The Best Daycare Centers in Myrtle Beach, SC
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Myrtle Beach. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Myrtle Beach
The Goddard School of Myrtle Beach
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School offers a premier early childhood education program with F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that focuses on academic, social, and emotional development. Their play-based curriculum includes STEAM learning, language arts, and character development. All teachers are highly qualified with ongoing professional development, and the facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate classrooms, and outdoor play areas. The school maintains low student-to-teacher ratios and provides regular parent communication through daily reports and digital updates.
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The Sunshine House Early Learning Academy
The Sunshine House
The Sunshine House provides comprehensive early education with a research-based curriculum that includes literacy, math, science, and social studies. Their program emphasizes school readiness through structured learning centers and hands-on activities. The facility features secure keypad entry, video monitoring, and age-specific playgrounds. Teachers receive ongoing training in child development and safety protocols. The center offers nutritious meals and snacks through their food program and maintains strong parent partnerships through regular conferences and communication apps.
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First Steps Early Learning Center
First Steps Child Development Centers
First Steps Early Learning Center offers a nurturing environment with a balanced curriculum that combines academic preparation and social development. Their approach includes Creative Curriculum with learning centers for math, literacy, science, and dramatic play. The center features secure facilities with coded entry systems, spacious classrooms, and safe outdoor play areas. Qualified teachers focus on individualized learning plans and maintain low child-to-teacher ratios. The program includes regular assessments, parent-teacher conferences, and enrichment activities including music and movement programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Myrtle Beach, SC
What are the typical costs for daycare in Myrtle Beach, SC, and are there any financial assistance programs available locally?
In Myrtle Beach, daycare costs vary significantly based on the child's age and the type of facility. For an infant, you can expect to pay between $800 to $1,200 per month at a licensed center. For toddlers and preschoolers, costs typically range from $650 to $950 per month. In-home family childcare is often slightly less expensive. It's important to note that prices can be higher during peak tourist seasons due to demand. For financial assistance, South Carolina's Department of Social Services (SC DSS) administers the ABC Voucher Program, which provides subsidies to eligible low-income families. Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts. We recommend contacting the **Horry County First Steps** office, as they are a key local resource for connecting families with affordable childcare options and support programs.
How long are daycare waitlists in Myrtle Beach, and when should I start looking for a spot?
Waitlists for high-quality, licensed daycare centers in Myrtle Beach can be substantial, especially for infant care. It is not uncommon for popular centers to have waitlists of 6 to 12 months, or even longer. For preschool-age children, waitlists may be shorter, around 3 to 6 months. Due to the city's seasonal population fluctuations with tourism, availability can tighten in the summer. We strongly advise parents to begin their search and get on waitlists **as early as possible**, ideally during pregnancy or at least 9-12 months before your needed start date. Be proactive: tour multiple facilities, get on multiple lists, and follow up periodically. For more immediate needs, expanding your search to include licensed family childcare homes in surrounding neighborhoods like Carolina Forest or Socastee may yield shorter wait times.
What are South Carolina's licensing requirements for daycare providers, and how can I verify a facility's compliance in Myrtle Beach?
In South Carolina, all childcare facilities caring for more than four unrelated children must be licensed by the SC Department of Social Services (DSS). Key requirements include background checks for all staff, minimum training in health/safety and CPR, specific child-to-staff ratios (e.g., 4:1 for infants, 10:1 for 4-year-olds), and annual health and fire inspections. You can easily verify a provider's license status, view inspection reports, and check for any compliance history or violations through the **SC DSS Child Care Services portal** online. This is a crucial step for parents. When touring a facility in Myrtle Beach, don't hesitate to ask to see their current license and their most recent DSS inspection report. This ensures the provider meets the state's minimum health, safety, and educational standards.
Are there daycare centers in Myrtle Beach that offer flexible or part-time schedules to accommodate parents in the tourism and service industries?
Yes, accommodating non-traditional schedules is a recognized need in Myrtle Beach due to its large tourism and hospitality workforce. While many traditional centers operate on a standard Monday-Friday, 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM schedule, an increasing number of providers offer more flexible options. Some centers offer part-time (2-3 days per week) or drop-in care, though these spots are limited and may cost more per day. Your best bet for evening, overnight, or weekend care is often licensed family childcare homes, which may offer more personalized scheduling. We recommend explicitly asking about flexibility during your initial inquiries. Additionally, local resources like the **Coastal Carolina University** job board or community Facebook groups for hospitality workers can sometimes have leads on caregivers familiar with shift work schedules.
What should I look for in a daycare to ensure it's prepared for Myrtle Beach's specific weather, like hurricanes and extreme heat?
Given Myrtle Beach's coastal climate, this is a vital safety consideration. A prepared facility should have a clear, written emergency plan for hurricanes and severe weather that includes evacuation routes, shelter-in-place procedures, and parent communication protocols. Ask how they handle early dismissals due to county warnings and where they would relocate if necessary. For extreme heat, ensure outdoor play areas have ample shade, that water play or indoor alternatives are provided during peak heat hours, and that the facility is well-air-conditioned. Also, inquire about their policy for applying sunscreen to your child (many require a signed permission form). A quality center will readily discuss these plans and may even conduct regular drills, giving parents peace of mind during storm season or summer heatwaves.
Nearby Cities
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