SCDSS Child Care Licensing
South Carolina writes its home staffing as triggers rather than a table. A family childcare home holds up to six children, counting children living in the home and related children under twelve, and needs a second adult on the premises once four or more children in attendance are younger than twelve months. A group childcare home holds seven to twelve, and Reg. 114-514.A(2) requires an additional teacher or caregiver when attendance reaches nine children or when four or more of the children are younger than two. The operator or primary caregiver must be physically on site.
With an assistant: No more than 6 children in care at once
Your own children: count toward these caps (under 12 years).
With an assistant: No more than 6 children in care at once
Your own children: count toward these caps (under 12 years).
With an assistant: an additional adult is required above 8 children. No more than 12 children in care at once
Your own children: count toward these caps.
Under twelve months is the binding band in a family home and under two in a group home. The definition of infant as twelve months or younger does not change the four-child trigger, which is written in months.
When four or more children in attendance are younger than twelve months, per Reg. 114-533.C(2). The second adult may be a caregiver, household member eighteen or older, staff, emergency person or volunteer.
When attendance reaches nine, or when four or more children are younger than two, per Reg. 114-514.A(2).
Yes. Both home definitions count children living in the home, and the family home rule counts them while under twelve.
DaycareRules is an informational reference about home child care licensing rules in the United States. It reprints thresholds, capacity limits, ratios and citations from state statutes and regulations, together with the date each state was last verified. Nothing on this site is legal advice, and rules change. Confirm with your state licensing agency before acting on any number printed here.