Parent Resources
Child Care Scholarships
Qualifying South Carolina families may have access to child care scholarships from the South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS). Learn more about the Child Care Scholarship program, apply for a child care scholarship, or contact the Division of Early Child Care and Education for details.
Registered or Licensed – What's the difference?
In order to legally operate in South Carolina, child care providers must maintain a valid license or registration or be legally exempt. State laws have established the level of mandated DSS oversight, which varies by type of provider.
Each type of provider is legally required to maintain a minimum level of regulation based on the type of care provided, but providers can choose to pursue a higher-than-required level of oversight to provide a higher standard of care. That means a family-home provider, which is only required to be registered, can instead choose meet the stricter standards of licensing.
A provider’s license is important, but it is not always an indication of quality. It indicates that they are operating legally and in compliance with state laws regarding health and safety. DSS licensing professionals can visit any child care provider unannounced in response to a complaint. A parent should always ask if a program they are considering is licensed, registered or exempt and should expect to see evidence of their status.
Licensed/ Approved Provider
Meets basic requirements for health and safety child care
Routinely visited by DSS licensing professionals
Registered Faith-Based Provider
Sponsored by a religious organization or church
Meets basic requirements for health and safety child care
Regular visits by DSS licensing professionals
Registered Family Home Provider
Required to register with DSS by mail
DSS licensing professionals can visit unannounced once per year
Exempt Provider
Only operates less than 4 hours per day or on school holidays
No licensing or inspections required by law
Voluntary Quality Program
Any SC child care provider can participate in ABC Quality, the state’s voluntary quality rating and improvement system. ABC Quality is administered by the Division of Early Care and Education of the SC Department of Social Services. ABC Quality staff monitor and inspect participating providers to ensure adherence to program standards.
Types of Providers
There are four types of legally operating child care providers in South Carolina. Family members and friends entrusted to care for children by parents are not registered, licensed or inspected by DSS.
Child Care Center
- 13+ children
- Commercial, church or school based
OPERATING STATUS:
Licensed, registered or approved
Group Homes
- 7 to 12 children
- Home based
OPERATING STATUS:
Licensed
Family Home
- 6 or fewer children
- Home based
OPERATING STATUS:
Registered or licensed
Limited Operations/Holiday Care
- Exempt from regulatory requirements
- Open less than 4 hours daily or on school holidays
- No licensing or inspection required by law
OPERATING STATUS:
None
Want to Know More?
Search for a provider in your area.
Understand ABC Quality standards and ratings
