SC First Steps

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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

First Steps 4K Leader Spotlight: Karen Durand, Saint John Catholic School

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Karen Durand's dedication to early childhood education spans over 30 years, a journey that began with summer camp counseling and Sunday school teaching in her high school years. These early experiences ignited a passion that led her to a fulfilling career shaping young minds. Today, Karen serves as the principal at Saint John Catholic School in North Charleston and is this month’s First Steps 4K Leader Spotlight.

Blog Post

First Steps 4K now enrolling SC four-year-olds for the 2025-26 school year

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South Carolina First Steps is now accepting applications for the 2025-2026 First Steps 4K program, which provides free, full-day preschool for eligible four-year-old children across the state.

Press Release

South Carolina First Steps promotes early literacy, encourages volunteerism as part of "MLK Week of Service"

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In observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, South Carolina First Steps today kicked off a statewide reading event for young children. The kick-off event, held at Edventure, marks the beginning of the agency’s fifth annual MLK Week of Service, which is organized annually by the First Steps AmeriCorps program.

Press Release

First Steps 4K Leader Spotlight: Gary and Shamaria Staggers, Kiddie University

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Two years ago, Gary and Shamaria Staggers embarked on a journey to provide top-notch childcare in Marion, SC. As passionate educators, they opened Kiddie University with a vision to create a nurturing and stimulating environment for young learners. Their dedication to their community and staff has earned them the well-deserved recognition of this month’s First Steps 4K Leader Spotlight.

Blog Post

17 April

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

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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.

1 May

A Night to Celebrate Community

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Join South Carolina First Steps for a spring soirée benefitting the statewide network of local First Steps nonprofits that directly serve young children, their families and communities.

9 May

Office Closure | Confederate Memorial Day

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

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.