Melisa Johnson, Dean of Arts and Sciences at Northeastern Technical College, has seen the power of collaboration firsthand through the creation of Compass Point Preschool, an on-campus early learning center serving 3- and 4-year-olds in partnership with Chesterfield County First Steps.

A long-time advocate for early childhood education, Johnson played a central role in bringing Compass Point to life, from its initial planning to the first day of school.

“I was actively involved from day one, bringing in fire marshals to help with the paperwork, to watching them paint the walls. It was truly a hands-on journey,” she said. 

Thanks to the support of Karen Martini-Waller, Executive Director of Chesterfield County First Steps and NETC President Dr. Kyle Wagner, Compass Point Preschool launched its 4K program in 2018 and expanded to include its 3K program in 2023. It is now the county’s only ABC Quality “A-rated” public/private childcare facility, giving families a trusted, high-quality option for early learning.

Since Compass Point's inception, Melisa has been involved on "both sides," offering unique insight into the partnership between higher ed and early childhood systems as both a parent and an administrator.

"While helping launch Compass Point, I was also raising my son," she said. As Compass Point opened, she enrolled her son in the 3K program, followed by 4K the next year. The experience, she said, gave him the confidence and preparation he needed for kindergarten.

“The initial separation was naturally a little tough, since he was almost a whole year younger than his peers and had come from a private home setting,” she recalled. “But once he made friends and adjusted to the structure and learning environment, he came home every day excited and talking about what he did and what he learned. He loved his teachers, made friends, and felt very comfortable around them.” 

Compass Point’s model benefits more than young children—it also supports college students and future educators. Students enrolled at NETC gain real-world experience by observing, interning, and even working at the preschool. This hands-on training helps reduce staff turnover and ensures that children receive consistent, high-quality care. 

For student-parents, having reliable, accessible childcare means they can pursue their education with peace of mind, knowing that their child is in good hands. The college even provides childcare tuition scholarships, not just for Compass Point, but for any ABC Quality-rated childcare center, easing the financial burden of care. And when Compass Point students graduate from the 4K program, they receive a scholarship to return to the college as future students themselves. 

“As the Dean, I see students that come in through our doors ready to start college, and so many of them have to take remedial classes because they didn't get all the math, reading, or writing concepts they needed in high school,” she said. “The earlier a child starts, the better. The education they receive at ages three and four sets the stage for the rest of their lives.” 

Johnson calls it a “domino effect”—supporting young children helps break cycles of poverty by removing barriers to education for their parents, while giving kids the early learning experiences they need to thrive.

“Its success offers a model other communities can learn from,” Karen added. With the right partnerships and a shared vision, similar programs can be created to meet local childcare needs and strengthen support systems for families. 

Her advice for communities looking to replicate this success? Build partnerships—between First Steps, technical colleges, and local school systems—and engage broad community support. When higher ed and early childcare systems work together, families gain greater access to high quality care, parents can pursue their goals, and children get the strong start they need for kindergarten.

Compass Point exemplifies what early childhood education can be: a collaborative, enriching space for children, families, and future educators. 

How can you support 4K Centers like Compass Point Preschool? 

Consider donating to SC First Steps partnerships in your county or contacting your state representative to advocate for kindergarten readiness programs.  

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, Parenting, School Transition