Columbia, S. C. - Governor Hodges on Tuesday signed an executive order designating the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services as the lead agency for childcare in the state.

"South Carolina will no longer just talk about quality child care," Hodges said. "Today, we are taking action to improve the care provided to more than 700,000 children in our state."

The Governor's executive order requires DHHS - as lead agency - to partner with all other state agencies and organizations involved in childcare issues. The agency's new responsibilities will include:

• Establishing and administering the South Carolina Child Care Coordinating Council
• Developing a strategic plan by July 1, 2002 for quality, affordable child care in South Carolina
• Creating a statewide system for monitoring and technical assistance to childcare providers