South Carolina military families

South Carolina has launched the 'Military Child Care in Your Neighborhood-PLUS' program, a collaboration between the Department of Defense and the South Carolina Department of Social Services, aimed at assisting military families in finding affordable childcare. This initiative provides financial assistance to active-duty service members, National Guard members, and DoD civilians who struggle to access childcare due to distance from military installations or limited on-base availability. With approximately 33,698 active-duty members and 24,443 National Guard and reserve personnel in the state, the program seeks to alleviate the childcare burden on these families and ensure their children receive quality care. Eligible childcare centers must meet certain quality standards, with over 200 centers already participating statewide. Governor Henry McMaster emphasized the program's role in supporting the military community and enhancing family well-being, which he believes is crucial for national security. South Carolina is now the 15th state to implement this program, reflecting the state's commitment to being military-friendly.