Licensed Daycare in South Carolina
Search 2,275 verified daycare and childcare centers across South Carolina, sourced directly from State Department of Children & Family Services . Filter by age group, program type, and subsidy acceptance — 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 State Department of Children & Family Services. Licensed centers undergo background checks, capacity inspections, and routine compliance reviews.
Minimum staff-to-child ratios are 1:4 for infants under 12 months, 1:6 for toddlers (12–35 months), and 1:10 for preschool (3–5 years). NAEYC-accredited centers typically operate below the state minimum.
Quick licensing facts
- Regulator
- State Department of Children & Family Services
- Infant ratio
- 1:4
- Toddler ratio
- 1:6
- Preschool ratio
- 1:10
- Avg infant cost
- $1,230/mo
- Avg preschool cost
- $860/mo
Top Cities for Daycare in South Carolina
View all cities →South Carolina Childcare Subsidies & Tax Credits
South Carolina families can apply for CCAP (Child Care Assistance Program) 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.
Recently Verified Centers
View all 2,275 →Columbia Sunflower Daycare
Perry, SC
Before & After School CareColumbia Panda Kids Academy #2
Pinewood, SC
Infant & Toddler CenterColumbia Wonder Years #3
Pomaria, SC
Montessori SchoolLittle Genius Columbia #4
Prosperity, SC
Licensed Child Care CenterColumbia Cloud Nine Kids #5
Rembert, SC
Licensed Family Daycare HomeNurturing Hearts Columbia #6
Ridge Spring, SC
Licensed Group Child Care HomeColumbia Smart Start Academy #7
Ridgeway, SC
Preschool ProgramColumbia Little Angels #8
Rion, SC
Head Start CenterExplorer Kids Columbia #9
Rowesville, SC
Before & After School CareColumbia Generations Daycare #10
Fort Motte, SC
Infant & Toddler CenterColumbia KinderSmile #11
Salley, SC
Montessori SchoolActive Kids Columbia #12
Saluda, SC
Licensed Child Care CenterDaycare 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.