Kindergarten is a major milestone, and being ready can set the stage for long-term success. Countdown to Kindergarten, a statewide initiative developed by South Carolina First Steps, helps rising kindergarteners and their families prepare through a series of six weekly, one-on-one visits with the child’s future teacher.
Each visit focuses on a specific area of development such as math, language, or fine motor skills, and includes guided activities and learning materials that families can keep and use at home. These sessions not only build skills but also create meaningful connections between students, families, and teachers.
Marquita Kennedy, a Kindergarten teacher at Brooklyn Springs Elementary School and a dedicated Countdown to Kindergarten educator, has worked with more than 30 children and their families. Her passion for the program is clear.
“I get to see where the kids are, so when school starts, I don't have to figure them out, and they don't have to figure me out. They already have someone they’re close to, someone they’ve bonded with,” said Kennedy. “And even if some of the kids don’t end up in my classroom, they still have someone they’re comfortable with at school.”
That early connection can make all the difference. When families commit to Countdown, they’re not just helping their child start school ready to learn, they’re giving them a friend on day one.
“If they have a bad day, I’m there for them. If they need a hug in the cafeteria, or if they just need someone to talk to, they have that extra friend they can turn to,” she said.
Through the program, Marquita also gains valuable insight into her students’ learning styles, interests, and needs. This allows her to create classroom environments that are personalized and intentional from the start.
“I have four different tables in my classroom. The kids don’t know why I rotate them around, but I do. Countdown gives me the sense of where I can place them, where they will learn best.”
The program also sets early expectations around collaboration, communication, and sharing. But above all, Countdown reinforces that learning should be fun.
“Just make it fun for the kids to enjoy,” Marquita said. “Don’t force it. If they need a break, give them a break. But as long as they’re having fun learning, and you’re showing them support while they learn, they are going to thrive.”
Throughout the visits, Marquita incorporates hands-on activities like drawing, storytelling, and Playdough to bring learning to life. Whether it's a story-based craft or a scavenger hunt outdoors, every activity is designed to engage the senses and spark curiosity.
“We’ll go outside on a little scavenger hunt and smell something, feel something, see something, and then the kids come in and draw what they experienced,” she explained. “I’ll even bring a special treat for them to taste, just to make it a fun, hands-on way to learn.”
These moments are more than just fun; they spark a love of learning that’s essential for long-term academic success. That’s what makes Countdown so valuable: it nurtures their enthusiasm for learning and helps set students up for success from day one.
The final Countdown visit offers families a special preview of what the first day of school will look like. Children practice daily routines, get familiar with the classroom and school building, and, of course, enjoy a few snacks.
“I have little treats for them. I read them a story about the first day of school, take them on a tour around the school so they can see where they’re going to be. I try to make them feel as comfortable as possible,” Kennedy said.
To ease parents’ nerves, she even offers to walk children to class on the first day of school.
“We just do those little pre-school things to get them warm to the idea of going to school without Mom and Dad. And the parents can relax knowing there’s someone who’s going to look after their child,” she said.
For Marquita Kennedy, Countdown to Kindergarten is more than a school readiness program—it’s a chance to build lifelong connections and inspire a love of learning.
“I tell people, I couldn’t do this without the love of watching a child learn and seeing how they grow. It’s just magic,” she said. “That’s why I love this program. I really look forward to seeing the class come together and helping them feel comfortable with school. It’s a bond. You get attached to these kids. It’s heartwarming to see them grow over the summer and throughout the school year.”
Her advice for families?
“Just listen and come in with an open heart. Your child will grow drastically, and a lot of that comes from building a relationship during Countdown to Kindergarten.”
Learn more about Countdown to Kindergarten offered by First Steps.
Topics:
