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Midlands academy prepares kids for kindergarten success

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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.

York Technical College launches two essential services designed to remove barriers to education

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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.

When 'universal' pre-K really isn't: Barriers to participating abound

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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.

Clyburn Early Childhood Center opens its doors

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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.

New Childcare Center opening in Kershaw

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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.

SC First Steps celebrates opening of new child care center

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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.

Editorial: Strengthen SC’s existing safety net to better serve neediest kids

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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.

Website offers SC parents single application for dozens of early childhood services

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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.

One application can connect SC parents with more than 40 early childhood services

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The South Carolina Early Childhood Advisory Council announced the launch of an application that streamlines the process of applying for publicly funded early childhood programs.