Since he was a boy, owner and operator of EduScholars Learning Center in Florence County, Deon Cooper, knew something was missing. Adopted at birth and raised without any knowledge of his biological parents, he struggled with questions about his identity and where he truly belonged. That all began to change when he took a job as a janitor at his family’s childcare center. 

Working behind the scenes, mopping floors, taking out the trash, and occasionally catching smiles from children in the classrooms, Deon started to feel a deeper connection. He saw the impact his family’s work had on young lives and knew he was meant to do more. Over the next three years, he started stepping into leadership roles as he helped his parents with the daily operations of the center. 

Deon's experience as an adoptee inspired him to help children and their families discover their potential, just as he was discovering his. “I want them to find their own identity like I did by having a passion for what they do daily and loving who they are as they cycle through life,” he said.  

This passion led Deon to open his own early learning center in Lake City, SC. Eduscholars celebrated its seventh year this October.  

It was a momentous challenge, one that he knew he couldn’t do alone. While researching free resources for 4K providers, Deon discovered SC First Steps 4K. With the support of First Steps 4K, which included student scholarships and a one-time $20,000 grant for materials and supplies, Deon was able to offer free, full-day four-year-old kindergarten to qualifying students.  

First Steps 4K providers also have free access to education and professional development opportunities, a dedicated 4K coach, as well as research-based curricula and materials. 

“First Steps 4K opened my eyes to endless educational possibilities,” Deon said. “Having a First Steps 4K coach has brought so much professional development to our teachers, covering everything from classroom management to creative teaching strategies. And they’ve helped me grow as a leader. It’s one of the best programs I’ve ever been a part of.” 

Because of SC First Steps, Deon had the opportunity to go back to school and earn his bachelor's degree in early childhood education from Southern Wesleyan University, and he didn’t stop there.  

In 2024, he became an South Carolina Endeavors certified trainer and continues to take part in trainings and professional development opportunities like 4K Academy, an annual conference hosted by SC First Steps to prepare 4K providers and teachers for the new school year. Beyond the technical tools and guidance, Deon values the opportunity to connect with hundreds of other childcare providers across the state.

Deon also completed ACES (Adverse Childhood Experiences) training, which gave him deeper insight into how trauma can impact a child’s learning and behavior. He’s now connected with a network of behavioral interventionists, student service coordinators, and social workers to support his students even further. 

Now, one of Deon’s personal goals is transforming Eduscholars into a developmental center that supports children with learning disabilities. 

“I have a lot of goals, but this one is really close to my heart,” he said. “I want to do everything in my power to educate myself and raise awareness, so I can better advocate for children with disabilities.” 

He’s especially focused on early intervention and the importance of developmental support for children who may lack basic fine or gross motor skills, things as simple as feeding themselves or using small muscles effectively. 

That commitment also includes working closely with families to identify children who may need additional help. Deon makes it a priority to refer students for services like speech therapy, occupational therapy, and behavioral intervention when needed. The impact that these resources have on students is something that he has seen first-hand.  

One moment that stands out to Deon is a student who had been with him since he was just a year old. Now 4 years old, the child had long been seen by a speech pathologist who visits Eduscholars twice a week, a service the center has offered for over six years. 

“For a while, we really thought he might never speak,” Deon said. “We were preparing for the possibility that he’d need a device to communicate.” 

But then something remarkable happened. “I said ‘bye-bye’ as he was leaving and he turned around and said it back to me,” Deon recalled. 

Now, the child is saying small words and solving puzzles, milestones that once seemed out of reach. For Deon, it’s moments like this that prove the impact of the inclusive, supportive environment he’s worked so hard to build at Eduscholars. 

“This is why we do what we do,” he said. “Even if a child comes from a broken home or faces developmental delays, they still deserve a chance to thrive. As adults, we’ve all had struggles. We come from broken places, but a broken crayon still colors.” 

Would you like to find support in a 4K center like Eduscholars Early Learning Center? 

SC First Steps partners with more than 270 licensed childcare centers and private schools across the state, making it easy for families to find a high-quality program that meets their needs. To see if your child qualifies for First Steps 4K, a free, full-day four-year-old kindergarten for children in South Carolina, learn more about eligibility.   

Topics: First Steps 4K