Berkeley County School District currently offers four preschool programs designed to prepare children for elementary education. 

CERDEP is an income eligible program for four-year-olds that promote school readiness.

STATS: 23 sites, 46 classrooms, 920 students
CONTACT: Office of Administrative Services, 843-899-8335

Additional Info: CERDEP is a state-directed program available in several Berkeley County schools. As part of the Appropriations Act, the South Carolina General Assembly provides funding for students who qualify under the established income eligible guidelines. To be eligible for the program a child must be at least four years of age by September 1st (public school cutoff date) to be considered for enrollment at the beginning of the school year. Program space is limited.

Determine what school district zone you live in and contact that Elementary school to see if they have a CERDEP program. 

Enrollment/Document requirements

Online registration will is available each spring.

Head Start is a three and four-year-old federal grant income eligibility program to promote school readiness.

STATS: 11 sites, 35 classrooms, 617 students
CONTACT: Antoinette Jones, Head Start Director, 843-553-8783
WEBPAGE:  Head Start

To be eligible for services: A child must be three or four years of age by September 1st (public school cutoff date) to be considered for enrollment at the beginning of the school year. For children who turn three years old after September 1st, the parent/guardian may apply on his/her child’s third birthday for the child to be considered for enrollment. Program space is limited.

Documents Needed: Child’s Birth Certificate (long form); Proof of Income (W2, 1040, TANF/SSI); 2 Proofs of Residency (Utility bill, lease, cable bill, etc…); Insurance/Medicaid Card; SNAP/WIC Documentation (if applicable); Immunization Certificate; Documentation of Private Services, or IEP/IFSP (if applicable) Determine what school district  zone you live in and contact that Elementary school to see if they have a Head Start program. You can search for your address and determine your attendance zone on the Berkeley Count GIS website.

Schedule an appointment to complete an application by calling - 843-553-5179 or 843-553-5039.

Berkeley County School District works with families to locate, evaluate, and identify children (ages 3-21) who may need special education and related services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

Developmental screenings are offered through monthly clinics for children who reside in Berkeley County ages 3-5 at no charge to parents. These screenings may lead to more comprehensive evaluations and assessments if appropriate.

Homeschooled and private school students (ages 5-21) educated in Berkeley County may also be screened at no cost to families.

To obtain more information, families may contact the Office of Special Services at 843-899-8890.