Verified state guidance

South Carolina Preschool & TK

In South Carolina, children must turn 5 on or before September 1 to enter kindergarten. South Carolina has no transitional kindergarten ("young fives") program; its public early-learning option for younger children is state-funded pre-K. The state funds Child Early Reading Development and Education Program (CERDEP / First Steps 4K), a pre-K program for income-eligible four-year-olds. Head Start is available statewide for income-eligible families.

Key early-childhood facts for South Carolina

Kindergarten entrance cutoff: Children must turn 5 on or before September 1 to start kindergarten.
Free pre-K options: Free state-funded pre-K is available to income-eligible four-year-olds through Child Early Reading Development and Education Program (CERDEP / First Steps 4K).
Notes: South Carolina has no transitional kindergarten program. Its public early-learning pathway before kindergarten is state-funded pre-K (Child Early Reading Development and Education Program (CERDEP / First Steps 4K)) plus Head Start.

Head Start and early learning resources

Find local Head Start and state pre-K programs: https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/center-locator

State early education website

https://ed.sc.gov/instruction/early-learning-and-literacy/cerdep/

Last updated 6/21/2026. Always confirm current rules with your state education department or local school district.