The South Carolina Department of Social Services is offering a one-time expansion and operating grant for childcare providers.
The grant is designed to support increased enrollment, staff and educator retention, and operating expenses.
“Our goal is to support childcare providers in their efforts to expand and enhance the quality of care for children across our state,” said DSS State Director Michael Leach. “This grant is just another example of significant steps DSS has made over the last four years towards ensuring more families have access to affordable, high-quality child care.”
Funds from the grant can be used to retain current staff through salary increases or retention bonuses.
Other allowable expenses include:
- paying facility expenses, including rent/mortgage payments, utility bills, and personnel costs
- classroom materials
- playground repairs or upgrades
- technology equipment and services
- goods and services
- cleaning or sanitation costs
The grant was made possible by federal funds DSS received as part of the American Rescue Plan Act.
It is available to eligible licensed or registered child care centers, family child care homes, group child care homes, Head Start programs, and license-exempt programs.
Providers must also comply with Child Care Licensing requirements and fire codes, remain within licensed capacity for the facility, and have at least a provisional license as of July 1, 2024.
Grant Amount based on facilities:
- Small Child Care Centers (Up to 49 children) $70,000
- Medium Child Care Centers (50-99 children) $80,000
- Large Child Care Centers (100+ children) $90,000
- License Exempt in ABC Quality $60,000
- Group Child Care Homes $27,000
- Family Child Care Homes $20,000
Providers can click here to apply for the grant.