South Carolina Childcare Licensing Requirements (2026)

South Carolina childcare centers must include a written Hours of Operation section in the parent handbook (Days and hours the facility is open; holiday closures; late pick-up policy.) per S.C. Code Regs. 114-501.A.(17) (Definitions — Night Care: a licensed facility operating between 1:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m.; no fixed hours-of-operation rule exists. Director or designee physically present on-site during hours of operation per 114-503.K.(3)(b); co-director required when operating more than 12 hours/day).

S.C. Code Regs. 114-501.A.(17) (Definitions — Night Care: a licensed facility operating between 1:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m.; no fixed hours-of-operation rule exists. Director or designee physically present on-site during hours of operation per 114-503.K.(3)(b); co-director required when operating more than 12 hours/day)

South Carolina childcare centers must include a written Behavior Guidance and Discipline Policy section in the parent handbook (Positive guidance techniques used; prohibited discipline methods; progressive steps.) per S.C. Code Regs. 114-506.B (Discipline and behavior management; teacher/caregiver agreement specifying no corporal punishment per 114-506.B.(2)).

S.C. Code Regs. 114-506.B (Discipline and behavior management; teacher/caregiver agreement specifying no corporal punishment per 114-506.B.(2))

South Carolina childcare centers must include a written Illness and Exclusion Policy section in the parent handbook (Symptoms requiring exclusion; readmission criteria; communicable disease procedures.) per S.C. Code Regs. 114-505.A.(2) (children excluded per SC DHEC Exclusion Policy, S.C. Code Sections 44-1-110, 44-1-140, 44-29-10); see also 114-509.B for care of mildly ill children.

S.C. Code Regs. 114-505.A.(2) (children excluded per SC DHEC Exclusion Policy, S.C. Code Sections 44-1-110, 44-1-140, 44-29-10); see also 114-509.B for care of mildly ill children

South Carolina childcare centers must include a written Medication Administration Policy section in the parent handbook (Procedures for administering prescription and non-prescription medications; authorization requirements.) per S.C. Code Regs. 114-505.D (Medications or medical procedures — written parental consent, storage, medication log, and medication-error reporting).

S.C. Code Regs. 114-505.D (Medications or medical procedures — written parental consent, storage, medication log, and medication-error reporting)

South Carolina childcare centers must include a written Emergency Procedures section in the parent handbook (Fire, severe weather, lockdown, and medical emergency procedures; evacuation routes.) per S.C. Code Regs. 114-505.H (Fire safety and emergency preparedness; written evacuation plan 114-505.H.(3); emergency medical plan 114-505.C).

S.C. Code Regs. 114-505.H (Fire safety and emergency preparedness; written evacuation plan 114-505.H.(3); emergency medical plan 114-505.C)

South Carolina childcare centers must include a written Arrival and Departure Procedures section in the parent handbook (Sign-in/sign-out requirements; authorized pick-up persons; late pick-up fees.) per S.C. Code Regs. 114-504.A.(3) (written procedure to account for the presence of each child entering/exiting the premises, a vehicle, or new location); release-of-children policy 114-503.F.(2).

S.C. Code Regs. 114-504.A.(3) (written procedure to account for the presence of each child entering/exiting the premises, a vehicle, or new location); release-of-children policy 114-503.F.(2)

Which agency regulates childcare licensing in South Carolina?

Childcare licensing in South Carolina is regulated by the South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS), Division of Early Care and Education — Child Care Licensing. Official licensing information is published at https://dss.sc.gov/child-care/.

How many handbook policy sections does South Carolina require?

South Carolina requires at least 13 mandatory policy sections in a licensed center's parent handbook, each backed by a specific state regulatory citation.

How often does South Carolina inspect licensed childcare centers?

At least one unannounced annual inspection — DSS staff may visit and inspect a child care center once per year at any time during the hours of operation without prior notice to verify regulatory compliance (S.C. Code Regs. 114-502.C.(1)). Initial and renewal inspections require at least two working days' notice (114-502.C.(2)). A regular license/approval is valid for two years from issuance (114-502.B.(1)); the renewal process is initiated 120 days before expiration (114-502.F.(1)). Health and fire officials also inspect the facility (114-502.A.(2) and 114-502.A.(4)). Additional unannounced inspections occur upon receipt of a regulatory complaint (114-502.C.(5)).

What happens if a South Carolina center is out of compliance?

Operating without a license or violating any provision of the childcare chapter is a misdemeanor: upon conviction, a fine not exceeding $1,500 or imprisonment not exceeding six months, or both (S.C. Code Ann. 63-13-170). A license is required to operate a private childcare center (S.C. Code Ann. 63-13-410). DSS may seek injunctive relief against a facility operating without a license, where a violation threatens serious harm to children, or where an operator has repeatedly violated the chapter or regulations (S.C. Code Ann. 63-13-160). DSS may also deny, revoke, or refuse to renew a license/approval (S.C. Code Regs. 114-502.D), and may issue a provisional license/approval with an accompanying correction notice for violations that do not seriously threaten children (114-502.A.(5)(b)). Separately, a mandated reporter (including childcare workers) who knowingly fails to report suspected child abuse/neglect is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not more than $500 or imprisonment not more than six months, or both (S.C. Code Ann. 63-7-410; duty to report under 63-7-310).