The Best Daycare Centers in Ninety Six, SC
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Ninety Six. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Ninety Six
The Sunshine House of Greenwood
The Sunshine House Early Learning Academy
The Sunshine House offers comprehensive early childhood education with a research-based curriculum that includes literacy, math, science, and social-emotional development. Their facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and certified teachers with ongoing professional development. They provide nutritious meals and snacks, real-time parent communication through the Brightwheel app, and focus on school readiness with structured learning activities balanced with creative play. Serving the Ninety Six area with transportation services.
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First Steps Early Education Center
First Steps of South Carolina
First Steps provides high-quality early childhood education with a focus on school readiness and developmental milestones. Their curriculum emphasizes language development, cognitive skills, and social-emotional growth through play-based learning. The center features low teacher-to-child ratios, state-certified educators, and comprehensive developmental screenings. They offer inclusive programs for children with special needs and maintain strong partnerships with local school districts to ensure smooth transitions to kindergarten.
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Kiddie Kottage Learning Center
Independent
Kiddie Kottage provides a nurturing environment with a balanced curriculum that combines academic preparation and social development. Their program includes phonics, mathematics, science exploration, and creative arts. The center features secure facilities with monitored access, outdoor play areas with safety surfaces, and experienced teaching staff with CPR/first aid certification. They emphasize character development and offer flexible scheduling options to accommodate working families from the Ninety Six area.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Ninety Six, SC
What are the licensing requirements for daycare providers in Ninety Six, South Carolina, and how can I verify a facility is compliant?
In Ninety Six, all childcare facilities must be licensed by the South Carolina Department of Social Services (SCDSS). This includes family childcare homes (caring for up to 6 children) and group childcare centers. Licensing ensures providers meet minimum standards for health, safety, staff-to-child ratios, background checks, and training. You can verify a provider's license status, view inspection reports, and check for any compliance history by using the "Child Care Search" tool on the SCDSS website. It's highly recommended to choose a licensed provider, as this offers a baseline of regulatory oversight and accountability specific to South Carolina laws.
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Ninety Six, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In the Ninety Six and surrounding Greenwood County area, full-time daycare for an infant typically ranges from $120 to $180 per week, while toddler care is generally between $110 and $160 per week. These costs can vary based on the facility's amenities, curriculum, and age of the child. For financial assistance, South Carolina's ABC Voucher Program (also known as SC Voucher) is a key resource for eligible families based on income, work, or school attendance. You can apply through the Early Care and Education division at the South Carolina Department of Social Services. Additionally, some local centers may offer sliding scale fees or sibling discounts, so it's always worth asking directly.
Are there many daycare centers with extended hours or weekend care options in Ninety Six to accommodate non-traditional work schedules?
Options for extended hours or weekend care in Ninety Six itself are quite limited, as it is a smaller town. Most traditional daycare centers operate on a standard Monday-Friday schedule, typically from around 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM. For parents with shift work, overnight, or weekend needs, your search may need to expand to nearby Greenwood (about a 15-20 minute drive), where you might find a few larger centers or in-home providers offering more flexible hours. Your best bet locally is to inquire directly with individual family childcare homes in Ninety Six, as they may sometimes offer more personalized and flexible scheduling arrangements.
What types of childcare settings are most commonly available in Ninety Six: large centers, church-based programs, or in-home family care?
Ninety Six primarily offers in-home family childcare and smaller, faith-based preschool programs. Large, corporate-style daycare centers are less common within the town limits. Many local churches host Mother's Morning Out programs, part-time preschools, or summer camps, which can be excellent options for part-time care. For full-time, year-round care, licensed family childcare homes are a prevalent and often popular choice, offering a home-like environment with smaller groups. For access to larger centers with more extensive facilities, parents often look to the neighboring city of Greenwood.
How far in advance should I put my child on a waitlist for daycare in Ninety Six, and what factors influence availability?
Due to the limited number of providers in a town of Ninety Six's size, it is advisable to begin your search and get on waitlists at least 6 to 9 months before you need care, especially for infant spots, which are the most scarce. For popular local providers or church-based preschools, you may even need to inquire a year in advance. Availability is heavily influenced by the provider's capacity (which is small in home-based settings), staff-to-child ratios, and the age of your child. Spots for toddlers and preschoolers tend to open more frequently than infant slots. Being flexible and considering providers in adjacent communities like Hodges or Greenwood can significantly improve your chances of securing a timely placement.