News & Resources

The South Carolina Department of Social Services has received federal approval to expand Parents as Teachers under the Family First Prevention Services Act, a move that strengthens the state’s prevention efforts.

A Midlands academy is giving young children a strong foundation before kindergarten, with parents and educators praising its impact. At Northeast Enrichment Academy, children in the First Steps 4K program are thriving. Dalias Ravenell, whose daughter has attended since 4K, says the experience has been life-changing.

On Monday, August 26, 2024, York Technical College unveiled two essential new services that reflect its commitment to breaking down barriers to education and supporting the community.

In South Carolina, the state provides full-day 4K for children who live in poverty or have other "at-risk" factors, such as developmental delays. The full-day program started as a pilot in 2006 and gradually expanded statewide. The state funds it in both public schools and private providers.

Nearly 100 community members, elected officials, and state leaders gathered Thursday afternoon, May 25, to celebrate the opening of a new early childhood education center in downtown Kershaw.

The Clyburn Early Childhood Center will offer a variety of early childhood programs, including First Steps 4K. That's a free, full day four-year-old kindergarten program funded by South Carolina's Child Early Reading Development and Education Program.

Improving child care access across the state, that’s one goal of South Carolina First Steps, an initiative designed to make sure all children can start school ready to reach their highest potential.

Too many of South Carolina’s young parents need assistance. That’s why it’s worth spreading the word about first5sc.org, which provides a one-stop shop for family services that several S.C. agencies launched at the beginning of this month.

Parents of children 5 and younger in South Carolina can fill out a new online application to simultaneously check their eligibility for taxpayer-funded child care assistance, preschool and other government programs.