SC First Steps

Getting children ready for school

All In for South Carolina’s Young Children

South Carolina First Steps works collaboratively to ensure that all children start school ready to reach their highest potential, with engaged support from parents, caregivers, and communities. All In for South Carolina’s Young Children, our 2025–30 strategic plan, is a five-year roadmap for strengthening the system of individuals and organizations supporting children from birth through age five.

See the Plan

The Latest with First Steps

Beating the odds: Corey’s story of resilience

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Born prematurely, Corey faced steep odds. Doctors warned his mother, Daquisha Downing, that his low birth weight could lead to developmental delays, impacting social-emotional development and academic abilities. Determined to give him every possible advantage, she enrolled him in Early Head Start.

Blog Post

Scoring big on the first day of kindergarten

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Kindergarten is a big milestone, and being ready can set the stage for long-term success. Countdown to Kindergarten teacher Crystal Stevens discusses how the program brings teachers, children, and parents together in the learning process.

Blog Post

SC First Steps emphasizes importance of regular attendance in preschool

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As the new school year begins, South Carolina First Steps is reminding families that regular attendance in preschool is one of the most important ways to support their child’s early learning and long-term success.

Press Release

Guiding families towards a smooth transition to kindergarten

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Kindergarten is a big milestone, and being ready can set the stage for long-term success. Countdown to Kindergarten teacher Stephanie Jones discusses how the program brings teachers, children, and parents together in the learning process.  

Blog Post

1 September

Office Closure | Labor Day

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South Carolina First Steps office is closed in observance of the state holiday.

5 September

Palmetto Pre-K Fall 2025 Jamboree

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Gain practical strategies to boost your teaching and connect with fellow early childhood educators. This free virtual professional development is open to all SC preschool teachers of four-year-olds, support staff and administrators.

18 September

SC First Steps Board of Trustees and SC Early Childhood Advisory Council Meeting - September 2025

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The South Carolina First Steps Board of Trustees meetings are held quarterly and are followed immediately by the South Carolina Early Childhood Advisory Council convenings.

Find the SC First Steps Local Partnership Near You

Wherever you are in South Carolina, there's a local partnership nearby. Contact your local partnership to find out how we can help you and your family get connected to the resources you need.