Written by

Jennifer Carlson

August 20, 2025

Edited by

Tara Farmer

Fact-checked by

Kristen Cramer

How to open a daycare in South Carolina

Starting a daycare in South Carolina demands meticulous planning, regulatory compliance, and a commitment to superior, safe childcare. This guide walks you through the essential steps and legal requirements for starting a home-based or center-based daycare in South Carolina, based on current state laws and regulations.

1. Understand child care licensing

Part of the South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS) is the Division of Early Care and Education. This division regulates all child care facilities in the state. You must obtain the appropriate license from them before operating.

Child care categories

All child care facilities must either register with the state in South Carolina or have a license. They only require a license if you plan on being open more than 4 hours per day, more than 2 days per week, or care for children in 2 or more families not related to you.

• Child Care Center: 13 or more children at any one time in a non-residential setting

• Group Child Care Home: 7 to 12 children, including those related to the provider, in the provider's home; must be licensed

• Family Child Care Home: Up to 6 children, including those related to the provider, in the provider's home; must be registered, but may choose to be licensed

• Legally exempt: Centers open less than 4 hours per day or only open on school holidays; does not apply for Group Child Care Homes or Family Child Care Homes

Certain programs, such as those operated by public schools or religious entities, may be exempt from licensing but must still register with DSS.

Zoning and local requirements

Before applying for a license, contact your local zoning office to ensure your chosen location complies with city or county regulations. For home-based care, check with your HOA or landlord and get written permission if required.

Ratios by age

South Carolina enforces strict staff-to-child ratios to ensure safety and high-quality care:

2. Complete training & background checks

All owners, directors, teachers, assistants, and regular volunteers must meet training and background check requirements:

• Pre-service training: Complete DSS-approved health and safety training before working with children.

• Ongoing training: All staff must complete at least 15 hours of annual training in child growth, safety, and program management.

• CPR and first aid: A staff member with up-to-date pediatric CPR and first aid certification is required at all times.

• Background checks: All staff, household members (for home-based care), and regular volunteers must pass state and federal fingerprint background checks and child abuse registry checks prior to employment and every two years thereafter.

3. Prepare your home or center

Whether your daycare is home-based or center-based, it must meet South Carolina's health and safety requirements:

Indoor & outdoor space

Your space should provide at least 35 square feet of usable indoor space per child. Offer at least 75 square feet of outdoor play space per child using the area at one time.

Safety standards

All daycare facilities must be free of hazards and equipped with smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and emergency exits. You'll have to pass fire, health, and sanitation inspections before you're allowed to open up your center for business.

Daycare supplies

Make sure you have quality furniture, appropriate toys, books, and sleep equipment. This includes cribs for any infants in your care as well as cots or mats for older kids. Check out our Daycare Supplies List to see if you're missing anything.

4. Submit your application

Once your training is complete and your facility is ready, submit your application to the South Carolina DSS. Required documents include:

• Completed application

• Proof of training and any certifications

• Background clearances

• Floor plans or layout

• Fire and health inspection certificates

• Lease or proof of property ownership

• Zoning and business permit approvals

5. Facility inspection

After reviewing your application, a DSS licensing specialist will inspect your facility to ensure compliance with all state regulations. Be prepared to demonstrate emergency procedures, daily routines, and staff qualifications.

6. Submit licensing fees

In South Carolina, childcare facilities do not have set licensing or central registry fees at this time. However, there may be other fees associated with the process, such as background check fees or business license fees.

7. Develop a handbook

Create a handbook with written policies covering these topics:

• Your hours of operation and holidays

• Tuitions by age, late fees, and payment policies

• Enrollment and departure procedures

• Health and immunization requirements

• Daycare sick policy

• Discipline and potential behavior management

• Emergency protocols

• Staff credentials and training

• Meal, snack, and nap times

• Suspected abuse or neglect reporting

Updating the handbook

Update your daycare handbook regularly to reflect changes in regulations or operational practices. If you get enough feedback from parents to warrant changes, notify staff and families as you implement those changes.

Curriculum and schedule

A thoughtfully designed curriculum supports children's development by promoting learning through play, exploration, and engaging, hands-on experiences. Plan each day with a well-rounded daycare schedule that includes group activities, outdoor play, creative arts and crafts, music, story time, quiet time, and nutritious meals and snacks.

Incorporate age-appropriate lessons and opportunities for both structured learning and free play to encourage social, emotional, cognitive, and physical growth.

8. Set up your business

Since daycares are businesses regardless of the size, follow federal and state law by registering your company and protecting it from damage or audits:

• Business registration: Choose your business structure (sole proprietorship, LLC, corporation) and register with the South Carolina Secretary of State. Obtain a federal Employer Identification Number (EIN).

• Insurance: Secure general liability, property, and workers' compensation insurance if you have employees. Commercial auto insurance is required if you transport children.

• Recordkeeping: Maintain detailed records of attendance, health and immunization, staff qualifications, and financial transactions.

Writing a business plan

A well-developed business plan articulates your mission, pinpoints your target market, and provides a clear financial outlook. Your plan should include:

• A summary of your business and mission statement

• Market analysis and assessment of local needs

• Detailed descriptions of the services you will offer

• An operations plan covering staffing, facility information, and daily routines

• Your marketing strategy

• Financial projections and budgeting details

• Policies and procedures

• Information on management structure and organizational roles

• Supporting documents, such as licenses, permits, and staff resumes

Daycare grants

Daycare owners in South Carolina have access to several federal and state daycare grant opportunities designed to support child care operations, staff retention, facility improvements, and program expansion.

• Federal programs:

  • Head Start and Early Head Start

  • The Child Care Development Fund (CCDF)

  • Preschool Development Grants Birth through Five (PDG B-5)

• State grants:

  • DSS Expansion/Operating Grants: $20,000 to $90,000

  • South Carolina First Steps Grants: up to $30,000

  • ABC Quality Grants for those participating in the state's ABC Quality Rating and Improvement System

9. Marketing your daycare

Effectively marketing your daycare in South Carolina is essential for attracting new families, building trust in your community, and maintaining steady enrollment. A well-rounded daycare marketing strategy combines both digital and traditional methods:

• Define your daycare's mission, values, and unique features.

• Build a user-friendly website with program details, staff info, and enrollment instructions.

• Join TrustedCare to extend your reach and visibility to new families.

• Use social media to share updates, photos, and testimonials.

• Run targeted online ads and list your daycare on local child care directories.

• Host open houses and family events to welcome prospective parents.

• Participate in community activities and partner with local schools and businesses.

• Encourage referrals by offering incentives and collecting positive reviews.

• Distribute flyers and brochures at local businesses, pediatric offices, and community centers.

• Advertise in local parent magazines or newspapers.

• Use clear signage at your location to increase visibility.

Check out our guide on Daycare Advertising Ideas for more free ways to market your childcare business!

10. Hire staff and grow

If you have more kids in your daycare than you can handle on your own, hire additional staff to help. South Carolina sets the following requirements for daycare directors and teachers:

Directors:

• Must be at least 21 years old

• Hold a high school diploma or GED

• At least six semester hours completed in child development or early childhood education or have a child development associate credential

• At least one year of experience in a licensed child care facility

• Completion of required DSS director training

Teachers:

• Must be at least 18 years old

• Hold a high school diploma or GED

• Completion of DSS-approved pre-service training

• Ongoing annual training

Family Child Care Home providers:

• Must be at least 18 years old

• Hold a high school diploma or GED

• Completion of required pre-service training and background checks

License renewal

If your center needs a license, renew your daycare license each year by submitting updated documentation and paying any required fees. Ensure all staff credentials, background checks, and training are current when renewing.

Unannounced inspections

The South Carolina DSS may conduct unannounced inspections at any time to ensure ongoing compliance with health, safety, and program standards. To avoid getting reprimanded for violations, make sure you're always following state regulations.