Daycare License Requirements for South Carolina
Worker requirements
Must be at least 18 years old and able to read and write. Must have a high school diploma or GED and at least 6 months experience as a caregiver in a licensed/approved facility and complete 6 hours of training in child growth and development/early childhood education within 6 months of hiring.
Provider / Child Ratio
| Age Range | Ratio For Daycare Centers |
| Infants | (1:6) |
| 1 – 2 years | (1:6) |
| 2 – 3 years | (1:10) |
| 3 – 4 years | (1:13) |
| 4 – 5 years | (1:18) |
| 5 – 6 years | (1:21) |
| 6 – 12 years | (1:23) |
| Mixed age groups | as indicated |
| Age Range | Ratio For Family Child Care |
| All ages | (1:6) [includes family members under age 12] |
Department of Social Services
Division of Child Day Care Licensing and Regulatory Services
2638 Two Notch Road, Suite 200
Columbia, SC 29204
Phone: 803-253-4049
Fax: 803-252-1364
Web site: http://www.state.sc.us/dss/cdclrs/
Licensing child care centers
http://childcare.sc.gov/main/docs/laws/114500.pdf
Group child care home
http://childcare.sc.gov/main/docs/laws/114510.pdf
Learn more about How To Start A Daycare
