October 7, 2024

Proposed Regulations for Licensed Child Care Centers

The Department of Social Services is responsible for establishing and promulgating rules and regulations for the proper operation of licensed child care centers and for the care and protection of children who receive care in licensed child care centers. The Department of Social Services is proposing regulations that set forth the requirements for licensed child care centers. The proposed regulations are designed to promote the health, safety, and welfare of the children who are to be served by assuring safe and adequate physical surroundings and healthful food and by assuring supervision and care of the children by a sufficient number of capable, qualified personnel.

The proposed regulations for Licensed Child Care Centers are in the recent edition of the State Register and can be reviewed here (https://www.scstatehouse.gov/state_register.php?first=FILE&pdf=1&file=Sr48-9.pdf)

The State Advisory Committee on the Regulation of Child Care Facilities, as outlined in SC Code 63-13-1220, discussed, edited and reviewed the proposed regulations over several committee meetings. The State Advisory Committee passed the proposed regulations via vote during their September 5, 2024 meeting.

The current members of the Advisory Committee according to the South Carolina Secretary of State are as follows:

Representing the Business Community- G. Edward Brashier

Representing a Church Day Care Parent- Caroline N. Mullen

Representing a Church Facility Owner/Operator- Chasity Lesley

Representing the Educational Community- Lisa Corning

Representing a Home Child Care Owner/Operator- Felicia Michelle O’Neal

Representing a Center Owner/Operator: Tami J. Nix, Althea Tucker Benson, Tammy W. Compton, Lisa Flood, Bebe Long, Melanie Keller (resigned June 13, 2024) and Rachel Ellis

Representing a Child Care Parent- Kristin Hanna (resigned September 17, 2024), Brandy S. O’Neill, Bonnye K. Hughes, Reginald Williams and Jessica Sharp

Written comments regarding the proposed regulations may be directed to Cynthia Lara, Director Child Care Licensing, South Carolina Department of Social Services, 1535 Confederate Avenue, Post Office Box 1520, Columbia, South Carolina 29202, and by way of electronic mail to commentsonchildcareregulations@dss.sc.gov, no later than 5:00 p.m. on October 28, 2024.