When it comes to what parents should expect while they’re expecting, starting the search for child care should be a priority long before a new baby arrives. In general, child care experts recommend that parents begin their child care search 9–12 months before they’ll need a spot. Early planning allows you to tour programs, compare curricula, and complete paperwork without rushing.
- Infant care: Because licensing rules keep caregiver-to-baby ratios very low, crib spots disappear first. Families who join waitlists nine months (or more) in advance have the best chance of securing a place, so be ready to add your name to one or several lists.
- Toddler and preschool care: These classrooms are slightly easier to access, but experts still recommend starting your search up to a year in advance to stay ahead of demand.
In short, do your due diligence early, reach out to preferred providers, and expect to spend some time on waitlists.
Increasing your odds through waitlists
Many child care providers have waitlists when all their open seats are filled. When you contact a provider, it’s essential to inquire about being placed on the waitlist. Other waitlist considerations to help you increase your odds of getting into a preferred provider:
- Joining multiple waitlists can increase your chances of securing a spot sooner.
- Asking about the program’s child turnover rate to give you an idea of how long you may have to wait for a spot to become available.
- Checking in with the program regularly by calling or emailing every 4-6 weeks. Be polite and tell them you are still interested in their care.
- Be flexible with your child’s schedule or the type of care offered, and you may be able to secure a spot sooner.
- If they have them, follow a provider’s social channels, learn staff names, and reference their curriculum or programming when you call.
- Be careful. If a provider can’t tell you where you are on the wait list, charges a hefty non-refundable fee, or avoids questions about turnover and staffing, consider that a red flag and search for care somewhere else.
- Have a backup plan. From family assistance or considering a different type of provider, you may need to have a backup plan while you climb the waitlist.
Understanding Child Care Options in South Carolina
South Carolina offers a range of settings, including large centers, small home-based programs, licensed providers, and those that operate without licensure. Whatever you choose, you can start a virtual child care search through the state’s ABC Quality system.
ABC Quality is a voluntary quality-rating and improvement program that:
- Elevates participating providers’ standards
- Channels additional resources into classrooms
- Gives parents an easy, statewide quality yardstick
- Offers Child Care Scholarships to eligible families
Parents can start their child care search by ZIP code at abcquality.org. The site also includes family resources, statewide programs as well as questions that parents should ask a potential provider and what to look for when making an in-person visit.
Personalized Help & Financial Support
South Carolina’s Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) program matches families with suitable providers and screens eligibility for financial aid.
- Complete the “Request for Help with Child Care” form:
https://www.sc-ccrr.org/family-services/finding-child-care/ - Or call: 888-335-1002 to speak with a referral specialist.
Parents receive a tailored list of providers, along with helpful guidance on next steps.
Bottom Line
Start early, join multiple waitlists, stay politely persistent, and keep an interim option in reserve. Early action—and a smart strategy—will land your child in a program you trust and love.