South Carolina Childcare License Exemption Threshold (2026)

In South Carolina, childcare is regulated when it is provided on a regular basis (more than two days a week, per S.C.

more than two days a week, per S.C

Code 63-13-20(24)) for periods of more than four hours but less than 24 hours a day (S.C.

24

care provided only for children related to the caregiver, or only for the children of one unrelated family, is exempt and is not a 'family childcare home' (S.C.

more than two days a week, per S.C

A residence caring for no more than six children (including the operator's own and related children) for the children of more than one unrelated family is a 'family childcare home' that must register with the Department of Social Services (S.C.

including the operator's own and related children

SC DSS Child Care Licensing Requirements Brochure 501, Jan 2024).

more than two days a week, per S.C

A South Carolina 'family childcare home' may care for no more than six children, counting the operator's own and related children living in the home (S.C.

S.C

serving at least seven but not more than twelve children requires becoming a licensed 'group childcare home' (S.C.

S.C

Code 63-13-20(14)) and thirteen or more a 'childcare center' (S.C.

14

Could not verify against a South Carolina .gov source any provision raising the six-child cap by adding an assistant, or any separate infant sub-limit within the family-home cap (SC DSS Brochure 501, Jan 2024).

SC DSS Brochure 501, Jan 2024

How many children can I care for in South Carolina without a license?

In South Carolina, childcare is regulated when it is provided on a regular basis (more than two days a week, per S.C. Code 63-13-20(24)) for periods of more than four hours but less than 24 hours a day (S.C. Code 63-13-20(2)); care provided only for children related to the caregiver, or only for the children of one unrelated family, is exempt and is not a 'family childcare home' (S.C. Code 63-13-20(13)). A residence caring for no more than six children (including the operator's own and related children) for the children of more than one unrelated family is a 'family childcare home' that must register with the Department of Social Services (S.C. Code 63-13-20(13) & 63-13-810; SC DSS Child Care Licensing Requirements Brochure 501, Jan 2024).

What is the penalty for operating unlicensed in South Carolina?

Operating above the South Carolina exemption threshold without the required license, registration, or certificate is generally unlawful and can carry fines and cease-and-desist orders. Contact the South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS), Division of Early Care and Education — Child Care Licensing about the correct credential before you begin.

Does South Carolina offer a voluntary registration for small providers?

Some states let providers below the exemption threshold register voluntarily. Confirm whether South Carolina offers a voluntary registry with the South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS), Division of Early Care and Education — Child Care Licensing.