Licensed Daycare in Dorchester, South Carolina
6 licensed daycares in Dorchester, verified weekly. Compare cost, age groups, and Head Start spots in your ZIP — directly from official South Carolina licensing records.
Dorchester listings updated May 2026 from official South Carolina records.
Daycare in Dorchester: what parents should know
There are 6 licensed childcare providers on record in Dorchester, with Family Daycare the most common type (about 100% 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.
About 100% are family child care homes — typically smaller group sizes and 10–30% cheaper than centers, a good fit for infants and toddlers.
Together, licensed providers in Dorchester report capacity for roughly 336 children — a practical gauge of how much local supply competes for each opening.
Dorchester childcare by the numbers
Childcare costs in Dorchester
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 Dorchester 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
- 56 kids
ZIP codes covered
Program types in Dorchester
Largest licensed centers in Dorchester
By licensed capacity on file — bigger programs often mean more openings and age groups. Always verify the current license before enrolling.
All Dorchester licensed centers
Page 1 of 1Pick a provider above to see the full profile, including current license status, age range served, and phone number.
Common parent questions about licensing, ratios, and how to compare programs in this area.
How many licensed daycare centers are in Dorchester, South Carolina?
What's the average daycare cost in Dorchester?
What staff-to-child ratios apply in Dorchester daycares?
Are subsidies available for daycare in Dorchester?
How do I verify a Dorchester daycare's license?
Where to get childcare help in Dorchester
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 Dorchester
Data and guidance on this page draw on official government and nonprofit sources.
How this data is sourced. Listings for Dorchester, 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 6 Licensed Centers in Dorchester
Free, no signup, verified directly with South Carolina DSS — Division of Child Care Services.