South Carolina Childcare Licensing
South Carolina Childcare Staff-to-Child Ratios (2026)
South Carolina sets a maximum staff-to-child ratio for each age band a licensed center serves. The strictest ratio applies to the youngest children: Birth to one year (infants) must be supervised at no looser than 1:5. Meeting these ratios at all times is a core South Carolina licensing condition.
Licensing Agency
South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS), Division of Early Care and Education — Child Care Licensing →Last updated: April 2026
Researched by the TotReady Research TeamSouth Carolina Staff-to-Child Ratios: The Specifics
In South Carolina, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Birth to one year (infants) age group is 1:5.
In South Carolina, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the One to two years age group is 1:6.
In South Carolina, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Two to three years age group is 1:8.
In South Carolina, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Three to four years age group is 1:12.
In South Carolina, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Four to five years age group is 1:17.
In South Carolina, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Five to six years age group is 1:20.
In South Carolina, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Six to twelve years age group is 1:23.
South Carolina sets no statewide maximum group-size cap distinct from staff-to-child ratios
S.C
centers must meet staff:child ratios (1:5 birth-to-1 yr, 1:6 1-2 yrs, 1:8 2-3 yrs, 1:12 3-4 yrs, 1:17 4-5 yrs, 1:20 5-6 yrs, 1:23 6-12 yrs) posted in all classrooms, with no rule limiting total children per group or room beyond ratios and square footage (S.C.
1:5 birth-to-1 yr, 1:6 1-2 yrs, 1:8 2-3 yrs, 1:12 3-4 yrs, 1:17 4-5 yrs, 1:20 5-6 yrs, 1:23 6-12 yrs
South Carolina Staff-to-Child Ratios at a Glance
| Birth to one year (infants) | 1:5 |
|---|---|
| One to two years | 1:6 |
| Two to three years | 1:8 |
| Three to four years | 1:12 |
| Four to five years | 1:17 |
| Five to six years | 1:20 |
| Six to twelve years | 1:23 |
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South Carolina Staff-to-Child Ratios: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the infant staff-to-child ratio in South Carolina?
South Carolina requires a staff-to-child ratio of 1:5 for the Birth to one year (infants) age group.
Does South Carolina cap maximum group size?
South Carolina sets no statewide maximum group-size cap distinct from staff-to-child ratios; centers must meet staff:child ratios (1:5 birth-to-1 yr, 1:6 1-2 yrs, 1:8 2-3 yrs, 1:12 3-4 yrs, 1:17 4-5 yrs, 1:20 5-6 yrs, 1:23 6-12 yrs) posted in all classrooms, with no rule limiting total children per group or room beyond ratios and square footage (S.C. Reg. 114-504.B, eff. June 22, 2018).
How many staff do I need for my South Carolina classroom?
Divide the number of children in each age group by the maximum ratio shown above, rounding up. South Carolina ratios must be maintained continuously, including during naps, meals, and transitions.
South Carolina childcare licensing rules are amended regularly. This page is compiled from published South Carolina administrative codes and statutes for informational purposes only — always verify current requirements with the South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS), Division of Early Care and Education — Child Care Licensing before relying on them. TotReady provides information and document templates, not legal or regulatory advice.