After the alarming realization that one in seven children in South
Carolina is not ready for first grade, the General Assembly created S.C.
First Steps to School Readiness in 1999. Currently, First Steps is the
state's only entity focused exclusively on increasing school readiness
outcomes for all children ages 0 to 5.

Since inception, First Steps has helped more than 500,000 young children
prepare for school though programs that strengthen families, improve
children's health and well-being, increase the quality of child care and
early education opportunities, and help transition rising
kindergarteners into school. Every South Carolina county has a First
Steps office that identifies local needs and collaborative opportunities
to help our state's youngest learners be better prepared for school.