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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.
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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.
You can also check out our FAQ. Stabilization Grants Reporting Portal Guidance Stabilization Frequently Asked Questions Virtual Office Hours - Taxes Technology Grant Examples List Health and Safety Grant Materials List SC Building Blocks Stabilization Reporting Video The Division of Early Care and Education is a division of the South Carolina Department of Social Services. ©2026 South Carolina Department of Social Services
According to the current listing, eligibility includes: Licensed and registered child care centers, group child care homes, family child care homes, Head Start facilities, and license-exempt ABC Quality providers in South Carolina. Confirm the full requirements in the official notice before applying.
The current listing shows $20,000 - $90,000. Verify award ceilings, matching requirements, and allowable costs in the official notice.
Child Care Expansion/Operating Grant accepts applications on a rolling basis — there is no single fixed deadline. Check the official notice for any cycle-specific review dates.
Child Care Expansion/Operating Grant is funded by South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS). Verify program details on the funder's official page before applying.
This opportunity targets applicants in South Carolina. If your organization operates elsewhere, check the official notice for location requirements.
Applications go through the funder's official portal — the Apply Now link on this page goes there directly.
Child Care Expansion/Operating Grant is sponsored by South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS). This grant is designed to assist licensed or registered child care centers, group child care homes, family child care homes, and Head Start facilities in South Carolina to increase current enrollments and expand access to more children. Funds can be used for facility expenses, salaries, classroom materials, and other operating costs.
ABC Special Needs Child Care Voucher Program is sponsored by South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS) via Bright Start. This program provides financial assistance to low-income families needing childcare for children under 19 years of age with special needs. Parents must be working, disabled, or attending an educational or training program.
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