Affordable Childcare Options in South Carolina
Childcare costs are wild. For many families, it feels like you’re working just to pay for someone else to watch your kids. I’m keeping a list here of affordable options to research, and I’ll add to it as I learn more.
Start with the big ones:
SC First Steps – Every county has one, and they often have scholarships or programs to cover part of childcare costs.
Head Start/Early Head Start – Free preschool and childcare for families who qualify.
SC Childcare Scholarships (Child Care Vouchers) – South Carolina does offer subsidies if you meet income guidelines. Apply through SC DSS.
Community & Creative Options:
Churches and community centers sometimes run affordable programs. Ask around!
Local colleges with early childhood programs often run training labs with reduced tuition.
Do time swaps by trading hours with another mom you trust. Depending on schedules, this might work more for additional hours or pop-ups rather than your day job.
TIP: Always ask about sliding scales or financial aid at daycares. Even if it’s not advertised, a lot of organizations have options if you ask directly.
Childcare feels like a broken system. But there are options. Ask, apply, and keep pushing until you find what works for your family.