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.
Listings updated May 2026 from official South Carolina licensing records.
South Carolina childcare by the numbers
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.
What'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
South Carolina Daycare Costs by Age (2026)
Infant care in South Carolina runs about $10,440/year. Family daycare homes typically cost 10–30% less than centers; Head Start is free for income-eligible families. Toddler & school-age figures are estimates derived from South Carolina center averages.
Estimate your exact costHow to Get Childcare Help in South Carolina
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Check eligibility for South Carolina Voucher Program (ABC Quality). Most South Carolina families earning up to ~85% of state median income qualify for childcare subsidy assistance.
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Apply early — waitlists are common. Quality infant programs in South Carolina often have 3–12 month waitlists. Start during pregnancy if you can. Intake line: (800) 476-0199.
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Stack federal help. The Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit (20–35% of up to $6,000) and a Dependent Care FSA ($5,000 pre-tax) apply regardless of state subsidy.
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Verify the license before you sign. Confirm current status in the South Carolina DSS — Division of Child Care Services database and tour during operating hours.
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.
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?
Where to get childcare help in South Carolina
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 searchHow this data is sourced. Listings for 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 2,275 Licensed South Carolina Centers
Free, no signup, filter by age and subsidy acceptance.