ABC Policies, Procedures and Assessment Tools

Some documents on this page require either Adobe Reader or Microsoft Word Viewer, which are available as free downloads.

Documents at a glance:

• Child-Staff Ratios
• Provider Business Procedures
• Environment Rating Scales
• Levels A Standards and Application
• Levels B Standards and Application
• South Carolina Early Learning Standards
• South Carolina's Infant & Toddler Guidelines
• Infant/Toddler & Preschool Materials Guides

Child-Staff Ratios

Child-Staff Ratios
This document outlines the child-staff ratios required for ABC Levels A, B, and C center-based facilities.

Provider Business Procedures

These documents outline the business procedures for ABC providers.

1. Provider Business Procedure for Levels A and B Providers – Outlines the procedures to be followed by providers who receive payments from the ABC Child Care Voucher Program and are enrolled in the Level A or B.
2. Provider Business Procedure for Level C – Outlines the procedures to be followed by providers who receive payments from the ABC Child Care Voucher Program and are enrolled at Level C.

Environment Rating Scales

Environment Rating Scales
The Environment Rating Scales are the designated classroom assessment tools for ABC Level A.

Levels A Standards and Application

  Level A Standards

These documents are used when center-based facilities are assessed for ABC Level A enrollment or re-enrollment. Additionally, Level A facilities are assessed on the Environment Rating Scales.

1. Level A Standards Introduction – Provides an introduction to the Level A Standards. The cover page is used to collect identifying information on the facility being assessed.
2. Level A Required Standards Part I – Outlines the required standards center-based facilities must meet for enrollment or re-enrollment at Level A.

Level A Application (Microsoft Word)
The Level A Application must be completed by Child Care Centers interested in applying for enrollment at Level A.

Levels B Standards and Application

  Level B Standards

These documents are used when center-based facilities are assessed for ABC Level B enrollment or re-enrollment:

1. Level B Standards Introduction – Provides an introduction to the Level B Standards. The cover page is used to collect identifying information on the facility being assessed.
2. Level B Required Standards Part I – Outlines the required standards center-based facilities must meet for enrollment or re-enrollment at ABC Level B.
3. Level B 0-2 Standards – Outlines the standards required for center-based facilities serving children ages 0-2 at ABC Level B. This document is used to observe and assess the classrooms serving this age group.
4. Level B 3-5 Standards – Outlines the standards required for center-based facilities serving children ages 3-5 at ABC Level B. This document is used to observe and assess the classrooms serving this age group.
5. Level B 6-12 Standards – Outlines the standards required for center-based facilities serving children ages 6-12 at ABC Level B. This document is used to observe and assess the classrooms serving this age group.

Level B Application Form (Microsoft Word)

South Carolina Early Learning Standards

Good Start Grow Smart: South Carolina Early Learning Standards for 3, 4, & 5 Year-Old Children (PDF)
Level A Required Standards Part I document, requires under Standard III, Staff Qualifications and Development, Section E.,2.,a., at least 2 clock hours of training on the SC Early Learning Standards for teachers/caregivers of children ages birth-5.

South Carolina's Infant & Toddler Guidelines

These guidelines are meant to be the critical first step in ensuring that all of South Carolina’s children, birth to three, have responsive, reciprocal and respectful care. South Carolina's Infant & Toddler Guidelines (PDF)

Infant/Toddler & Preschool Materials Guides

Infant/Toddler Materials Guide (PDF) – ABC-recommended guidelines for use when purchasing materials for children birth – 36 months of age.

Preschool Materials Guide (PDF) – ABC-recommended guidelines for use when purchasing materials for children 3-5 years of age..