April 1, 2026
Navigating Changes Together: Child Care Scholarship Update
We know that the news regarding the child care scholarship applications pause that went into effect December 1, 2025, is incredibly heavy. We recognize that this isn’t just a policy change – it’s a disruption to the families you care for and the stability of the business you operate.
It is not a decision we made easily here at the Department of Social Services. At the end of the day, the demand for the scholarship program still remains high and the amount of funding, both using state and federal dollars, has not increased. Simply put, in order to preserve the longevity of the assistance program, the decision to pause new/renewal applications was made because we as a state agency cannot spend money we do not have.
Your dedication to South Carolina’s children, their families and your employees is the backbone of our community. We know that this is an extremely difficult time for you and your families. We understand the financial and emotional weight this puts on you to balance your commitment to your families with the realities of your operations.
While we navigate these challenges, please remember:
- Support is available for the federally protected categories of child care scholarships. If you have questions about these opportunities or your current scholarships, please reach out to scchildcare@dss.sc.gov.
- We are in this with you: We are monitoring the situation closely and will share any updates regarding applications as soon as they are available.
- Existing scholarships will not be cut off or terminated early: Some states have made the decision to cancel or terminate approved child care scholarships early. We at DSS did not feel this was the appropriate course of action for both families or child care providers.
Thank you for your continued patience, your resilience, and most importantly, for the heart you pour into your work every day. You are making a difference, even in these difficult times. Please know that we are monitoring this situation carefully and appreciate you as our partners who are amplifying the need for additional funding for this critical support that serves more than 22,000 children during the month of February 2026 alone.
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