SC First Steps

Getting children ready for school

Every Child Ready

South Carolina First Steps works collaboratively to ensure that all children start school ready to reach their highest potential with engaged support from their parents, caregivers, and communities. Every Child Ready, our 2020-25 strategic plan, is a five-year road map for achieving our mission and moving toward our vision of success for every child.

See the Plan

The Latest with First Steps

A father’s journey: How First Steps helped Jordan thrive

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When you give to First Steps, you provide dads like Jordan with the tools and resources they need to maximize their strengths and ensuring that children like James and Emily have the best possible start in life.

Blog Post

Four SC school districts join First Five SC to simplify access to early childhood programs

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The statewide platform has earned national recognition for helping families find and enroll in programs and services for children ages 0-5.

Press Release

South Carolina First Steps launches annual Countdown to Kindergarten campaign

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South Carolina First Steps today announced the kickoff of Countdown to Kindergarten, an annual initiative focused on preparing young children for success in school.

Press Release

South Carolina First Steps announces leadership transition

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South Carolina First Steps, the state's early childhood agency, today announced the resignation of Georgia Mjartan as executive director, effective June 30, 2024. The Board of Trustees has appointed Mark Barnes, the agency's current director of administration, as interim executive director while a national search is conducted to identify a permanent successor.

Press Release

15 August

SC First Steps Board of Trustees and SC Early Childhood Advisory Council Meeting - August 2024

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The South Carolina First Steps Board of Trustees meetings are every other month followed immediately by the South Carolina Early Childhood Advisory Council convenings.

2 September

Office Closure | Labor Day

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

17 October

SC First Steps Board of Trustees and SC Early Childhood Advisory Council Meeting - October 2024

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The South Carolina First Steps Board of Trustees meetings are every other month 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.