Servicesforfamilies

United Way of Sumter,
Clarendon & Lee Counties
215 North Washington Street
Sumter, SC 29150

LOOKING FOR CHILDCARE???

CCR&R referral counselors are available to give you personalized child care information and referrals by telephone, in person, or by
email, Monday through Friday. CCR&R maintains a database of child care providers regulated by the SC Department of Social Services
Child Care Licensing Division.

Parents can call our referral counselors directly, visit our office in person or use the form provided on this
site to be contacted by us. Our telephone referral hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm.

The CCR&R provides referrals, not recommendations, to child care programs and resources. The CCR&R does not endorse,
warrant, or regulate any child care programs.

PARENT REFERRAL
INTAKE FORM
Email - Fax - Mail - Call

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A PROVIDER

While visiting the program, find out about these key indicators of quality:

Adult to Child Ratio – Child care programs must comply with South Carolina DSS’s licensing ratios.

                                           Adult/Child Ratios for ALL Licensed Child Care Centers

                                                                                            DSS Licensed

Group Size – South Carolina child care licensing does not require group size. However, you should look for programs with smaller
group sizes with adequate staffing.

Caregiver/Teacher Qualifications – Look for caregivers/teachers that have a masters, bachelors, or associate degree in
education or have received their Child Development Associates (CDA) as well as past experience working with young children.

Turnover – Look for programs with low staff turnover. Consistency in a child care program is an important factor in quality.

Accreditation – Programs that have met accreditation status have exceeding state licensing standards. Child Care
Centers/Preschools can be accredited through the National Association of Education of the Young Child (NAEYC) www.naeyc.org .
Family Child Care Providers can be accredited through the National Association of Family Child Care (NAFCC) www.nafcc.org .

Health and Safety - Basic health and safety practices are a SC regulatory requirement. You should look for a program that is
clean and bright, that teachers and children follow hand washing guidelines, the diaper area is clean and sanitized, first aid kits are
available, the playground has safe, sturdy equipment, toys are cleaned and sanitized, etc…

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Child Care Checklist:

                To view further information (hours, reviews, etc.) in regards to potential childcare
                                                                providers CLICK HERE.

Age of Child

2007

2008

2009

Birth - 1 year

1:5

1 - 2 years

1:6

2 - 3 years

1:9

1:8

1:7

3 - 4 years

1:13

1:12

1:11

4 - 5 years

1:18

1:17

1:16

5 - 6 years

1:21

1:20

1:19

6 - 12 years

1:23

TYPES OF CHILDCARE

Family child care: offered in the home of the provider. 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: Applies to 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 that is not
included in the staff to child ratio. A Group Child Care Home may be in a residence or a separate building. 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: Applies to 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.

Some centers are owned by private, for-profit businesses and some are operated by non-profit entities such as religious groups, parent
boards or hospitals.

Caregivers/Teachers (C/T) -

		C/T seem to like children.
		C/T get down on each child's
		level to speak to the child.
		Children greeted when they
		arrive.
		Children's needs are quickly met
		even when things get busy.
		C/T are trained in CPR, first aid,
		& early childhood education.
		C/T are involved in continuing
		education programs.
		C/T are always ready to answer
		your questions.
		C/T tell you what your child is
		doing every day.
		Parents' ideas are welcomed.
		C/T and children enjoy being
		together.
		There is enough staff to serve
		the children (ratios).

Setting -

		The atmosphere is bright &
		pleasant.
		There is a fenced-in outdoor
		play area with a variety of safe equipment; C/T should be able to see the entire playground at all times.
		There are different areas for
		resting, quiet play and active play; there is enough space for the children in all of these areas.

Activities -

		There is a daily balance of play
		time, story times, activity time, & naptime.
		The activities are right for each
		age group.
		There are enough toys and
		learning materials for the number of children.
		Toys are clean, safe, and within
		reach of the children.

In General -

		You agree with the discipline practices.
		You hear the sounds of happy children.
		Children are comforted when needed.
		The program is licensed or regulated.
		Surprise visits by parents are encouraged.
		Your child will be happy there.