Child Care Expansion/Operating Grant is a grant from the South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS) that funds licensed and registered child care providers to expand capacity, improve operations, and enhance the quality of child care services across South Carolina.

The program supports a range of provider types including child care centers, group child care homes, family child care homes, Head Start facilities, and license-exempt ABC Quality providers. Awards range from $20,000 to $90,000, with funding tied to the provider's capacity, program type, and expansion plans. Eligible applicants must be licensed and registered providers in South Carolina.

There is no fixed deadline; applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

SC Expansion & Operating Grant - SC Child Care Services SC Child Care Resource and Referral Military Child Care Fee Assistance for Families Understanding Comprehensive Background Checks Meals Programs Requirements In-State Background Check Requirements Interstate Background Check Requirements Training & Career Development New Applicant Orientation Child Care Provider Stories Child Care Provider Resources SC Expansion & Operating Grant Military Child Care Fee Assistance ABC Quality Rating & Improvement System Child Care Scholarship Program Child and Adult Care Food Program Head Start Collaboration Office SC Expansion & Operating Grant What is the Expansion/Operating Grant?

DSS is issuing an application for a Child Care Expansion/Operating Grant for child care providers. This grant opportunity is primarily designed to assist providers in increasing their current enrollments. Licensed centers are strongly encouraged to use these funds to expand access to more children by opening unused classroom(s) and/or hiring additional teachers.

Funds may also be used to retain current staff through salary increases or retention bonuses. Other allowable expenses include: paying facility expenses, including rent/mortgage payments, utility bills, and personnel costs; classroom materials; playground repairs/upgrades; technology equipment/services; goods/services; and cleaning or sanitation costs.

Grants will be issued to licensed or registered child care centers, group child care homes, and family child care homes, Head Start facilities. License exempt providers enrolled in the ABC Quality program can also apply.

Grant amounts will be determined based on the chart below: Child Care Facilities (Based on Licensed Capacity) Small Child Care Centers (Up to 49 children) Medium Child Care Centers (50-99 children) Large Child Care Centers (100+ children) License Exempt in ABC Quality For more information about this grant opportunity click here . For the application to apply click here .

If you have any questions about the Child Care Expansion/Operating Grant , please email DECEGrants@dss. sc. gov or call 1-800-476-0199 if you are not able to contact via email.

If you have any questions on the Expansion/Operating Grant, please contact Tameka Pauling by email, DECEGrants@dss. sc. gov , or by phone, 1-800-476-0199.

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