Licensed Daycare in Columbia, South Carolina
72 licensed daycares in Columbia, verified weekly. Compare cost, age groups, and Head Start spots in your ZIP — directly from official South Carolina licensing records.
Columbia listings updated May 2026 from official South Carolina records.
Daycare in Columbia: what parents should know
Families in Columbia can choose from 72 licensed childcare providers, with Preschool the most common type (about 17% of local listings). Every provider here holds a current South Carolina license at indexing time, sourced from South Carolina DSS — Division of Child Care Services.
For age coverage, 6 centers in Columbia report infant care (roughly 8% — infant slots are the scarcest and fill fastest, so start early), and 12 offer preschool programs for ages 3–5. 12 are Head Start programs, free for income-eligible families.
Licensed care in Columbia spans 8+ ZIP codes, so families can usually find an option within a short commute. About 17% are family child care homes — typically smaller group sizes and 10–30% cheaper than centers, a good fit for infants and toddlers.
Combined, Columbia's licensed centers hold about 5,129 licensed seats — a practical gauge of how much local supply competes for each opening.
Columbia childcare by the numbers
Childcare costs in Columbia
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 Columbia 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 overviewQuick 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
- 71 kids
Largest licensed centers in Columbia
By licensed capacity on file — bigger programs often mean more openings and age groups. Always verify the current license before enrolling.
All Columbia licensed centers
Page 4 of 5Each listing links to the full state-record details, including last inspection date if reported.
Frequently asked questions from families searching for child care here.
How many licensed daycare centers are in Columbia, South Carolina?
What's the average daycare cost in Columbia?
What staff-to-child ratios apply in Columbia daycares?
Are subsidies available for daycare in Columbia?
How do I verify a Columbia daycare's license?
Where to get childcare help in Columbia
Free, official channels for finding licensed care, checking quality ratings, and applying for assistance — no account or fee required.
Child Care Resource & Referral counselors help you find vetted local options.
1-800-424-2246 · Find yoursUnited Way's free, confidential line connects you to local childcare, food, and family aid.
Call 211 · 211.orgFree early education for income-eligible families and pregnant women.
Find a programSouth Carolina Voucher Program (ABC Quality) can cover most of your childcare cost by income.
(800) 476-0199 · How to applyCheck NAEYC accreditation and your state's quality-rating (QRIS) for any provider.
Find quality careConfirm any provider's current license & inspection record with South Carolina DSS — Division of Child Care Services.
Official license searchChildcare resources for Columbia
Data and guidance on this page draw on official government and nonprofit sources.
How this data is sourced. Listings for Columbia, South Carolina are compiled from official South Carolina DSS — Division of Child Care Services licensing records and cross-checked for current license status — not paid placements or user star-ratings. Rankings never depend on advertising. Provider details change often, so always confirm directly before enrolling. Reviewed by the DaycareHub editorial team · May 2026 · methodology
Search 72 Licensed Centers in Columbia
Free, no signup, verified directly with South Carolina DSS — Division of Child Care Services.