Child Care Settings

Types of Child Care Settings

Family Child Care Home (FCCH) - May provide care for up to six (6) children at any given time. Registration or licensure is required if a person provides care to more than one unrelated family of children on a regular basis (more than two days a week and more than four hours a day).

Group Child Care Home (GCCH) - Facilities operating with a capacity from seven (7) to twelve (12) children. May care for eight (8) children without an additional caregiver. When the attendance reaches nine or there are more than three children under the age of 24 months, an additional caregiver must be present at all times. In addition, there must be an emergency backup person available who is not included in the staff to child ratio. Since August 25, 2000, a Group Child Care Home may not be operated in a separate building. A Group Child Care Home must be in the residence of the operator. If you reside in a mobile home, you may contact the State Fire Marshal's office (803-896-9800) to discuss if the structure meets Fire Codes.

Child Care Center (CCC) - Facilities operating with a capacity of 13 or more children. Must be licensed or approved if the program operates more than four hours a day and more than two days a week. Programs that operate less than four hours a day may keep children during school vacations and holidays and be exempt from licensing.

For more information on child care settings, view the DSS Child Care Facility Requirements.