New SC Law Expands Access to Childcare Job Opportunities Amidst Worker Shortage

In efforts to address the current challenges facing the childcare sector in South Carolina, state leaders have endorsed a new law aimed at expanding access to job opportunities within the childcare industry. This comes as a direct response to the prevalent worker shortage that has resulted in limited openings in childcare centers and extensive waiting periods for families in need of these services.

Addressing the Childcare Industry’s Challenges

Just like many states across the nation, South Carolina has seen a significant shortfall of workers within the childcare industry, posing a severe constraint to families in need of these vital services. “South Carolina is experiencing childcare issues just like other states,” admits Connelly-Anne Ragley with the Department of Social Services. The Department was a strong advocate for the passage of the new legislation, which was proposed by Sen. Katrina Shealy to aid childcare providers.

The scarcity of workers in this sector has drastically reduced the number of children that can be enrolled in childcare centers due to legally mandated staff-to-child ratios. “These centers have issues and difficulty finding workers who are willing and able and qualified to work in childcare,” Ragley added.

Amendments to the Previous Hiring Requirements

Under the new laws, there have been several changes to the previous hiring requirements for childcare workers. The formerly mandatory requirement for childcare workers to have six months of experience in the field, or to work under the direct supervision of a more experienced coworker for this period has been removed. This had proven to be a significant hurdle for childcare centers because they often had to double or triple their staff for the first six months, confirming Ragley. Instead, the law has now reduced the period of direct supervision to 30 days.

Expansion of Educational Requirements

Additionally, there has been an expansion in the educational qualifications for childcare providers. The law now acknowledges people with a Certificate of Completion or a South Carolina High School Employability Credential, along with those with a high school diploma or GED. This amendment could particularly benefit people with disabilities who could provide a solution to fill these open critical positions.

Kimberly Tissot, the president, and CEO of Able South Carolina, a nonprofit organization that supports and advocates for South Carolinians with disabilities commended this move. In her words, “This will not only increase the employment rate for people with disabilities in South Carolina, but it will also fit the gap for the need for childcare workers.”

Impact on Training and Existing Workers

This new legislation will also enhance the training protocols for childcare providers by requiring them to complete 15 hours of health and safety training within the first 30 days of employment. Additionally, it doesn’t impose any extra requirements on the already employed workers, but only applicable for the new hires. The law also doesn’t change any prerequisites related to the background checks that potential workers must undergo.