months, 1:8 for toddlers (12–35 months), and 1:18 for preschool (3–5 years). NAEYC-accredited centers typically operate below the state minimum.
Verify a license at South Carolina DSS — Division of Child Care ServicesWhat's distinctive about South Carolina: South Carolina has the country's loosest preschool ratio (1:18 for 4-year-olds). NAEYC or ABC Quality-rated providers strongly recommended over state-minimum operators.
Quick licensing facts
- Regulator
- South Carolina DSS — Division of Child Care Services
- Infant ratio
- 1:6
- Toddler ratio
- 1:8
- Preschool ratio
- 1:18
- Avg infant cost
- $870/mo
- Avg preschool cost
- $680/mo
Top Cities for Daycare in South Carolina
View all cities →South Carolina Childcare Subsidies & Tax Credits
South Carolina families can apply for South Carolina Voucher Program (ABC Quality) based on income and work/school status. Federal programs — the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit, Dependent Care FSA ($5,000 cap), and Head Start — stack on top of state assistance.
Local intake line: (800) 476-0199
Official South Carolina & Federal Resources
Independently verify any provider, check subsidy eligibility, and access national child-care databases — all official .gov sources.
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Daycare in South Carolina — Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know a daycare in South Carolina is licensed?
What is the staff-to-child ratio in South Carolina?
How much does daycare cost in South Carolina?
Are subsidies available for childcare in South Carolina?
How do I report unsafe conditions at a South Carolina daycare?
Search 2,275 Licensed South Carolina Centers
Free, no signup, filter by age and subsidy acceptance.