DSS launches ‘SC Boo$t’ program to support South Carolina’s childcare industry

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) – The South Carolina Department of Social Services is working to build support for an industry often unnoticed.

The agency launched a pilot program called “SC Boo$t” on Monday to battle the high turnover rate within early childhood education.

The incentive would provide bonuses ranging from $1,000 to $2,000 every six months to eligible providers.

The money will come from the American Rescue Plan Act, a federal program. It will be focused on childcare providers making under $24 and directors making less than $30.

“This is really going directly to the teacher, the ones that work with those children every day. We wanted to make sure we have a way to do that, for those individuals often unnoticed and not given credit for the hard work they do every day,” SC Endeavors Director Melissa Starker says.

The agency says the state is experiencing a dip in support for the field despite its vital role in raising a community. Starker says this is due to low wages which barely cover the amount of work childcare providers do in a given day.

The agency hopes the program will revive the industry and encourage hard workers to stay in the field. The overall goal is to improve the lives of workers and families and provide high-quality care for all.

“This boost allows them to see the value of what they’re doing, and they see the work they’re doing. We want to honor that,” Starker says.

SC Endeavors uses the South Carolina Early Care and Education Career Ladder to plan for professional growth in the early childhood field.

The program does have eligibility requirements and only direct care providers will be able to apply. The following qualify:

• Teacher
• Assistant director
• Assistant teacher
• Co-director
• Director
• Floater
• Non-teaching professional staff
• Non-teaching support staff
• Primary care provider
• Aide
• Curriculum coordinator
• Education coordinator

Substitutes, volunteers and intern positions do not qualify.

For more information, click here.

Copyright 2024 WCSC. All rights reserved.