HomeChild CareSouth CarolinaCharleston County Pre-K Child Development Program
How to Apply: Charleston County Pre-K Child Development Program
South Carolina · 6 StepsCharleston County children who turn 4 by September 1 and are zoned for a CCSD school (limited 3K spots for 3-year-olds)
Take it one step at a time. We're here to help.
Quick facts
Step 1 of 6: See if this is for you
- Live in Charleston County
- Child turns 4 by September 1
- Zoned for a CCSD school
Good to know: Limited 3K openings for 3-year-olds at some schools.Step 2 of 6: Get your papers ready
- Certified birth certificate
- Child's IEP if they have one
- Medicaid card if you have one
- Tax return or pay stubs
Important: Income papers are needed at CERDEP-funded schools: tax return, Social Security letters, or last 2 months of pay stubs.Step 3 of 6: Apply on SchoolMint
- Create your account (opens in a new tab)Tap to open
- Fill out the application (opens in a new tab)Tap to open
- Upload your papers
Important: No paper, fax, or in-person applications accepted.Don't miss: The application window opens mid-January - submit before the deadline.Step 4 of 6: Do the screening
- Schedule the DIAL-4 screening
- Bring your child
Good to know: Placement is based on priority points and the DIAL-4 score. Children with IEPs get priority.Step 5 of 6: Wait for placement
- Round 1 notices early June
- Round 2 notices early August
- Accept and register
Good to know: Not picked in Round 1? A waitlist is available.Step 6 of 6: Start in August
- Full school days all year
- Completely free
Good to know: Pre-K/CD is free and runs full school days - your child is ready to grow!
A "how to" guide to help you navigate the application process for the Charleston County Pre-K Child Development program.
What is CCSD Pre‑K/Child Development (CD)?
Charleston County School District offers full-day, tuition-free Pre-K for children who turn 4 by September 1 and live in CCSD. The program uses state and local funding to prepare kids for kindergarten with high-quality instruction. There are also limited 3K spots for 3-year-olds.
How do I apply for Pre‑K CD?
Create a guardian account on SchoolMint: SchoolMint SignupPick the upcoming enrollment year as the school year.
Log in to SchoolMint using your email: SchoolMint Login
Start the Pre‑K/CD application and enter your child’s info and grade.
Upload required documents through the portal.
Schedule your child’s DIAL-4 screening after application.
Submit the application before the deadline (opens mid-January, of the enrollment year).
There are no paper, fax, or in-person applications. You’ll receive a confirmation email once submitted.
How long before I hear back?
Round 1 notices (acceptance or waitlist) go out by Early June
Round 2 notices go out by Early August.
If selected, your child begins Pre-K at their zoned school or designated site, with all placements based on priority points and DIAL-4 score.
What do the application steps look like?
Sign up for SchoolMint and select the school year.
Start and complete the Pre‑K/CD application with your child’s details.
Upload documents like birth certificate and income info if required.
Schedule DIAL-4 screening from your application portal.
Check email for placement notification after each round.
Accept the offer and complete school registration.
Start the full-day program in August.
What documentation is required?
Child’s Birth Date
Certified birth certificate
Special Needs (if applicable)
Child’s current IEP, if they have one
Medicaid (if applicable)
Medicaid card
Income Verification (for some schools)
2023 tax return (1040, W‑2, 1099)
Social Security income letters
Last 2 months of pay stubsRequired only at schools funded by CERDEP (see below).
Common FAQs
1. Who is eligible?Children who live in Charleston County, are zoned for a CCSD school, and turn 4 by September 1. Limited 3K openings for 3-year-olds at some schools.
2. Is there a cost?No—Pre‑K/CD is free and runs full school days throughout the year. Regular attendance is required.
3. What is CERDEP funding?CERDEP schools need income verification to get extra state funding to support eligible children. If your zoned school is funded by CERDEP, you must upload proof during application.
4. What if my child has special needs?Upload their IEP. Children with IEPs receive screening and priority in placement.
5. What if my child isn’t selected in Round 1?They’ll stay on the waitlist. If openings appear, Round 2 notifications are sent by early August.
Who do I contact about my application?
Pre‑K/CD Hotline:843‑937‑7914
Email:ccsdprek@charleston.k12.sc.usNeed help? You’ll hear back within 24–48 hours.
Last updated July 1, 2025