FREE / subsidized childcare in South Carolina
South Carolina at a glance
South Carolina is home to about 305,101 foreign-born residents (5.8% of the state’s 5,296,225 people) and 390,376 residents of Hispanic or Latino origin (7.4%), per the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (2024 5-year estimates). The procedures below apply to everyone in South Carolina regardless of immigration status unless noted.
If you have young children in South Carolina, multiple programs help with childcare costs — even if undocumented or use ITIN.
| Official childcare resources — South Carolina | |
|---|---|
| State childcare search portal | abcquality.org — the official licensed-provider search (via childcare.gov) |
| Head Start locator | eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/center-locator — Head Start and Early Head Start centers near you |
| Head Start income limit (100% FPL, 2026) | Household of 3: $27,320 · household of 4: $33,000 · household of 5: $38,680 per year |
| Subsidy income limit (CCDF) | Household of 3: $5,339/month · household of 4: $6,356/month countable income to initially qualify (as of October 2023 — limits rise over time; confirm the current figure on the state portal) |
| State program name | South Carolina's CCDF subsidy runs as SC Child Care Scholarship Program — use that name when calling or searching for the application |
| How applications are filed | In-person, mail, fax, email · eligibility is redetermined every 12 months |
| Waiting list | No — South Carolina reported not using a waiting list (as of October 2023) |
| Example copay | Single parent with a 2-year-old in full-time care: a $26/month copay at $20,000/year earnings · $48/month at $30,000/year (as of October 2023) |
| Phone help | Dial 2-1-1 (United Way, Spanish available) for childcare subsidies and open seats in South Carolina |
Source: childcare.gov (ACF/HHS), the 2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines, and the Urban Institute CCDF Policies Database (data as of October 1, 2023). Verified 2026-06-10.
Head Start (free, federal)
Head Start is a federal FREE program for kids 0-5 years from low-income families.
Who qualifies
- Families with income below 100% of the Federal Poverty Level — $33,000 for a household of 4 (2026)
- Some extensions to 130% FPL
- TANF or homeless families automatically qualify
- Some seats reserved for foster care kids or those with disabilities
Types
- Early Head Start: 0-3 years
- Head Start: 3-5 years
- Pregnancy Support: for pregnant mothers
What kids receive
- Daily care (often full day)
- Meals (breakfast, lunch, snacks)
- Structured early education
- Health services (vaccines, dental, vision)
- Family support (social services)
How to apply in South Carolina
- Find local program: Find Head Start near you
- Fill application at center
- Documents: income proof, child’s birth certificate, proof of South Carolina residency
- No SSN required for parent or child
- No documented immigration status required
CCDF — Child Care and Development Fund (subsidy)
CCDF is a federal/state subsidy paying daycares for you based on income.
Who qualifies in South Carolina
- Family income at or below the state’s initial limit — real dollar figures in the table below
- Parent must be working, in school, or job-seeking
- Typically requires some child documents and proof of work/educational activity
South Carolina's CCDF program is called SC Child Care Scholarship Program. Maximum monthly countable income to initially qualify (as of October 1, 2023 — states adjust these upward over time; confirm the current figure before applying):
| Household size | Per month | Per year (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| 2 people | $4,322 | $51,864 |
| 3 people | $5,339 | $64,068 |
| 4 people | $6,356 | $76,272 |
| 5 people | $7,372 | $88,464 |
Source: Urban Institute CCDF Policies Database (Table 14, data as of October 1, 2023).
How it works
- Apply to South Carolina’s CCDF
- If approved, receive vouchers or list of authorized providers
- Parent chooses daycare (must be licensed/registered)
- Parent pays “co-pay” (income-based fee) directly to daycare
- State pays difference to provider
Immigrant-friendly states
Some states extend subsidies to families regardless of parent status (based on child’s status, generally US citizen by birth). Verify with South Carolina Department of Human Services.
State pre-K and other programs
Many states run free or low-cost public pre-K alongside the federal programs — availability is district-by-district. Search your school district’s site for “pre-K enrollment”, or dial 2-1-1. The childcare hub explains the program types.
For DACA families
Head Start eligibility follows the child’s situation, not the parent’s status, and CCDF rules vary by state — the childcare hub has the breakdown by program.
Informal and low-cost childcare options
Family child care homes, parent cooperatives, church programs, YMCA sliding-scale care, and Boys & Girls Clubs all cost less than center-based care — the childcare hub covers each option and how to vet it.
Public charge
Head Start and childcare subsidies are not considered under the public charge rule — see the public charge guide.
Related information
- Medicaid in South Carolina
- CHIP in South Carolina
- SNAP in South Carolina
- Enroll kids in public school
- Public Charge Rule
Last verified: 2026-06-15.
General procedural information for educational purposes. Not legal, tax, or immigration advice. Laws and fees change — verify with the issuing agency before taking action. For case-specific guidance, consult a licensed immigration attorney or other appropriate professional.
Related procedural information
- Federal benefits eligibility by immigration status — who qualifies for what
- Find legal aid in your state — public-benefits appeals
- ITIN for tax-funded benefits — eligibility requires SSN or ITIN
- Consulate of your country — many offer financial-assistance referrals
- Know Your Rights — public-benefits enrollment — agency confidentiality limits