News & Resources

South Carolina First Steps is pleased to share the draft of its 2025–2030 strategic plan. This plan provides a five-year roadmap for the agency’s direction, priorities, and actions, beginning July 1, 2025.

This National Home Visiting Week, we're highlighting the individuals who directly serve the families of their communities, building relationships and creating impact that lasts. Read what being a home visitor means to them and how their passion drives their work.

Discover the inspiring journey of Janice. From her start as a licensed home care provider in Hawaii, she brought her passion to South Carolina 24 years ago to establish MEGA Child Development Center.

Last year, something beautiful happened in church basements, community centers, and school cafeterias across South Carolina. Parents arrived—nervous and exhausted but carrying hope: to be the best parents possible for their children. What they found was First Steps. And that hope starts with A Night to Celebrate Community. The funds raised from this event are distributed equally among all 46 counties, providing critical support that other funding sources can’t cover.

Karen Durand's dedication to early childhood education spans over 30 years, a journey that began with summer camp counseling and Sunday school teaching in her high school years. These early experiences ignited a passion that led her to a fulfilling career shaping young minds. Today, Karen serves as the principal at Saint John Catholic School in North Charleston and is this month’s First Steps 4K Leader Spotlight.

Two years ago, Gary and Shamaria Staggers embarked on a journey to provide top-notch childcare in Marion, SC. As passionate educators, they opened Kiddie University with a vision to create a nurturing and stimulating environment for young learners. Their dedication to their community and staff has earned them the well-deserved recognition of this month’s First Steps 4K Leader Spotlight.

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., Deserae’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.

As the owner and director of EduScholars Learning Center in Lake City, SC, Deon Cooper is dedicated to fostering a supportive and positive environment for his staff and students.

From shy beginnings to confidently walking into her first day of school, Malia's journey highlights the importance of early preparation and the power of encouragement. Malia is one of almost 2,000 children who participated in our Countdown to Kindergarten programs this summer.