Child Care & Early Education
We can connect families to child care scholarships that help parents afford high quality child care while they work, train for a job, or go to school. See if you qualify and how you can find care that fits your family’s needs.
Child Care ScholarshipsParents with income at or below 85% of the state's median income may be eligible for scholarships to pay for child care while they work or attend school.
Local school districts offer many options for public school 4K, and eligibility is based on income, Medicaid eligibility, developmental readiness, and other factors based on each district’s PreK offerings.
Care, activities, and lunch are provided free to children birth to age 5 who are from families with income at or below the poverty level.
Free child care and parenting support are provided for eligible children age 3 and under, pregnant women, and their families.
Choose a free, full-day 4K program in a licensed child care center, charter school or private school. Plus, get child care scholarships for the whole family.
Parents and caregivers can search for childcare in their area and learn how to apply for financial help.
This free summer program helps children get ready for kindergarten and eases worries they or their family may have.
Countdown to 4K supports strong school transitions by connecting children entering preschool, families, and teachers in a series of one-on-one visits during the summer.
Children age 5 and under may be eligible for scholarships that let them go to quality child care centers tuition-free.
Local librarians visit families, childcare programs, and preschools to bring books, share stories, and interest children in reading.
The Office of Early Learning and Literacy at the SC Dept. of Education works with school districts, teachers, communities, and families to provide resources to help every child succeed in school.
Visit the Traveling Preschool Bus and discover what parents and caregivers need to know about school readiness.
The Beaufort County School District offers Pre-Kindergarten programs at all elementary schools and early childhood centers.
Allendale County School District offers PreK 3 within the school district.
Allendale County School District offers PreK 4 within the school district.
Williamsburg County School District offers Pre-Kindergarten programs within the school district.
York School District 1 offers 4K programs at all elementary schools within the district.
Richland School District Two offers preschool programs at all elementary schools.
Montessori is a magnet program that serves three-year-olds through fifth grade students. There are five Primary classrooms (3, 4, and 5 year olds), 5 Lower Elementary classrooms (1st, 2nd and 3rd graders) and 3 Upper Elementary classrooms (4th and 5th graders). The program serves approximately 260 students in 13 classrooms.
Abbeville County's Child Early Reading Development and Education Program (CERDEP) is a free, full-day, four-year-old kindergarten program for children who live in Abbeville County.
At Southside Early Childhood Center, we provide a caring environment where children grow in their thinking, social skills, and physical abilities. Our personalized learning plans, family involvement, and proven teaching methods help every child reach their full potential and succeed early in life.
The four-year-old kindergarten program is designed to help children develop the skills they need to succeed in school and in life. Our teachers are highly qualified and experienced. They are dedicated to providing your child with the best possible learning experience.
Monday-Thursday full day (8 a.m. - 3 p.m. and Friday noon dismissal), free school program for four year olds offered at Clear Dot Charter School.
Waccamaw Economic Opportunity Council (WEOC), Inc. is a federally funded preschool program that offers comprehensive services to children ages six weeks to four years old.
PCA Head Start offers comprehensive services for families and children: early learning and development, health, and family wellbeing.
Early Head Start and Head Start Services.
GLEAMNS Head Start offers early childhood education for children ages 3-5 in a safe space to grow mentally, emotionally, and physically, while connecting families to health and wellness services. Early Head Start supports pregnant women, infants, and toddlers up to age 3, helping them develop and strengthening family independence and parent-child bonds.
Saluda County Schools offers Pre-Kindergarten programs at all of our elementary schools. As required by the South Carolina Department of Education, all children must be 4 years of age on or before September 1st. All children must be assessed individually for qualification.
Barnwell County School District offers 4K CERDEP classes at all local primary/elementary schools in the county.
Multi-age classroom designed to create natural opportunities for independence, citizenship, and accountability--enrollment is lottery-based.
Calhoun County Public Schools offers 4K classes at both K-8 schools in the county.
Multi-age classroom designed to create natural opportunities for independence, citizenship, and accountability.
First Five SC is a collaborative effort of SC public services and supported by the Early Childhood Advisory Council.
