The information provided on this page is a basic outline of South Carolina Child Care requirements that pertain to the design and construction of Child Care Facilities in the State of South Carolina. This information is a brief synopsis and does not include all of the detailed requirements needed to satisfy the governing authorities for Child Care Licensing, Building Code, Fire Code, Accessibility, or local Zoning. These guidelines are for general information and planning purposes. Contact the governing authority directly or engage a Licensed Architect to complete a full analysis of your school location.
SOUTH CAROLINA Child Care Licensing Requirements
Child Care license obtained from:
South Carolina Department of Early Care and Learning
2638 Two Notch Road, Suite 200, Columbia, SC 29204
https://www.scchildcare.org/media/59009/2018-CCC-regulations-updated.pdf
(800) 898-9020
License renewal is required every two years.
Indoor Space Requirements: 35 sf per child
|
|
Birth-1Year |
1-2 Years |
2-3 Years |
3-4 Years |
4-5 Years |
5-6 Years |
6-12 Years |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Required Teacher:Child Ratio |
1:5 |
1:6 |
1:8 |
1:12 |
1:17 |
1:21 |
1:23 |
|
|
Required Max. Group Size |
None |
None |
None |
None |
None |
None |
None |
|
|
Recommended Classroom Capacity |
10 |
12 |
16 |
24 |
34 |
42 |
46 |
|
|
Recommended Staff per Classroom |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
|
Recommended Min. Classroom Area |
350 sf. |
420 sf. |
560 sf. |
840 sf. |
1190 sf. |
1470 sf. |
1610 sf. |
|
Outdoor Space Requirements: 75 sf per child
- The play area must be enclosed by a 4′ high fence or wall.
- Outdoor walkways shall be free from debris, leaves, ice, snow, and obstructions.
- Slides shall have guards along the sides of the latter and be placed in a shaded area.
- Swings shall have soft and flexible seats and be located to minimize accidents.
Building Code Requirements
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
CHILD FIXTURES |
ADULT FIXTURES |
DRINKING FOUNTAINS |
MOP SINK |
BATH TUB/ SHOWER |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
1:15 |
1:50 |
1:100 |
1 |
1 |
Fire Code Requirements
|
21 |
A child care license applicant must be 21 years old or older and meet the state educational requirements. |
12 |
A child is an individual aged birth to 12 years old, or 18 years old if the child qualifies for special needs. |
16 |
A student volunteer must be 16 years old or older and cannot be included in the staff:child ratio compliance calculation. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Did you know . . .
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During hours of operation there shall be no smoking or consumption of alcoholic beverages on the center premises. |  |
Swimming pools located at the center or used by the center shall conform to the DHEC for construction, use, and maintenance. |  |
Children and adults shall wash their hands after touching animals. |
|---|
Research completed by Calbert Design Group, LLC. Updated 2019