The Best Daycare Centers in Clio, SC
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Clio. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Clio
Bright Horizons at Florence
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Florence is a nationally accredited childcare center serving the Clio area with comprehensive early education programs. The center implements the World at Their Fingertips curriculum, which focuses on language, literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, arts, and social-emotional development. Highly qualified teachers maintain low student-teacher ratios and hold degrees in early childhood education. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor learning environments. Parents praise the center's strong communication, nutritious meal programs, and commitment to developmental milestones tracking.
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Marlboro County Head Start
Community Action Agency
Marlboro County Head Start provides comprehensive early childhood education and family support services to families in Clio and surrounding areas. The program follows the Creative Curriculum system, emphasizing school readiness through literacy development, social skills, and cognitive growth. All teachers meet Head Start qualification standards with credentials in early childhood education. The center offers health screenings, nutritional services, and family engagement programs. Safety protocols include secure facilities, regular drills, and comprehensive background checks for all staff.
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Bennettsville Child Development Center
Independent Center
Bennettsville Child Development Center serves Clio families with a play-based learning approach combined with structured academic preparation. The center implements the South Carolina Early Learning Standards across all age groups, focusing on literacy, mathematics, science, and social development. Certified early childhood educators provide individualized attention with small class sizes. The facility includes secure playgrounds, modern classrooms with learning centers, and technology-enhanced learning spaces. Parents consistently praise the center's nurturing environment, experienced staff, and comprehensive communication about child development progress.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Clio, SC
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Clio, SC, and how can I verify a facility is properly licensed?
In Clio, South Carolina, all childcare facilities caring for more than four unrelated children must be licensed by the South Carolina Department of Social Services (SCDSS). This includes family childcare homes and center-based programs. Licensing ensures providers meet minimum standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, background checks, and training. To verify a facility's license, you can use the SCDSS Child Care Search tool online or contact the SCDSS Division of Child Care Licensing directly. It's crucial to check this status, as operating without a license is illegal and may indicate a facility is not meeting state safety standards. You can also ask the provider to show you their current license certificate during your visit.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Clio, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Clio and the surrounding rural Marlboro County area, full-time daycare costs are generally lower than in larger South Carolina cities. For infants, you can expect to pay approximately $110 to $150 per week. For toddlers, costs typically range from $100 to $130 per week. These are estimates, and prices can vary based on the facility's amenities, curriculum, and operating hours. For financial assistance, South Carolina's ABC Voucher Program (also known as SC Voucher) is the primary resource for eligible low- to moderate-income families. Eligibility is based on income, family size, and work or school requirements. You can apply through the Early Care and Education division at the SCDSS. Additionally, some local churches or community organizations in Marlboro County may offer limited scholarships or sliding scale fees.
Are there many daycare centers in Clio, or will I likely need to look in neighboring towns?
As a small, rural town, Clio itself has a limited number of dedicated daycare centers. Most childcare options are home-based family childcare providers or small, locally-run programs. For parents seeking a center-based facility with structured preschool curricula or extended hours, you will likely need to expand your search to neighboring towns such as Bennettsville (the Marlboro County seat, about 15 minutes away), Dillon, or Cheraw. These larger towns offer more choices, including nationally-affiliated chains and state-funded pre-K programs. When considering providers outside Clio, factor in commute time and whether they offer transportation services from your area.
What should I specifically look for or ask about regarding safety and preparedness given Clio's rural location?
Clio's rural setting requires specific safety considerations. First, inquire about their emergency preparedness plan for severe weather common to South Carolina, such as tornadoes and severe thunderstorms. Ask where children are sheltered and how parents are notified. Second, given the proximity to agricultural areas, ask about their policy on pest control and insect-borne illnesses (like ticks or mosquitoes) if outdoor play areas border fields or woods. Third, understand their protocol for medical emergencies, including the location of the nearest hospital (likely Marlboro Park Hospital in Bennettsville) and if staff are trained in pediatric first aid/CPR. Finally, for home-based providers, ensure the home is securely childproofed and that any firearms, if present, are stored unloaded, locked, and completely separate from ammunition, as per South Carolina law.
How long are waitlists typically for quality daycare programs in the Clio area, and when should I start looking?
Due to the limited number of providers in Clio and Marlboro County, quality programs—especially those with strong reputations or offering infant care—can have significant waitlists. It is not uncommon for waitlists to be 3 to 6 months long, and sometimes up to a year for coveted infant spots. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you begin your search and make inquiries as early as possible, ideally 6-12 months before you need care. For expecting parents, start researching during your second trimester. Be proactive: visit facilities, get on multiple waitlists (even if there's a small fee), and check in periodically to express continued interest. Don't hesitate to also get on waitlists in Bennettsville to increase your options.