The Best Daycare Centers in Charleston, SC
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Charleston. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Charleston
The Sunshine House Early Learning Academy
The Sunshine House
The Sunshine House offers comprehensive early childhood education with a research-based curriculum that focuses on social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development. Their experienced teachers implement Creative Curriculum and Frog Street Press programs, with low student-teacher ratios ensuring individualized attention. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and nutritious meal programs. What sets them apart is their long-standing reputation in the community, with highly qualified staff holding early childhood degrees and ongoing professional development. They provide real-time updates to parents through the Brightwheel app and maintain excellent safety records with regular inspections and emergency preparedness training.
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The Goddard School of Charleston
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School employs a play-based learning approach through their F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience), which balances academic readiness with social development. Their highly qualified teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and receive continuous training. The facility features secure keypad entry, CCTV monitoring, and age-specific learning environments with modern educational materials. What distinguishes Goddard is their focus on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) activities even for young children, along with enrichment programs including yoga, music, and foreign language exposure. They maintain excellent teacher retention rates and strong parent partnerships through regular communication and portfolio assessments.
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Bright Horizons at Charleston
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons implements their proprietary World at Their Fingers® curriculum, which emphasizes emergent curriculum based on children's interests and developmental stages. Their highly educated teachers typically hold bachelor's degrees in early childhood education and participate in ongoing professional development. The center features state-of-the-art security systems, nutritious meals prepared on-site, and thoughtfully designed classrooms that encourage exploration. What makes them exceptional is their strong emphasis on social-emotional learning and their partnership with Harvard researchers to develop best practices. They offer comprehensive enrichment programs including gardening, cooking, and music, while maintaining some of the lowest staff turnover rates in the industry through competitive compensation and professional support.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Charleston, SC
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Charleston, SC, and are there any financial assistance programs available locally?
In Charleston, the average cost for full-time infant care ranges from approximately $1,100 to $1,600 per month, while toddler care typically costs between $950 and $1,400 per month. These rates can be higher in downtown areas or for centers with specialized curricula. For financial assistance, South Carolina's ABC Child Care Program (administered by the SC Department of Social Services) provides subsidies to eligible low-income families. Additionally, some Charleston-area centers offer sliding scale fees or scholarships. It's also worth checking with local employers, as some Charleston-based companies, like those in the healthcare and tech sectors, may offer dependent care flexible spending accounts (FSAs) or partnership discounts with specific providers.
How long are typical waitlists for licensed daycare centers in Charleston, and what can I do to secure a spot sooner?
Waitlists in Charleston can be significant, especially for highly sought-after centers and for infant rooms. It's common to encounter waitlists of 6 to 12 months, and sometimes longer for downtown or Mount Pleasant facilities. To improve your chances, start your search during pregnancy or as early as possible. Get on multiple lists, even at your second or third choice. Follow up with centers every 4-6 weeks to express continued interest. Consider expanding your search to include licensed family childcare homes in neighborhoods like West Ashley, James Island, or North Charleston, which may have shorter wait times. Being flexible with your start date can also help.
What are the key differences between South Carolina's licensed childcare centers, registered family childcare homes, and religious exempt centers I might find in Charleston?
In Charleston, you'll encounter three main types of regulated care. **Licensed Centers** must meet strict SC DSS standards for staff-to-child ratios, staff qualifications, safety, and curriculum. They are inspected at least twice yearly. **Registered Family Childcare Homes** are smaller operations in a provider's residence, caring for up to 6 children. They meet safety standards but have different ratio requirements. **Religious Exempt Centers** are affiliated with a church or religious institution and are exempt from some state licensing requirements, though they must still meet basic health and safety standards. Parents should visit and ask about each program's specific policies, as oversight levels differ. The SC DSS Child Care Search portal is the best resource to verify a provider's license type and status.
Are there any unique Charleston-area programs or resources to help parents evaluate and choose quality childcare?
Yes, several local resources can help. First, use the free **SC Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) network** (accessed via scchildcare.org or by calling 1-888-335-1002). Their referral specialists can provide personalized lists of providers in your Charleston zip code. Second, review quality ratings through **ABC Quality**, South Carolina's voluntary quality rating and improvement system. A higher ABC Quality level (A, B, or C) indicates a program that exceeds basic licensing standards. Finally, local parent groups on social media platforms like Facebook (e.g., "Charleston Moms") are invaluable for firsthand reviews and recommendations for providers in specific neighborhoods like Park Circle, Daniel Island, or Johns Island.
How does Charleston's geography and weather impact childcare logistics and what should parents consider?
Charleston's peninsula layout, bridges, and frequent tourist traffic can create significant commute delays, especially during peak hours and festival seasons (like Spoleto). When choosing a center, consider its proximity to your home or workplace and test the drive during your typical drop-off time. Furthermore, the threat of hurricanes and tropical storms from June through November means parents must understand a provider's **emergency and inclement weather policy**. Ask about closure procedures, early dismissal plans, and backup care options. Many centers follow the closure decisions of Charleston County School District. Flooding can also disrupt travel, so inquire about late pick-up policies and communication protocols for sudden weather events.
Nearby Cities
Explore daycare options in cities near Charleston: