SC First Steps

Getting children ready for school

Every Child Ready

South Carolina First Steps works collaboratively to ensure that all children start school ready to reach their highest potential with engaged support from their parents, caregivers, and communities. Every Child Ready, our 2020-25 strategic plan, is a five-year road map for achieving our mission and moving toward our vision of success for every child.

See the Plan

The Latest with First Steps

First Steps 4K Leader Spotlight: Deserae Beard, Learning On Main

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Deserae Beard graduated with a degree in Early Childhood Education in 2011. Despite advice to take the first job offer, she was determined to work with 4K and 5K-aged children. Today, as the owner and director of Learning on Main in Warrenville, S.C., Deseraeā€™s commitment to innovative, out-of-the-box practices with her staff and families has earned her recognition as this month's First Steps 4K Leader Spotlight.

Blog Post

Summer 2024 Countdown to Kindergarten and Countdown to 4K Survey Fact Sheets

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Families enrolled in Countdown to Kindergarten and Countdown to 4K shared feedback on their experience in the program and say they would highly recommend the summer school transition program.

Fact Sheet

Countdown to Kindergarten: Free Printable Resources

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Starting kindergarten is a big step for young children and their families. These free, printable guides offer practical tips and activities to support a successful start in school. Designed especially for parents, these resources are also helpful for educators and caregivers.

Print Resource

Introducing the Carolina Collaborative for Early Childhood Innovation

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The Carolina Collaborative for Early Childhood Innovation (CC4ECI) is a funding model designed to provide resources for First Steps local partnership to implement and test innovative programs for children and families in their community.

Fact Sheet

29 November

Office Closure | Day After Thanksgiving

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South Carolina First Steps office is closed in observance of the state holiday.

4 December

SC First Steps Board of Trustees and SC Early Childhood Advisory Council Meeting - December 2024

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The South Carolina First Steps Board of Trustees meetings are every other month followed immediately by the South Carolina Early Childhood Advisory Council convenings.

5 December

SC Summit on Early Childhood | Where We Begin

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Since 2015, the SC Summit on Early Childhood has provided early childhood professionals and advocates, parents, members of the business community, and elected officials an open platform to share strategies, research, and dialogue in order to foster a strong foundation for the children of South Carolina.

Find the SC First Steps Local Partnership Near You

Wherever you are in South Carolina, there's a local partnership nearby. Contact your local partnership to find out how we can help you and your family get connected to the resources you need.