LaVonda Paul’s passion was afterschool programming to support diverse learners and adapt to their individual needs. The impact was clear: when children receive support outside the classroom, they’re more likely to succeed inside it. And this isn’t limited to afterschool programs. It also applies to early childhood programs, like pre-K, which help lay the foundation for lifelong learning. 

But LaVonda began to notice a troubling pattern. Many children—especially those entering kindergarten—were missing key “intangible” skills necessary for long-term success, such as self-regulation, social-emotional development and early literacy. This realization sparked a critical question. She asked herself, “What would happen if I started working with children even earlier to make sure they were better prepared for school?” 

With a background as an After-School Coordinator and Teen Companion Case Manager, LaVonda already had experience supporting youth in a variety of settings. Her growing passion for early childhood education eventually led her to a new path, becoming a childcare provider.  

“I had already started researching a year before,” she said. “So, I knew that particular year, I was going to venture off and start something of my own—because that’s where my heart was: opening a childcare facility.” 

In 2019, she founded Small Impressions, a childcare facility in Taylors, SC. As of this year, she has more than 20 students enrolled in SC First Steps’ 4K program.

Like any 4K provider, LaVonda’s mission is to ensure every child is set up to succeed when they enter kindergarten. However, her mission goes deeper than just preparing kids for school. She adapts to their unique needs and nurtures their interests by offering an environment that gives each child unlimited opportunities for self-expression. 

Outside the classroom, Small Impressions gives students the opportunity to explore music, art, dramatic play, games, sports, as well as community involvement. “We go to Roper Mountain Science Center and the Children's Museum,” she said. “We present opportunities for these children that they ordinarily wouldn't get a chance to do.”  

In the classroom, individual instruction allows students to move at their own pace. Some may move through lessons quickly, while others might need additional practice and are given more coaching.  

But LaVonda’s mission is about more than just early academics. She’s continued to advocate for students with learning differences, focusing on early identification and intervention, and ensuring that children who may face developmental or learning barriers get the support they need before entering the public school system. 

“Getting things lined up early for kids who may have potential barriers is so important,” she explained. “Because once they’re in public school, it takes time. By the time a teacher notices something might be wrong, it’s already October or November. Then you have to wait even longer to get them scheduled for testing.” 

Through her work, LaVonda is helping children start school not only ready to learn, but ready to thrive, equipped with both the academic foundation and the intangible skills they need for long-term success.  

Not only does Small Impressions help prepare children—they also teach parents how to advocate for their children and hold schools accountable for providing special services, and, as LaVonda put it, “never settle for anything less than the best for their children.” 

“We’re not just here for the child. We’re here for the family as a whole,” she said. “We offer parenting workshops. We have a PTO committee, parent-teacher conferences, and strong parent buy-in. Parents have to be active and engaged in this whole process. We’re preparing workshops to help them navigate parenting challenges—and all of it is free.” 

The work being done at Small Impressions reaches far beyond the classroom. “When children are given a good, solid foundation, they’re ready to succeed—and many of them do, in school and beyond,” LaVonda said. 

However, childcare centers like Small Impressions are facing real challenges. 

“Funding needs to be poured into early childhood,” LaVonda emphasized. “Without us, children wouldn’t be ready to move to the next level in life. When people make decisions that affect so many children, they need to come out here, see it through our eyes, and hear the voices of the voiceless.” 

How can you support 4K Centers like Small Impressions? 

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