How to Get a Child care centers & homes License in South Carolina (2026)

South Carolina Department of Social Services

South Carolina Department of Social Services

"Department" means the State Department of Social Services, the agency designated to administer the regulation of childcare facilities under this chapter

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Open the official agency page

https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t63c013.php

SOUTH CAROLINA CHILDREN'S CODE

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Center caregivers hired after June 30, 1994 must have a high school diploma, recognized equivalency, Certificate of Completion or South Carolina High School Employability Credential.

Center caregivers hired after June 30, 1994 must have a high school diploma, recognized equivalency, Certificate of Completion or South Carolina High School Employability Credential.

A caregiver who begins employment in a licensed or approved childcare center in South Carolina after June 30, 1994, must have at least a high school diploma, a high school equivalency credential recognized by the State Board of Education, Certificate of Completion, or a South Carolina High School Employability Credential.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Center caregivers complete 15 hours of health-and-safety service-provider training within 30 days of employment.

Center caregivers complete 15 hours of health-and-safety service-provider training within 30 days of employment.

Within thirty days of being employed, a caregiver must complete fifteen hours of health and safety service provider training.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Centers regularly receive 13 or more children. Family homes generally care for no more than six children in the operator's residence; the statute provides exceptions for relatives and one unrelated family.

Centers regularly receive 13 or more children. Family homes generally care for no more than six children in the operator's residence; the statute provides exceptions for relatives and one unrelated family.

"Childcare center" means any facility which regularly receives thirteen or more children for childcare. "Family childcare home" means a facility within a residence occupied by the operator in which childcare is regularly provided for no more than six children an occupied residence in which childcare is provided only for a child or children related to the resident caregiver or only for the child or children of one unrelated family

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Regular licenses for private centers, group homes and family homes electing licensure last three years.

Regular licenses for private centers, group homes and family homes electing licensure last three years.

"Regular license" means a license issued by the department for three years to an operator of a private childcare center or group childcare home or a family childcare home which elects to be licensed

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Family-home operators and direct-care employees/contractors require at least 10 hours of department-approved training annually.

Family-home operators and direct-care employees/contractors require at least 10 hours of department-approved training annually.

An operator of a family childcare home and any person employed by or who contracts with an operator of a family childcare home to provide direct childcare, annually shall complete and provide documentation to the Department of Social Services of a minimum of ten hours of training approved by the department.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Registration expires at the end of one year from the date of issuance of the statement of registration. Registration may be renewed according to the procedures developed by the department.

Registration expires at the end of one year from the date of issuance of the statement of registration. Registration may be renewed according to the procedures developed by the department. Applies to: Registered family child care homes

Registration expires at the end of one year from the date of issuance of the statement of registration. Registration may be renewed according to the procedures developed by the department.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026