Early Steps to School Success - SC First Steps

Early Steps to School Success

Home visitation for families pre-birth until 36 months

Evidence Based

Save the Children's Early Steps to School Success (ESSS) Program is designed to provide high-quality early childhood development services to young children and families living in under-resourced and underserved communities.

This map only shows programs funded by South Carolina First Steps. For more information about services available in your area, contact your local First Steps partnership.

Who it Serves

Founded in 1919, Save the Children currently serves children in the US and more than 100 countries around the world.

Prenatal

Pregnant moms and expectant families

Ages 0-3

Families with babies and toddlers

How It Works

Key components include home visits that focus on healthy pregnancy and early childhood development; a book bag exchange; fostering positive connections between families and schools; supporting school transitions; and connecting families to services and resources.

Home Visiting

In-home coaching with trained parent educators

2 Generation Approach

Education and support for the whole family

Target Outcomes

ESSS has been shown to promote a responsive and language-rich home environment and improve child language skills.

Community Impact 2022

112

children served

111

families served

1

Counties served

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Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library

One book per month mailed to the home

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Incredible Years

12-week group support for parents for their child’s social and emotional development and behavior

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Library Based and Other Learning Programs

Library staff visit child care and preschool classrooms providing books, storytelling, and staff training.

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Motheread/Fatheread

Group support for parents with low literacy levels in reading to their children

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Supporting Care Providers Through Visits

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Family Café

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