Daycare Centers and Foster Homes — Sanitation
The S.C. Department of Social Services (DSS) registers, licenses and regulates child care and foster home facilities in South Carolina.
The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) does not have regulatory authority over these facilities. However, at the request of DSS or one of its designated placement agencies, we do conduct sanitation inspections in these facilities using DSS regulations and standards.
Because we perform sanitation inspections on behalf of DSS in child care and foster care facilities, some people become understandably confused about our role in the licensing and inspection process. Our staff conduct inspections and provide the results to DSS; any licensing decisions, regulation requirements and enforcement actions are done by DSS as the licensing authority.
Complaints: Complaints about child care facilities or foster homes, or questions regarding requirements, regulations or standards, may be directed to the DSS Division of Child Services at (803) 898-2570.
For more information on DHEC's General Sanitation program, contact us at (803) 896-0655.