Programs - SC First Steps

Programs

First Steps takes a holistic approach to accomplishing its mission of ensuring that all children start school ready to reach their highest potential. We offer services that improve children’s health, strengthen families, expand access to quality early care and education, increase participation in four-year-old kindergarten programs, and help transition rising kindergartners into school.

Early Care & Education

Child Care Scholarships

Eligible children receive tuition-free enrollment at quality child care centers

Early Care & Education

Child Care Technical Assistance & Coaching

Intensive support to child care centers, Head Start and preschool classrooms to improve quality

Early Care & Education

Child Care Training

Certified and registered training hours for the early childhood workforce

School Transition

Countdown to 4-year-old Kindergarten

Countdown to 4-year-old Kindergarten supports transitions into 4K by connecting incoming students, their families, and their teachers in a series of one-on-one sessions during the summer.

School Transition

Countdown to Kindergarten

Countdown to Kindergarten supports transitions into kindergarten by connecting incoming students, their families, and their teachers in a series of one-on-one sessions during the summer.

Parenting

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library

One book per month mailed to the home

Early Care & Education

Early Education Program Operations

Providing local families with access to high-quality early care and education.

Early Care & Education

Early Education Program Support

Providing local families with access to high-quality early care and education.