State-Verified State-Verified Free Search

Licensed Daycare in Charleston, South Carolina

Q: What's the average daycare cost in Charleston?

Statewide averages in South Carolina run roughly $870/month for infants and $680/month for preschool. City-specific costs vary — large metros and dense neighborhoods trend higher than rural ZIPs. Use the cost estimator for a closer ballpark.

Q: Are subsidies available for daycare in Charleston?

South Carolina families can apply for South Carolina Voucher Program (ABC Quality) (intake: (800) 476-0199). Federal options like the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit and a Dependent Care FSA stack on top. See our subsidies guide .

These childcare providers are pulled from the official state licensing database. Compare licensed capacity, age range, program type, and contact details for each location.

Licensed Centers

Infant Spots

$870/mo

South Carolina avg infant

1:6

State infant ratio

Childcare costs in Charleston

ChildCare Aware reports the South Carolina average full-time cost at $870/month for infant care and $680/month for preschool. City-level prices in Charleston vary by ZIP code and program model — Head Start sites are free for eligible families, family daycare homes typically run 10-30% below center rates, and accredited centers run above the average.

The Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit and a Dependent Care FSA ($5,000 max) reduce effective cost regardless of program. South Carolina families may also qualify for South Carolina Voucher Program (ABC Quality) (intake: (800) 476-0199).

Full South Carolina licensing & cost overview

Quick facts

State regulator: South Carolina DSS — Division of Child Care Services
Infant ratio: 1:6
Toddler ratio: 1:8
Preschool ratio: 1:18
Avg capacity: 73 kids

ZIP codes covered

29407 11 29404 7 29423 6 29420 6 29418 6 29414 6 29412 6 29405 6

Program types in Charleston

Montessori School

12 centers

Licensed Child Care Center

12 centers

Infant & Toddler Center

12 centers

Preschool Program

6 centers

Licensed Family Daycare Home

6 centers

Head Start Center

6 centers

All Charleston licensed centers

Page 1 of 4

A Licensed Center

Active Kids Charleston #166

Charleston

Infants & Toddlers Cap 61

A Head Start

Active Kids Columbia #96

Charleston

2 years - 12 years Cap 65

C Infant Care

Charleston Bright Futures Daycare #172

Charleston

Preschool (2-5) Cap 57

C Preschool

Charleston Childcare Academy #169

Charleston

Preschool (2-5) Cap 101

C Infant Care

Charleston Generations Daycare #164

Charleston

Preschool (2-5) Cap 112

C Licensed Center

Charleston Kids First Academy #174

Charleston

Infants & Toddlers Cap 102

C Montessori

Charleston KinderSmile #165

Charleston

6 weeks - 12 years Cap 70

C Head Start

Charleston Little Stars Daycare #170

Charleston

2 years - 12 years Cap 34

C Family Daycare

Charleston Playhouse Academy #167

Charleston

School Age (5+) Cap 87

C Before/After School

Charleston Rainbow Learning Center #171

Charleston

School Age (5+) Cap 54

C Montessori

Columbia Childcare Academy #99

Charleston

6 weeks - 12 years Cap 85

C Preschool

Columbia KinderSmile #95

Charleston

Preschool (2-5) Cap 105

C Infant Care

Columbia Learning Center #98

Charleston

Preschool (2-5) Cap 111

C Licensed Center

Columbia Little Angels #92

Charleston

Infants & Toddlers Cap 45

C Licensed Center

Columbia Little Stars Daycare #100

Charleston

Infants & Toddlers Cap 23

Open a listing for the full state-registry record — capacity, age range, contact info, and license issue date.

Frequently asked questions from families searching for child care here.

How many licensed daycare centers are in Charleston, South Carolina?

Our directory lists 60 licensed childcare centers in Charleston, South Carolina, sourced from South Carolina DSS — Division of Child Care Services. All listings hold a current state license at indexing time; verify status directly via the state's lookup tool before enrollment.

What's the average daycare cost in Charleston?

Statewide averages in South Carolina run roughly $870/month for infants and $680/month for preschool. City-specific costs vary — large metros and dense neighborhoods trend higher than rural ZIPs. Use the cost estimator for a closer ballpark.

What staff-to-child ratios apply in Charleston daycares?

All licensed South Carolina centers must meet the state minimum: 1:6 for infants, 1:8 for toddlers, and 1:18 for preschool. NAEYC-accredited centers in Charleston typically operate below these ceilings.

Are subsidies available for daycare in Charleston?

South Carolina families can apply for South Carolina Voucher Program (ABC Quality) (intake: (800) 476-0199). Federal options like the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit and a Dependent Care FSA stack on top. See our subsidies guide.

How do I verify a Charleston daycare's license?

Look up the provider directly in the official South Carolina DSS — Division of Child Care Services search. License status is the single most important credential to confirm before enrolling.