Question 1

When did the Working Families waitlist open?

Accepted Answer

The Working Families Child Care Scholarship waitlist opened October 1, 2026. According to the South Carolina DSS Benefits Portal, families outside a protected category may join to be considered as funding allows. Joining does not guarantee approval, funding, classroom placement, or availability.

Question 2

Who decides child care scholarship eligibility?

Accepted Answer

DSS, not Little Sandpipers, determines scholarship eligibility and funding. The notice covers eligible children ages 0–5 who are not in kindergarten. Families must meet the applicable work, school, training or disability requirements and all DSS eligibility requirements. Age alone does not guarantee eligibility.

Question 3

What happens if DSS selects my family?

Accepted Answer

Selected families receive an application link and have 15 calendar days to complete the application and confirm enrollment. At application time, they must already have a child care provider selected and secured. Planning with a provider does not guarantee DSS approval or funding.

Question 4

Can I ask Little Sandpipers about an ABC voucher or childcare assistance?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Families sometimes use terms such as ABC voucher or childcare assistance when looking for child care scholarship information. Little Sandpipers is an ABC Quality participating provider accepting scholarship-interest inquiries for children ages 2½–5, subject to classroom availability. We do not offer infant care. This inquiry does not join the DSS waitlist or submit a DSS application.

Question 5

Do I have to pay to check availability or join the school’s scholarship-interest list?

Accepted Answer

No. Checking scholarship availability or joining Little Sandpipers’ scholarship-interest list does not require payment. After we confirm your child’s age, classroom availability and requested start timing, a separate $75 placement reservation may be offered. If used, it is credited toward the normal $150 enrollment fee. Exact hold and refund terms are provided in writing before any reservation payment is accepted.

Question 6

Does a placement reservation secure DSS funding or satisfy DSS provider requirements?

Accepted Answer

No funding or approval is guaranteed. A placement reservation is a Little Sandpipers policy, not a DSS fee or requirement to join the DSS waitlist. The $75 payment itself should not be treated as satisfying DSS’s meaning of a provider being secured. DSS determines its application requirements, eligibility and funding.