What is a childcare subsidy?

A state-administered program (funded by federal CCDF) that pays a portion of childcare costs for working, training, or school-attending low-income parents. Apply through your state's lead agency. Eligibility typically up to 85% of state median income. Benefits go directly to the provider.

What's the difference between Head Start and pre-K?

Head Start is a federal program for children 3–5 from low-income families (below the Federal Poverty Level) with comprehensive services (health, nutrition, parent involvement). State pre-K is state-funded preschool, usually through public schools, with broader eligibility.

Can fathers apply for childcare assistance alone?

Yes. Childcare assistance is gender-neutral. Single fathers with custody qualify on the same terms as any other parent. If you share custody, you can still apply — you'll need the subsidy for the time the child is with you.

Where do I find quality care I can trust?

Every state has a Child Care Resource & Referral agency (CCR&R) that maintains a free database of licensed providers, quality ratings, and availability. Call your local CCR&R (find at childcareaware.org) for personalized referrals.

Childcare Assistance in South Carolina

9 verified resources.

About Childcare Assistance for Fathers

Childcare assistance for US fathers includes the Child Care Development Fund (CCDF) subsidy, Head Start and Early Head Start, state pre-K programs, and sliding-scale nonprofit childcare. CCDF subsidies are administered by each state's lead agency (usually the Department of Human Services or a dedicated office) and help families pay for childcare while parents work, attend school, or participate in training. Eligibility is typically up to 85% of state median income. Head Start serves children 3–5 from families below the Federal Poverty Level; Early Head Start covers birth to 3. State pre-K is free or low-cost in most states and offered through public schools and partner providers. Many community action agencies run sliding-scale childcare for working parents. For single dads, CCDF subsidies and Head Start are the two most consistent free options. This directory includes each state's CCDF office, local Head Start programs, and resource and referral agencies.

Childcare Assistance in South Carolina

South Carolina family courts handle divorce, custody, and support in each of its 16 judicial circuits. The Child Support Services Division operates under the Department of Social Services. Charleston, Columbia, North Charleston, and Mount Pleasant are the largest cities. South Carolina Legal Services is the primary LSC-funded civil legal aid program statewide.

9 Resources

1. SC Child Care Resource & Referral — Free

Helps South Carolina fathers and families find quality child care and access financial assistance through ABC Voucher and related programs. Staff provide referrals, quality ratings, and application help by phone and online. Call during weekday hours to speak with a referral specialist. Have a photo ID, recent pay stubs, household size information, and child date-of-birth details ready when calling to receive targeted referrals.

888-335-4694 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

2. Head Start – South Carolina — Free

Free early childhood education and family support for income-eligible South Carolina families, including father-headed households. Head Start programs serve ages birth to five with center-based classrooms, home-visiting, and family services across the state. Call the state hotline or visit online to find a local program. Bring a photo ID, child's birth certificate, immunization records, and proof of income when applying.

803-898-2570 · Mon-Fri varies · Visit Website

3. Greenville County First Steps — Free

Local early childhood programs and childcare assistance for Greenville County fathers and families. Staff connect families with scholarships, home visiting, and preschool partners from the University Ridge office. Call during weekday hours to speak with a family specialist. Bring a photo ID, proof of Greenville County residency, child's birth certificate, and recent income documentation so staff can match your family to available programs.

864-467-4750 · 301 University Ridge, Greenville, SC 29601 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

4. Richland County First Steps — Free

Early childhood education and family support services for Richland County fathers and families. The partnership funds scholarships, home-visiting, and preschool quality improvements out of the Middleburg Drive office in Columbia. Call during weekday hours to learn about available programs. Bring a photo ID, proof of Richland County residency, child's birth certificate, and recent income documentation to connect with the right program.

803-256-8283 · 2712 Middleburg Dr #108, Columbia, SC 29204 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

5. YMCA of Greater Charleston – Child Care — Paid

Before- and after-school care and summer camp programs for Charleston-area fathers and families. Programs run at multiple sites anchored on the George Street branch, with weekday early-morning to early-evening coverage. Call during weekday hours to check availability and fees. Bring a photo ID, proof of address, your child's birth certificate, immunization records, and any custody paperwork relevant to pickup authorization.

843-556-9622 · 21 George St, Charleston, SC 29401 · Mon-Fri 6:30am-6pm

6. Charleston County First Steps — Free

Early childhood programs and childcare support for Charleston County fathers and families. Staff connect families with scholarships, home-visiting, and preschool partners out of the Meeting Street Road office in North Charleston. Call during weekday hours to speak with a family specialist. Bring a photo ID, proof of Charleston County residency, child's birth certificate, and recent income documentation when applying.

843-745-0710 · 3547 Meeting Street Rd, North Charleston, SC 29405 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm

7. Spartanburg County First Steps — Free

Early childhood and school readiness programs for Spartanburg County fathers and families. Services include scholarships, home visiting, and preschool quality improvements out of the St. John Street office. Call during weekday hours to speak with a family specialist about available programs. Bring a photo ID, proof of Spartanburg County residency, child's birth certificate, and recent income documentation when seeking program enrollment.

864-585-5444 · 172 St. John St, Spartanburg, SC 29306 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm

8. Horry County First Steps — Free

Early childhood programs and childcare assistance for Horry County fathers and families. Staff connect families with scholarships, home-visiting, and preschool partners out of the Industrial Park Road office in Conway. Call during weekday hours to speak with a family specialist. Bring a photo ID, proof of Horry County residency, the child's birth certificate, and recent income documentation when applying for program enrollment.

843-248-0014 · 1951 Industrial Park Rd, Conway, SC 29526 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

9. YMCA of Greenville – Child Care — Paid

Before- and after-school care, preschool, and summer camp programs for Greenville-area fathers and families. Programs run at multiple sites anchored on the Cleveland Street branch with weekday early-morning to early-evening coverage. Call during weekday hours to check availability and fees. Bring a photo ID, proof of address, child's birth certificate, immunization records, and any custody paperwork relevant to pickup authorization.

864-412-0288 · 723 Cleveland St, Greenville, SC 29601 · Mon-Fri 6:30am-6pm · Visit Website

Childcare Assistance — Common Questions

What is a childcare subsidy?: A state-administered program (funded by federal CCDF) that pays a portion of childcare costs for working, training, or school-attending low-income parents. Apply through your state's lead agency. Eligibility typically up to 85% of state median income. Benefits go directly to the provider.
What's the difference between Head Start and pre-K?: Head Start is a federal program for children 3–5 from low-income families (below the Federal Poverty Level) with comprehensive services (health, nutrition, parent involvement). State pre-K is state-funded preschool, usually through public schools, with broader eligibility.
Can fathers apply for childcare assistance alone?: Yes. Childcare assistance is gender-neutral. Single fathers with custody qualify on the same terms as any other parent. If you share custody, you can still apply — you'll need the subsidy for the time the child is with you.
Where do I find quality care I can trust?: Every state has a Child Care Resource & Referral agency (CCR&R) that maintains a free database of licensed providers, quality ratings, and availability. Call your local CCR&R (find at childcareaware.org) for personalized referrals.