Born prematurely, Corey faced steep odds. Doctors warned his mother, Daquisha Downing, that his low birth weight could lead to developmental delays, impacting social-emotional development and academic abilities. Determined to give him every possible advantage, she enrolled him in Early Head Start, a center-based program run by Richland County First Steps designed for children ages 0–3. 

From the very beginning, Daquisha and her son felt at home. 

“The immediate connection with the teachers, how easy it was to enroll. I just knew it was the right choice for my family. They really helped me every step of the way,” she said. 

Early Head Start provided screening, support, and tailored resources to meet Corey’s unique needs. To Daquisha’s surprise, Corey didn’t just catch up. He soared.

“I was told he might be behind because he was born early, but he’s beaten all the odds. He reads fluently at a second-grade level! He knows all his shapes and can count past 200. The growth I’ve seen in him is amazing,” she said. 

But cognitive milestones were only one piece of the puzzle. Before enrolling in Early Head Start, Corey was shy, unsure how to connect. However, having daily routines and activities, group learning, and one-on-one attention from educators helped Corey feel safe, confident, and connected with his peers.  

Now, Corey is eager to explore the classroom and participate in class projects. He plays with other children, building Lego towers and doing art projects together. These everyday moments became building blocks of independence and self-worth. 

Daquisha noticed changes at home too. The structure and consistency promoted by Early Head Start equipped her with the tools to establish a routine at home and maintain a consistent, daily schedule. Beyond benefiting her children, the program also gave Daquisha something invaluable: time and space to grow herself. 

Today, Daquisha is studying psychology and dreams of opening her own child care center, one inspired by the care and structure she found in Early Head Start. 

For parents considering the program, she offers this advice: “Expect your child to grow, from day one to the very end. Expect a team that has your back, that will give your child every opportunity to succeed, no matter the challenges.” 

Because, as Daquisha has learned firsthand: When children are told they can succeed they will. 

Learn more about Early Head Start and other early care and education programs offered by First Steps. 

Topics: Early Care and Education