Ccdd-2026 - child care and development block grant discretionary

The Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families awarded the South Carolina Department of Social Services $487.752 million through the Child Care and Development Block Grant Discretionary program on October 1, 2025, with a period of performance extending through September 30, 2028. The block grant funds child care subsidies for low-income families and supports quality improvements in child care services across South Carolina's 46 counties and subordinate administrative jurisdictions.

The South Carolina Department of Social Services, the grant recipient, administers the award to increase and sustain the availability of child care services throughout the state consistent with Child Care and Development Fund regulations. The department passes funds through to local community service providers and nonprofits. The South Carolina Infant Mental Health Association received a sub-award on May 4, 2026, to deliver local child care services through participating United Way Community partners.

The Child Care and Development Fund is the primary federal funding source to help families with low incomes access child care and to improve child care quality for all children. Block grants to states require submission of a three-year Child Care and Development Fund plan, which the Administration for Children and Families reviews and approves within 90 days. The lead agency must hold at least one public hearing with at least 20 days of statewide notice before the plan becomes effective and must coordinate services with other federal, state, and local child care and early childhood development programs.