State and Territory Profile
STATE/TERRITORY PROFILE - SOUTH CAROLINA
This profile highlights a current innovative effort to promote a subsidy system that is child-focused, family friendly, and fair to providers. It also provides demographic information, Early Care and Education (ECE) program participation and funding, subsidy innovation and program integrity information, program quality improvement activities, and professional development and workforce initiatives. Sources and links are provided at the end of the document.
Demographics
Source(s): U.S. Census Bureau. (2021). In American Community Survey. Single Years of Age and Sex. Retrieved from U.S. Census Bureau: https://data.census.gov/table?q=ACS +Survey+&g=0100000US$0400000&tid=ACSDP1Y2021.DP05
Source(s): U.S. Census Bureau. (2022). In American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates, 2021. B17024: Age By Ratio Of Income To Poverty Level In The Past 12 Months - Universe: Population for whom poverty status is determined. https://data.census.gov/table?q=B17024&tid=ACSDT1Y2021.B17024
Below 100% of Poverty | Below 185% of Poverty | |
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21.98% | 41.29% |
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19.29% | 37.51% |
Source(s): U.S. Census Bureau. (2022). In American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates, 2021. C23008 Age of own Children under 18 Years in Families and Subfamilies by Living Arrangements by Employment Status of Parents: Universe: Own children under 18 years in families and subfamilies.
https://data.census.gov/table?q=C23008&tid=ACSDT1Y2021.C23008
https://data.census.gov/table?q=C23008&tid=ACSDT1Y2021.C23008
ECE Program Participation and Funding
Percentage and Number of Children/Families Served
Source(s): U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Child Care. (2022). FFY 2020 CCDF data tables [Preliminary estimates]. Table 9 Average Monthly Percentages of Children In Care By Age Group https://www.acf.hhs.gov/occ/data/fy-2020-preliminary-data-table-9
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Child Care. (2022). FFY 2020 CCDF data tables [Preliminary estimates].Table 1 Average Monthly Adjusted Number of Families and Children Served.
https://www.acf.hhs.gov/occ/data/fy-2020-preliminary-data-table-1
https://www.acf.hhs.gov/occ/data/fy-2020-preliminary-data-table-1
Average Monthly Percentages of Children Served in All Types of Care
Source(s): U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Child Care. (2022). FFY 2020 CCDF data tables [Preliminary estimates]. Table 6 Average Monthly
https://www.acf.hhs.gov/occ/data/fy-2020-preliminary-data-table-6
https://www.acf.hhs.gov/occ/data/fy-2020-preliminary-data-table-6
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$135,588,602 |
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$98,417,414 |
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$17,376,288 |
Source(s): U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Child Care. (2023). CCDF Expenditures for FY 2021 (all appropriation years). Table 4a: All expenditures by State- Categorical Summary. https://www.acf.hhs.gov/occ/data/table-4a-all-expenditures-state-categorical-summary-fy-2021
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Child Care. (2023). CCDF Expenditures for FY 2020 (all appropriation years). Table 3a - All Expenditures by State – Detailed Summary. https://www.acf.hhs.gov/occ/data/table-3a-all-expenditures-state-detailed-summary-fy-2020
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Child Care. (2023). CCDF Expenditures for FY 2020 (all appropriation years). Table 3a - All Expenditures by State – Detailed Summary. https://www.acf.hhs.gov/occ/data/table-3a-all-expenditures-state-detailed-summary-fy-2020
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$14,805,585 |
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$14,805,585 |
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Not available |
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Not available |
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Not available |
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Not available |
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$0 |
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$0 |
Source(s): U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Family Assistance. (2021). Fiscal Year 2021 TANF Financial Data. https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ofa/data/tanf-financial-data-fy-2021
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$50,419 |
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90,830 |
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Yes |
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No |
Source(s): Internal Revenue Service. (2022). SOI Tax Stats - Historic Table 2, Tax Year 2020. http://www.irs.gov/uac/SOI-Tax-Stats-Historic-Table-2
National Women’s Law Center. (2023). States Can Make Care Less Taxing: Tax Credits Related to Child Care, Tax Year 2022. https://nwlc.org/resource/states-can-make-care-less-taxing-tax-credits-related-to-child-care-tax-year-2022/
National Women’s Law Center. (2023). States Can Make Care Less Taxing: Tax Credits Related to Child Care, Tax Year 2022. https://nwlc.org/resource/states-can-make-care-less-taxing-tax-credits-related-to-child-care-tax-year-2022/
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$35,711,166 |
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411 |
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692 |
Source(s): Food Research and Action Center. (2020). State of the States: Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) in FY 2019. http://www.frac.org/maps/sos/tables/sos_tab_cacfp.html
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$95,007,326 |
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Not available |
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9,876 |
Source(s): National Institute for Early Education Research. (2022). The 2021 state of preschool yearbook. https://nieer.org/state-preschool-yearbooks-yearbook2021
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$7,683,131 |
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5,762 |
Source(s): U.S. Department of Education. (2023). Fiscal Years 2022-2024 State Tables for the U.S. Department of Education. https://www2.ed.gov/about/overview/budget/statetables/index.html
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$7,030,720 |
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7,848 |
Source(s): U.S. Department of Education. (2023). Fiscal Years 2022-2024 State Tables for the U.S. Department of Education. https://www2.ed.gov/about/overview/budget/statetables/index.html
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$97,166,139 |
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25,203 |
Note: Total Expenditure includes all State/Territory, Local, and Federal dollars. In addition to 3 and 4-year-olds, some Pre-kindergarten programs enroll children of other ages.
Source(s): National Institute for Early Education Research. (2023). The 2022 state of preschool yearbook. https://nieer.org/the-state-of-preschool-yearbook-2022
CCDF Subsidy Program Administration
(a) | (b) | (c) | (d) | |
Family Size | 100 % of SMI ($/Month) | 85% of SMI($/Month) [Multiply(a) by 0.85] |
(IF APPLICABLE) ($/Month) Maximum Initial or First Tier Income Limit (or Threshold) if Lower Than 85% of Current SMI | IF APPLICABLE) (% of SMI) [Divide(c) by (a), multiply by 100] Income Level if Lower Than 85% of Current SMI |
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3 | $4,917.00 | $4,179.00 | $2,704.00 | 1% |
Source(s): U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Child Care. (2019). Report 3.1.3 Family Size of 3: Eligible Children and Families - Income Eligibility at Determination. ACF-118 Data Submission Center.
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Yes |
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Not available |
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Not available |
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Not available |
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Not available |
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Not available |
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Not available |
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Described Below |
The DECE works closely with Head Start and agencies referring children with special needs and 4K to promote continuity of care when authorizing child care services. |
Source(s): U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Child Care. (2019). Reports 3.1.6 and 3.1.6-2: Eligible Children and Families - Approaches Used for Promoting Continuity of Care. ACF-118 Data Submission Center.
Children with Special Needs | |
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Yes |
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Yes |
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Not available |
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Yes |
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Not available |
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Not available |
Not available | |
Families with Very Low Incomes | |
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Not available |
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Yes |
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Not available |
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Not available |
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Not available |
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Not available |
Not available | |
Children Experiencing Homelessness | |
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Yes |
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Yes |
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Yes |
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Not available |
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Not available |
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Described Below |
Funding is set aside for families experiencing homelessness. Referrals are made to McKinney-Vento coordinators in the local school districts along with the 4 regional homeless coalitions throughout the state. | |
Families Receiving TANF* | |
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Not available |
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Not available |
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Yes |
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Not available |
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Not available |
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Described Below |
SC uses priority rules to meet the needs of TANF families, those transitioning off of TANF due to income, and families at risk of becoming dependent on TANF via child care categories (families with children with special needs, families involved in Head Start, First Steps, Criminal Domestic Violence, Family Literacy, and homeless families). |
* Includes families receiving TANF program funds, those transitioning off TANF through work activities, or those at risk of becoming dependent on TANF.
Source(s): U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Child Care. (2019). Reports 3.2.2a, 3.2.2b, 3.2.2c, 3.2.2d, 3.2.2a-2, 3.2.2b-2, 3.2.2c-2, and 3.2.2d-2: Increasing Access for Vulnerable Children and Families. ACF-118 Data Submission Center.
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Not available |
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Not available |
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Not available |
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Not available |
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Not available |
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Not available |
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Not available |
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Described Below |
N/A |
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Not available |
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Not available |
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Not available |
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Not available |
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Not available |
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Not available |
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Not available |
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Not available |
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Not available |
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Described Below |
N/A |
Age | Center | Percentile of most recent MRS | Family Child Care | Percentile of most recent MRS |
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Infant | $ 185.00/ week | 75th | $ 135.00/ week | 75th |
Toddler | $ 185.00/ week | 75th | $ 135.00/ week | 75th |
Preschool | $ 162.00/ week | 75th | $ 125.00/ week | 75th |
School Age | $ 120.00/ week | 75th | $ 100.00/ week | 75th |
Effective date of payment rates: 10/1/2018 | ||||
Market rate survey (MRS) date: 11/3/2017 |
Source(s): U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Child Care. (2019). Report 4.3.1: Setting Payment Rates. ACF-118 Data Submission Center.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Child Care. (2019). Report 4.2.5a: Setting Payment Rates. ACF-118 Data Submission Center.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Child Care. (2019). Report 4.2.5a: Setting Payment Rates. ACF-118 Data Submission Center.
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Not available |
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Yes |
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Not available |
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Not available |
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Yes |
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Yes |
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Not available |
(a) | (b) | (c) | (d) | (e) | (f) | |
Family Size | Lowest “Entry” Income Level Where Family Is First Charged Co-Pay (Greater Than $0) | What Is the Monthly Co-Payment for a Family of This Size Based on the Income Level in (a)? | The Co-Payment in Column (b) is What Percentage of the Income in Column (a)? | Highest “Entry” Income Level Before a Family Is No Longer Eligible | What Is the Monthly Co-Payment for a Family of This Size Based on the Income Level in (d)? | The Co-Payment in Column (e) is What Percentage of the Income in Column (d)? |
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3 | $2,704.00 | $48.00 | 2.00 | $4,179.00 | $87.00 | 2.00% |
Source(s): U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Child Care. (2019). Report 3.4.1a Family Size of 3: Family Contribution to Payment - CCDF Co-Payments by Family Size. ACF-118 Data Submission Center.
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Not available |
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Not available |
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Yes |
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Not available |
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Yes |
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Described Below |
Copays are waived for TANF recipients, foster children, and families experiencing homelessness. |
Source(s): U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Child Care. (2019). Report 3.4.4: Family Contribution to Payment - Family Contribution to Payment. ACF-118 Data Submission Center.
Health and Safety
Age of Children | Child-Staff Ratio | Group Size |
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Infant (11 months) | 5:1 | Group size not regulated |
Toddler (35 months) | 8:1 | Group size not regulated |
Preschool (59months) | 12:1 | Group size not regulated |
School-age (6 years) | 23:1 | Group size not regulated |
School-age (10 years and older) | 23:1 | Group size not regulated |
If any of the responses above are different for exempt child care centers, describe which requirements apply: | Described Below | |
ABCQ ratios and group sizes apply to license-exempt child care centers. Group size is defined as twice the ratio. |
Source(s): National Center on Early Childhood Quality Assurance. (2021). 2020 Child Care Licensing Study: Analysis of child care licensing regulations. [Unpublished data].
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Child Care. (2019). Report 5.2.1a-5_6_7: Standards on ratios, group sizes, and qualifications for CCDF providers.– exempt child care centers. ACF-118 Data Submission Center.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Child Care. (2019). Report 5.2.1a-5_6_7: Standards on ratios, group sizes, and qualifications for CCDF providers.– exempt child care centers. ACF-118 Data Submission Center.
Quality Improvement
Yes/No | CCDF Funds | Other Funds | Other (describe) | |
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Supporting the training and professional development of the child care workforce | Yes | Yes | Not available | Not available |
Developing, maintaining, or implementing early learning and developmental guidelines | Yes | Yes | Yes | Described Below |
Developing, implementing, or enhancing a tiered quality rating and improvement system | Yes | Yes | Not available | Not available |
Improving the supply and quality of child care services for infants and toddlers | Yes | Yes | Yes | Described Below |
Establishing or expanding a statewide system of CCR&R services | Yes | Yes | Not available | Not available |
Facilitating compliance with state/territory requirements for inspection, monitoring, training, and health and safety standards | Yes | Yes | Not available | Not available |
Evaluating and assessing the quality and effectiveness of child care services within the state/territorys | Yes | Yes | Not available | Not available |
Supporting accreditation | Not available | Not available | Not available | Not available |
Supporting state/territory or local efforts to develop high-quality program standards relating to health, mental health, nutrition, physical activity, and physical development | Yes | Yes | Yes | Not available |
Other activities determined by the state/territory to improve the quality of child care services and which measurement of outcomes related to improved provider preparedness, child safety, child well-being, or kindergarten entry is possible | Yes | Yes | Not available | Not available |
Other (describe) | |
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Supporting the training and professional development of the child care workforce | Not available |
Developing, maintaining, or implementing early learning and developmental guidelines | Described Below |
Developing, implementing, or enhancing a tiered quality rating and improvement system | Not available |
Improving the supply and quality of child care services for infants and toddlers | Described Below |
Facilitating compliance with state/territory requirements for inspection, monitoring, training, and health and safety standards | Not available |
Evaluating and assessing the quality and effectiveness of child care services within the state/territorys | Not available |
Supporting accreditation | Not available |
Supporting state/territory or local efforts to develop high-quality program standards relating to health, mental health, nutrition, physical activity, and physical development | Not available |
Other activities determined by the state/territory to improve the quality of child care services and which measurement of outcomes related to improved provider preparedness, child safety, child well-being, or kindergarten entry is possible | Not available |
Source(s):
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Child Care. (2019). Reports 7.2.1 and 7.2.1-1: Use of Quality Funds - Supporting the training and professional development of the child care workforce. ACF-118 Data Submission Center.
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Child Care. (2019). Report 7.2.1 and 7.2.1-2: Use of Quality Funds - Developing, maintaining, or implementing early learning and developmental guidelines. ACF-118 Data Submission Center.
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Child Care. (2019). Report 7.2.1 and 7.2.1-3: Use of Quality Funds - Developing, implementing, or enhancing a tiered quality rating and improvement system. ACF-118 Data Submission Center.
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Child Care. (2019). Report 7.2.1 and 7.2.1-4: Use of Quality Funds - Improving the supply and quality of child care services for infants and toddlers. ACF-118 Data Submission Center.
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Child Care. (2019). Report 7.2.1 and 7.2.1-5: Use of Quality Funds - Establishing or expanding a statewide system of CCR&R services. ACF-118 Data Submission Center.
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Child Care. (2019). Report 7.2.1 and 7.2.1-6: Use of Quality Funds - Facilitating compliance with state/territory requirements for inspection, monitoring, training, and health and safety standards. ACF-118 Data Submission Center.
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Child Care. (2019). Report 7.2.1 and 7.2.1-7: Use of Quality Funds - Evaluating and assessing the quality and effectiveness of child care services within the state/territory. ACF-118 Data Submission Center.
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Child Care. (2019). Report 7.2.1 and 7.2.1-8: Use of Quality Funds - Supporting accreditation. ACF-118 Data Submission Center.
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Child Care. (2019). Report 7.2.1 and 7.2.1-9: Use of Quality Funds - Supporting state/territory or local efforts to develop high-quality program standards relating to health, mental health, nutrition, physical activity, and physical development. ACF-118 Data Submission Center.
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Child Care. (2019). Report 7.2.1 and 7.2.1-10: Use of Quality Funds - Other activities determined by the state/territory to improve the quality of child care services and which measurement of outcomes related to improved provider preparedness, child safety, child well-being, or kindergarten entry is possible. ACF-118 Data Submission Center.
Application in other languages (application document, brochures, provider notices) | Yes |
Informational materials in non-English languages | Yes |
Website in non-English languages | Yes |
Lead Agency accepts applications at local community-based locations | Not available |
Bilingual caseworkers or translators available | Not available |
Bilingual outreach workers | Yes |
Partnerships with community-based organizations | Yes |
Other | Yes |
Describe Other: | Described Below |
The DECE has started a Dual Language Learner (DLL) intiative using CCDF funds for a bilingual quality coach position through the CCR&R Network contract with USC-College of Education. This individual provides assistance to families with limited English proficiency to acquire child care assistance and local appropriate child care arrangements. This individual is also responsible for outreach with family serving organizations and groups to provide information regarding quality child care and financial assistance for DLL families. The LA contracts with an organization that provides interpretation and translation services in over 100 languages upon request. |
Source(s): U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Child Care. (2019). Report 2.1.1-1 and 2.1.1-2: Outreach to Families with Limited English Proficiency - Strategies the Lead Agency or partners utilize to provide outreach and services to eligible families for whom English is not their first language. ACF-118 Data Submission Center.
Applications and public informational materials available in Braille and other communication formats for access by individuals with disabilities | Not available |
Websites that are accessible (e.g., Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act) | Yes |
Caseworkers with specialized training/experience in working with individuals with disabilities | Yes |
Ensuring accessibility of environments and activities for all children | Yes |
Partnerships with state and local programs and associations focused on disability-related topics and issues | Yes |
Partnerships with parent associations, support groups, and parent-to-parent support groups, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) federally funded Parent Training and Information Centers | Not available |
Partnerships with state and local IDEA Part B, Section 619 and Part C providers and agencies | Yes |
Availability and/or access to specialized services (e.g., mental health, behavioral specialists, therapists) to address the needs of all children | Not available |
Other | Yes |
Describe Other: | Described Below |
Under a contract with USC-College of Education, the DECE funds the SCIC which assist families to locate quality care for a child who may have a disability. Additionally, the SCIC specifically supports families who have experienced problems in accessing or maintaining child care services. The SCIC facilitates communications between child care providers and families to develop a service plan that works for all. The SCIC, in partnershp with Family Connection of SC, developed an online training module for families of children with disabilities who are looking for child care. The module contains information about the child care system in South Carolina and provisions of the ADA that relate to child care. The module is available at no cost to families. The ELS are ADA compliant and are available on the DECE's website. |
Source(s): U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Child Care. (2019). Report 2.1.2-1 and 2.1.2-2: Outreach to Families with Limited English Proficiency - Strategies the Lead Agency or partners utilize to provide outreach and services to eligible families with a person(s) with a disability. ACF-118 Data Submission Center.
How the Lead Agency ensures that its website is consumer-friendly and easily accessible | The DECE's websites (scchildcare.org and abcquality.org) provide multiple ways consumers can search for child care providers, including searches by zip codes, county, city, facility/provider name, facility operator, and facility/provider type. The websites define many terms including exempt care, facility/provider types, quality, severity levels of violations, and the different program areas within the DECE. The results of inspections are provided on each individual provider's web page, and any violations are categorized based on risk to children. The website's navigation is set up by topics: Help for Parents, Help for Providers, Departments, Helpful Resources, and Library. All of these navigation functions are located on the homepage. During the most recent reporting period (Jully 1, 2017-June 30, 2018) a total of 33,594 new users accessed the website. |
How the website ensures the widest possible access to services for families that speak languages other than English | The DECE website includes a Spanish translation function, and any information on the website can be translated into other languages upon request to the translation service for the LA. |
How the website ensures the widest possible access to services for persons with disabilities | The LA, upon request, will provide appropriate aids and services to accommodate eligible persons with disabilities needing child care services. Staff participates in annual Civil Rights training regarding applicable state and federal regulations staff must comply with to ensure that persons with disabilities have equal access to needed services. |
Source(s): U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Child Care. (2019). Report 2.3.1, 2.3.1, and 2.3.3: Consumer Education Website. ACF-118 Data Submission Center.