COLUMBIA, S.C. — Since 2020, the South Carolina Department of Social Services (SCDSS) Department of Early Care and Education (DECE) invested $954.5 million in childcare efforts statewide.

The funds originated from three different federal relief packages allocated to the state during the COVID-19 pandemic:

• $63.6 million from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act
• $182 million from the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Act (CRSSA)
• $708.9 from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)

According to a funding report, more than 30-thousand grants were allocated to childcare centers and homes across the state, including the SC Start-Up Child Care (SUCCess) Grants that provided financial incentives for individuals looking to open a child care program.

“They [the funds] have helped with operational costs, ensuring access to care for essential workers, and helping families facing economic challenges,” said Michael Leach, DSS State Director.

Now that the federal funding has expired, SCDSS intends to request the South Carolina General Assembly for state funding to continue strengthening South Carolina’s childcare landscape.