After Federal Funds End, DSS Seeks State Aid for Childcare in SC Budget

Over the past few years, South Carolina has witnessed a significant influx of nearly a billion dollars in federal pandemic relief funds dedicated to supporting childcare. This substantial financial aid has played a crucial role in the state's childcare sector. However, with the money now depleted, the Department of Social Services is facing the challenge of seeking additional assistance from the state to ensure the continued well-being of this essential industry. As Connelly-Anne Ragley, the Chief External Affairs Officer of DSS, aptly stated, "It really is the backbone of our economy." The department's efforts to secure funds and implement various programs are aimed at maintaining affordable, accessible, and attainable childcare options for families and children.

Key Programs and Initiatives

SC BOO$T Program

Among the department's requests for the next state budget is $26 million to continue the SC BOO$T program. This initiative offers one-time bonuses to eligible childcare employees, acting as an incentive for them to remain in the classroom. By doing so, childcare centers can maintain the necessary staffing levels to remain open and serve families. As Ragley explained, "It helped keep those in the early education workforce engaged and employed. It reduced turnover in childcare centers because childcare centers can't operate, they can't open, they can't serve children and families if they don't have the staff available."

Tri-Share Childcare Program

DSS is also seeking $1 million to start a new pilot program called the "Tri-Share Childcare Program." Based on a successful model in Michigan, this program involves working families, their employers, and the state sharing the costs of childcare expenses. Ragley emphasized the importance of this approach, stating, "We know that wage bonuses and all those things are great, but what if employers thought about childcare and providing childcare or maybe subsidies as part of an employment package, just as they discuss possibly health insurance or paid time off?"

Other Budget Requests

In addition to the above programs, DSS is requesting funding to increase foster family board rates, support kinship caregivers, and expand prevention services and evidence-based programs involving child welfare. A nonprofit is even willing to provide a match for the next 10 years if the General Assembly funds this initiative, which amounts to a little over $5 million. These efforts are focused on strengthening families and being proactive in addressing child welfare issues rather than relying solely on reactive measures.

Modernizing the Computer System

DSS is also seeking another round of funding to modernize the computer system used to administer federal food assistance programs. This system, which determines eligibility and distributes nearly $2 billion in assistance each year, is more than three decades old and in need of an upgrade. Ragley highlighted the significance of this modernization, stating, "We believe that the total price of this system is going to be around $100 million when it's all said and done. But it's something that's going to improve our timeliness as far as completing SNAP applications. It's going to reduce our error rate."The legislature will reconvene in January, and after that, agencies will present their budget requests to lawmakers. It is crucial that these efforts are supported to ensure the continued growth and stability of South Carolina's childcare sector and the well-being of its families and children.