At Cadence Academy Preschool in Surfside Beach, Horry County, every day is busy, unpredictable, and full of learning moments.
“Teaching in a First Steps 4K classroom is definitely busy, and it's different every day,” said lead teacher Michelle Perkinson. “Even though we have a lesson plan, you still have to go off the needs of the children and meet them where they are.”
Assistant teacher Maria Spradlin shares that same philosophy. “I always say, take the time to listen to that child and put them first. Every child is different and has their own things they’re working through,” she said.
Together, Michelle and Maria create a predictable classroom routine that helps children feel safe, build independence, and develop the self-help and emotional regulation skills needed for school success. That consistency, paired with flexibility, has led to some of the most meaningful growth they’ve seen.
"We had an instance where one student came in with severe behavior concerns, and we were convinced that they weren’t going to get any better. They were not able to follow directions or listen or even express how they were feeling,” Michelle recalled. “Fortunately, we were able to work with that child, and now they are able to self-calm and come to us when they have a disagreement so we can problem solve it together.”
Maria credits Conscious Discipline as a key tool in building these skills. Used in First Steps 4K classrooms across the state, the approach supports emotional intelligence, self-regulation, and positive classroom management. “At the beginning of the year, we focus on identifying emotions, using words, and learning appropriate responses,” she explained.
While the progress may seem small, Michelle said the impact is powerful. “When you see where children start and how far they grow, it reminds you why this work matters.”
These transformations don’t happen in isolation. Michelle and Maria emphasize that progress is strongest when families are involved, when teachers and parents build trust, communicate openly, and give children the space to grow.
“I would encourage families to be patient,” Maria said. “The beginning of the school year is always the hardest. It takes time for children to adjust from being at home to being in school for eight hours a day, but they will.”
For Michelle and Maria, the most meaningful rewards come from these small victories. “The job isn’t easy, but it’s rewarding,” Maria said. “Just reaching that one child who’s having a difficult time makes it all worth it.”
Teaching for Michelle and Maria is about more than lesson plans. It’s about connection, compassion, and celebrating the small victories and every “I did it!” that build a foundation for lifelong learning.
Learn more about First Steps 4K
SC First Steps partners with more than 320 licensed child care centers, private schools, and charter 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.
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First Steps 4K
