How Do I?

ABC Quality makes it easier for parents do their homework. You can find providers by entering your zip code or by entering child care provider names to see how well they rate and compare what they do. Search here. 

You can also call 888-335-1002 to talk to a specialist, who will listen to what you need and give you a list of child care providers in your area.

SC Child Care Resource and Referral (SC CCR&R) is committed to helping parents find the best information on locating quality child care, early childhood resources in their community, information on state licensing requirements, and availability of child care subsidies. It also supports families in making child care choices for their children to prepare them for school readiness and a bright future.

You can enter the name of the provider in the search box to learn about a provider’s ABC Quality status. For a guide to ABC Quality and what it means for families, download this PDF.

To enroll, providers must have:

• A current license, registration, approval or exemption, plus a documented history of complying with S.C. licensing regulations
• Current Pediatric First Aid and Infant/Child CPR certification for all staff
• Discipline policy prohibiting corporal punishment signed by all staff annually
• Completed SC Health and Safety Pre-Service Certificate or ECD 101 by all staff
• Signed acknowledgment of the ABC Quality Code of Ethics by all staff

Additional eligibility requirements for license-exempt providers:

• Verification of minimum staff education/qualifications
• Health documentation for all staff
• Background checks for all staff

To begin the process, contact the Regional Office for your county.

Go here to learn about the types of complaints a parent can file and where to file them. Please note that Child Care Licensing will not investigate complaints about a provider’s rates.

Qualifying South Carolina families may have access to child care scholarships from the South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS). The primary financial assistance program at this time is known as the SC Working Families Child Care Scholarship.

To qualify for a SC Working Families Child Care Scholarship, a parent(s) or guardian(s) must:

• have a child or children between birth and 12 years of age 
• work at least 15 hours per week or attend school or a training program 
• have a gross income 85% of the state median income level; for a family of four this would be up to $76,272 annually

Learn More

To enroll, providers must have:

• A current license, registration, approval or exemption, plus a documented history of complying with S.C. licensing regulations
• Current Pediatric First Aid and Infant/Child CPR certification for all staff
• Discipline policy prohibiting corporal punishment signed by all staff annually
• Completed SC Health and Safety Pre-Service Certificate or ECD 101 by all staff
• Signed acknowledgment of the ABC Quality Code of Ethics by all staff

Additional eligibility requirements for license-exempt providers:

• Verification of minimum staff education/qualifications
• Health documentation for all staff
• Background checks for all staff

To begin the process, contact the Regional Office for your county.

If you are interested in becoming licensed, you should contact the Regional Licensing Office for your county and sign up for an orientation session. Learn more about licensing requirements here. 

• SC State Enforcement Division (SLED), FBI fingerprint and NCIC check SC. Click Here for more information
• SC Abuse and Neglect Central Registry and Database check, In-state sex offender check and National sex offender check. Click Here for more information.

This should be completed for the child care employee lives and work in another state that is not SC. Additionally, this includes an individual who lives in SC and works in child care in another state.

• Criminal History check. Click Here
• SC State Sex Offender check.  Click Here
• SC Abuse and Neglect Central Registry and database check Click Here

Organizations interested in participating in the CACFP will apply through the online SC CACFP system. To gain access to the system, principals of the organization must first attend training to learn about eligibility, record keeping and other program requirements.

Training sessions for child care centers and afterschool programs are offered monthly. Bi-monthly sessions are offered for adult care centers. Training for emergency shelters is offered as needed. An appointment will be made for a pre-approval visit to all centers that submit an acceptable application.

Child care home providers may only participate in CACFP through a sponsoring organization.

To start the process for applying to participate in the CACFP click here. 

All child care providers must complete training every year. Training requirements depend on the type of provider you are and your role in the program.

To receive credit, you must complete training that is registered or certified by SC Endeavors. 

First Aid/CPR training does not have to be certified by SC Endeavors, but must be provided by a recognized health professional and include hands-on training. First Aid/CPR cannot be taken online instruction only.

ABC Quality providers can enroll in a free training to meet state requirements.

This calendar includes all certified training available statewide.

For more information regarding training details visit, the training and career development section.