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.

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The Latest with First Steps

SC First Steps celebrates 25 years of preparing children for success in school and life

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June 28, 2024 marks the 25th anniversary of the creation of South Carolina First Steps. Since inception, First Steps has impacted over one million children during the most important stage in their development through a network of 46 local, county-level nonprofit affiliates and over 300 First Steps 4K providers statewide. Operating the state’s Early Childhood Advisory Council, the agency also coordinates the efforts of all the government agencies whose programs impact young children.

Press Release

A Fond Farewell from Georgia Mjartan

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After six and a half years leading South Carolina First Steps, I am stepping down from my role as agency director on June 28th to become the CEO of Central Carolina Community Foundation. My last day is also First Steps’ 25th anniversary, a time of celebration and reflection, where we, as an organization, are thinking about the journey of impact we have all been on together.

Blog Post

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

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.