South Carolina

Daycare in Charleston, SC

Find licensed daycare centers and home-based childcare providers in Charleston. Compare options, check costs, and find the perfect fit for your child.

Average Daycare Costs in Charleston

Based on South Carolina averages. Actual costs in Charleston may vary.

Infant (0-12 months)
$175/week
~$9,100/year
Toddler (1-2 years)
$160/week
~$8,320/year
Preschool (3-5 years)
$145/week
~$7,540/year

Types of Daycare in Charleston

Daycare Centers

Licensed facilities offering structured programs for groups of children. Centers in Charleston must meet South Carolina state licensing requirements.

  • State-licensed and regularly inspected
  • Age-appropriate classrooms and ratios
  • Full-day and part-time options

Home Daycare

Licensed providers caring for children in their home. Often offers a more intimate, home-like environment with smaller group sizes.

  • Licensed and background-checked
  • Smaller groups, mixed ages
  • Often more flexible schedules

Finding Daycare in Charleston

Tips for finding the right daycare for your family in Charleston.

1Check Licensing Status

Verify any daycare is licensed by South Carolina's childcare licensing agency. Ask to see their license and check for any violations or complaints on file.

2Visit Multiple Options

Tour at least 3-5 daycares in Charleston before making a decision. Observe how staff interact with children and how clean and organized the facility is.

3Ask About Ratios and Qualifications

Ask what the child-to-staff ratio is for your child's age group and what training or credentials the caregivers have.

4Understand All Costs

Get a complete breakdown of tuition, registration fees, supply fees, and any additional charges. Ask about their sick day and vacation policies.

Ready to Start Your Search?

Use our calculator to estimate daycare costs in Charleston, then explore our guide to choosing the right provider for your family.