South Carolina's Child Care Wage Enhancement Program

Since the conclusion of the SC BOO$T wage enhancement program, SC Endeavors with South Carolina Department of Social Services' has successfully distributed more than $25 million in wage supplements to early childhood professionals across the state.

The SC BOO$T pilot program launched on February 12, 2024. This program was designed in response to data indicating low wages for the early childhood workforce, which has a direct impact on the turnover and providing high-quality child care for children and families.

The success of SC BOO$T highlights the agency’s dedication to strengthening the child care workforce by ensuring professionals in the field receive additional financial support while caring for the state’s youngest citizens.

“SC Endeavors recognizes the incredible work and value that early childhood educators have in our state’s child care programs and facilities,” said Melissa Starker, SC Endeavors director. “These individuals work tirelessly to benefit children and families in our state, yet often do not earn a livable wage for this valuable work.”

SCDSS used federal ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) supplemental funds for this one-time pilot program as allowed under federal guidelines. Although SC BOO$T ended on September 30, 2024, data obtained from this one-time benefit could be used in potential program development and future funding requests to the South Carolina General Assembly. In the current budget process for FY2025-2026, the Department of Social Services has asked the South Carolina General Assembly for roughly $26 million in recurring funds to continue the SC BOO$T child care retention program.

SC Endeavors Director Melissa Starker "is hopeful that we can provide a future wage supplement program to help bridge this gap in pay and acknowledge the efforts of this workforce in supporting children and families in our state”.

Click Here to read more about the impact SC BOOST has had on our state.