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Licensed Daycare in Columbia, South Carolina

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

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 Columbia?

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 .

Every listing here has a current license on file with the state. Use the filters to narrow by age group or program type.

Licensed Centers

Infant Spots

$870/mo

South Carolina avg infant

1:6

State infant ratio

Childcare costs in Columbia

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 Columbia 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: 71 kids

ZIP codes covered

29201 10 29210 7 29209 7 29229 6 29223 6 29212 6 29207 6 29206 6

Program types in Columbia

Preschool Program

12 centers

Licensed Group Child Care Home

12 centers

Licensed Family Daycare Home

Licensed Child Care Center

6 centers

All Columbia licensed centers

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A Group Care

Active Kids Hilton Head Island #159

Columbia

School Age (5+) Cap 55

A Group Care

Active Kids Rock Hill #19

Columbia

School Age (5+) Cap 59

C Group Care

Charleston Little Angels #120

Columbia

School Age (5+) Cap 115

C Group Care

Columbia Precious Moments #38

Columbia

School Age (5+) Cap 116

H Group Care

Hilton Head Island Kids First Academy #167

Columbia

School Age (5+) Cap 103

J Group Care

Jumping Jacks Charleston #112

Columbia

School Age (5+) Cap 36

L Group Care

Little Genius Columbia #46

Columbia

School Age (5+) Cap 48

L Group Care

Little Genius Rock Hill #11

Columbia

School Age (5+) Cap 65

S Group Care

Summerville Little Angels #85

Columbia

School Age (5+) Cap 66

S Group Care

Summerville Little Stars Daycare #93

Columbia

School Age (5+) Cap 47

S Group Care

Sumter ABC Childcare #66

Columbia

School Age (5+) Cap 73

S Group Care

Sumter Little Stars Daycare #58

Columbia

School Age (5+) Cap 95

Each listing links to the full state-record details, including last inspection date if reported.

Frequently asked questions from families searching for child care here.

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

Our directory lists 72 licensed childcare centers in Columbia, 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 Columbia?

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 Columbia 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 Columbia typically operate below these ceilings.

Are subsidies available for daycare in Columbia?

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 Columbia 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.