DSS announces latest grant for childcare providers

South Carolina (WSAV) – The Department of Social Services (DSS) is offering a onetime Expansion/Operating Grant for childcare providers.

The grant is primarily designed to support increased child enrollment, staff and educator retention, and childcare center operating expenses.

“Our goal is to support childcare providers in their efforts to expand and enhance the quality of

care for children across our state,” said DSS State Director Michael Leach. “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 childcare.”

Funds from the Expansion/Operating Grant may be used to retain current staff through salary

increases or retention bonuses. Other allowable expenses for the grant include:

• paying facility expenses, including rent/mortgage payments, utility bills, and personnel
• costs
• classroom materials
• playground repairs or upgrades
• technology equipment and services
• goods and services
• cleaning or sanitation costs

The grant, made possible by federal funds received by DSS as part of the American Rescue

Plan Act, is available to eligible licensed or registered childcare centers, family child

care homes, group childcare homes, Head Start programs, and license-exempt programs.

Providers must also be in compliance with Child Care Licensing requirements and fire codes,

remain within licensed capacity for the facility, and have at least a provisional license as of July

1, 2024.

For more information about this grant opportunity click here. For the application to apply click here.