Child Care
Because many Charleston-area families are of the single- or two-career, working-parent varieties, there is a real need in the Lowcountry for full-time child-care facilities—reputable establishments that provide quality care for children from the early morning until after regular work hours.
The options that are out there for full-day, extended-hour centers are easy to obtain. The phone book and the local social services office are two good places to start. In this chapter, we provide some helpful hints to assist you in your search for this type of care provider, but we have concentrated on alternative care options and harder-to-find services and support groups.
1. Family Services Inc.
City: Charleston, SC
Category: Child Care
Telephone: (843) 735-7802, (800) 232-6489
Address: 4925 Lacross Rd., Ste. 215
Description: Family Services, founded in 1888, is a private, nonprofit organization offering a full range of services designed to meet the needs of Trident-area families in the home, workplace, and community. The counseling staff is composed of social workers, marriage and family therapists, educational specialists, and budget and debt management counselors. Education and assistance are offered through seminars and workshops focusing on stress management, parenting, divorce adjustment, and self-esteem. Family Services groups have addressed anger management, helping children cope with divorce, and family violence intervention. For more information on sessions, fees, and the complete range of services, call one of the listed numbers.
2. Hotline—2-1-1
City: Charleston, SC
Category: Child Care
Telephone: (843) 744-HELP, (800) 922-2283
Description: Run by Trident United Way, the 2-1-1 Hotline provides a caring ear with information and referral services 24 hours a day to anyone in crisis or facing a problem. A Teen line is available for middle and high school students for discussing problems and concerns with others their own age. Educational programs and support groups are offered on a confidential and free basis. The 2-1-1 Hotline compiles a frequently updated volume, the Tri-County Resource Directory, with cross-referenced listings of community organizations to assist families, which is available at the Charleston County Library, or you may request a copy by calling the office number.
3. Life Management Center
City: Charleston, SC
Category: Child Care
Telephone: (843) 852-5705
Address: 628 St. Andrew’s Blvd.
Description: The Life Management Center helps people with learning differences and attention deficit disorder (ADD/ADHD), as well as their families. Its services include individualized academic instruction, coaching, and time management and organizational strategies. Seminars, consultations, support groups, and referral services round out this valuable resource aimed at creating success for children and adults. A second location is at 1114 Orangeburg Rd.
4. Mayor’s Office for Children, Youth, and Families
City: Charleston, SC
Category: Child Care
Telephone: (843) 965-4190
Address: 50 Broad St.
Description: This group serves as a clearinghouse for information about resources available to children, youth, and their families in the Trident area. The commission meets quarterly Sept through June. The office provides information about area organizations involved in day-care, youth services, mentoring programs, infant and child health, parenting, and support groups.
City: Charleston, SC
Category: Child Care
6. Big Brother/Big Sister Class
City: Charleston, SC
Category: Child Care
Telephone: (843) 402-2273
Description: This sibling class is a fun way to help children prepare for their new role as big brother or sister. Games, a short film, refreshments, and a trip to see the babies in the nursery are all part of this class. It meets one Thurs evening or one Sat morning at St. Francis each month (also less often at Roper Hospital at 316 Calhoun St.), and parents should schedule attendance during the last month of pregnancy. The class is free and is designed for children ages 3 and older. Call the number above to register. Roper St. Francis Healthcare also offers classes on childbirth preparation, breastfeeding, and infant CPR. For more details visit their website.