News & Resources

As Outreach Librarian for Newberry County First Steps, Jennifer Polaski partners with local preschools and the Newberry County Library to bring literacy activities to 3- and 4-year-olds. Her goal: get kids excited about reading and give parents the tools to keep that excitement going at home. 

LaVonda Paul’s passion was afterschool programming. The impact was clear: when children receive support outside the classroom, they’re more likely to succeed inside it. This led her to ask: what if she began working with children even earlier to better prepare them for school?

Melisa Johnson, Dean of Arts and Sciences at Northeastern Technical College, has seen the power of collaboration firsthand through the creation of Compass Point Preschool, an on-campus early learning center serving 3- and 4-year-olds through Chesterfield County First Steps. As both an administrator and parent, she offers unique insight into how collaboration between higher ed and early childhood systems benefits families.

Ruth Buckmire didn’t plan on opening a preschool—her journey into early childhood education began with a deeply personal need. Over two decades ago, her teenage daughter became pregnant at just 16 years old. As Ruth recalled, “We looked for childcare, but it just wasn’t adequate for us.” That’s when Ruth decided to open her own childcare facility.

South Carolina First Steps hosted a special luncheon on Wednesday, August 27 to honor fifteen SC First Steps 4K directors who recently earned the Aim4Excellence National Director Credential, a prestigious professional development certification awarded through the McCormick Center for Early Childhood Leadership.

The South Carolina Department of Social Services has received federal approval to expand Parents as Teachers under the Family First Prevention Services Act, a move that strengthens the state’s prevention efforts.

In today’s digital age, screens are everywhere. While technology can provide valuable educational tools, Lorena Agustin realized it was replacing something truly meaningful: reading together. That’s why she joined Motheread/Fatheread—to turn a new page in her daughter's life.

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.

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.