South Carolina

Staff-child ratios

Requirements

Annual training

Caregivers/teachers providing direct care must complete at least 15 clock hours of training annually, from at least three approved topic areas; CPR and first aid do not count toward the 15 hours. Directors must complete at least 20 clock hours annually (at least 5 in program administration and 5 in child growth and development/health and safety).

Lead teacher

Teachers/caregivers must be at least 18, able to read and write, and have a high school diploma or GED plus at least six months of experience in a licensed or approved child care facility (or work under direct supervision until qualified, including 6 clock hours of child development/ECE training within six months).

Director

Directors must be at least 21 and meet one of several education/experience combinations, ranging from a bachelor's degree in early childhood education or a related field, to an associate degree or CDA with experience, to a high school diploma/GED plus ECD 101 and 3 years of experience (1 year supervising staff).

Worth knowing

SC sets staff:child ratios only; it does not set maximum group sizes for centers. Full ratio scale (114-504.B): birth–1 yr 1:5; 1–2 yrs 1:6; 2–3 yrs 1:8; 3–4 yrs 1:12; 4–5 yrs 1:17; 5–6 yrs 1:20; 6–12 yrs 1:23. Preschool value shown is for 4-year-olds; 3-year-olds are 1:12. Regulation last amended June 22, 2018.