South Carolina’s long-term prosperity depends on the health and wellbeing of our state’s 350,000 babies, toddlers, and young children. Every one of them deserves an opportunity to thrive, but too few are getting the care and support they need from the start. By the time South Carolina’s young children arrive at school, more than half have already fallen behind.
In South Carolina, many young children face challenges that can be barriers to academic and career success.
Unfortunately, those who start behind often stay behind, leading to an achievement gap that persists into adulthood. Closing the gap after a child begins school is costly and difficult. Our best chance to put children on the path to success is in the early years – before birth and through age five – when high-quality early interventions have the greatest long-term impact.
Kids Count Data Center: South Carolina
The Annie E. Casey Foundation
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