News & Resources

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.

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.

Deserae Beard graduated with a degree in Early Childhood Education in 2011. Despite advice to take the first job offer, she was determined to work with 4K and 5K-aged children. Today, as the owner and director of Learning on Main in Warrenville, S.C., Deserae’s commitment to innovative, out-of-the-box practices with her staff and families has earned her recognition as this month's First Steps 4K Leader Spotlight.

As the owner and director of EduScholars Learning Center in Lake City, SC, Deon Cooper is dedicated to fostering a supportive and positive environment for his staff and students.

From shy beginnings to confidently walking into her first day of school, Malia's journey highlights the importance of early preparation and the power of encouragement. Malia is one of almost 2,000 children who participated in our Countdown to Kindergarten programs this summer.

The only thing more exciting than finding out I had been accepted into the final round of the Harvard Strategic Data Partnership (SDP) fellowship matching process for their 16th cohort was learning that I was also being considered for the Early Childhood Advisory Council (ECAC) placement, housed at South Carolina First Steps.

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.

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.

This story is part of a blog series by AmeriCorps VISTA Michelle Maxberry. As part of her year of full-time service at South Carolina First Steps, Michelle is gathering and sharing stories of young children, families, and communities served by local First Steps nonprofits across the state.