The South Carolina Department of Social Services announced a one-time expansion/operating grant available for child care providers on Aug. 13.
Providers can use this grant to increase enrollment, retain staff and educators, and pay operating expenses. DSS State Director Michael Leach said the goal is to support child care providers in their efforts to expand and enhance the quality of care for children across the state.
“This grant is just another example of significant steps DSS has made over the last four years towards ensuring more families have access to affordable, high-quality child care,” Leach said.
Grant amounts range from $20,000 to $70,000 and are determined based on the child care facility’s type and license capacity. Federal funding from the American Rescue Plan Act will be used for the grant.
The expansion/operating grant can be used for salary increases or retention bonuses to help centers retain staff. Other allowable expenses for the grant include:
- Facility expenses (rent/mortgage payments, utility bills, personnel costs)
- Classroom materials
- Playground repairs or upgrades
- Technology equipment and services
- Goods and services
- Cleaning or sanitation costs
Licensed or registered child care centers, family child care homes, group child care homes, Head Start programs, and license-exempt programs are eligible for the grant. Providers must comply with child care licensing requirements and fire codes, remain within licensed capacity and have at least a provisional license as of July 1, 2024.
The deadline to apply for the grant is Sept. 9. To apply, visit providerportal.dss.sc.gov/#/dece/provider-grants/operating-grant.
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