South Carolina First Steps

The offices of South Carolina First Steps are closed today, Monday, May 26, in observance of the Memorial Day holiday. We will reopen for normal business hours on Tuesday, May 27.

Shayla is a 4K Manager and brings over 20 years of experience in early education to this job. Her favorite part of the job is uplifting others and equipping them with tools for success. Find out more about the great work Shayla does with First Steps 4K: scfirststeps.org/what-we-do/pro…

Last week, SC First Steps hosted a legislative breakfast to thank members of the General Assembly for their continued support of South Carolina's young children and families. The event highlighted our 2025–2030 strategic plan, "All In for South Carolina's Young Children," which includes a statewide goal of at least 75% of children being kindergarten-ready by 2030. Thanks to all who attended, including state legislators, legislative staff, and executive directors from First Steps local partnerships, as we celebrate our collective progress and look towards our important work ahead.

With the school year ending ☀️, make a plan for the next one! If your child will be 4 by the start of the upcoming school year, then you can apply for First Steps 4K. Apply now: scfirststeps.org/what-we-do/pro…

To the mothers and mother figures in all of our lives, we honor and celebrate you this coming Mother's Day!

It’s #TeacherAppreciationWeek! How have teachers made a difference in your life? Share in the replies any stories you have about teachers you’ve had—or give some love to any current rockstar teachers.

Midlands Gives Day 2026 is an 18-hour day of generosity supporting nonprofits across our region. Join us in making a big impact together for our community in just one day! midlandsgives.org The following local First Steps are participating: Calhoun, Fairfield, Kershaw, Lee, Newberry, Orangeburg, Richland, and Saluda. #MidlandsGives #MidlandsGivesDay #SaveTheDate #GiveWhereYouLive

Happy Teacher Appreciation Week! A special thank you to all of those who guide, motivate, and nurture South Carolina's youngest children. From first steps to first books, you are making a difference that will last a lifetime. #NationalTeacherAppreciationWeek

The energy was electric ⚡during our Ready for Kindergarten LIVE event last week! One key takeaway from our experts is that school readiness starts at birth and is ongoing until your child’s first day in the classroom. Missed the event? No prob! Watch the recording: youtube.com/watch?v=XamFWF…

Happy National Tell a Story Day! Join SC First Steps in celebrating early childhood development by sharing your little learner's journey, milestones, and unique voice because their "first steps" today are building a brighter tomorrow. #NationalTellaStoryDay #SCFirstSteps

Thank you to our Home Visitor Professionals for your dedication, compassion, and commitment to families. Your support empowers parents and helps children grow and thrive. We truly appreciate the difference you make every day! #NationalHomeVisitingWeek #NHVW2026

Take small steps today for a greener tomorrow, because when you invest in our planet, you invest in the future of our children and the kind of world they will inherit. How are you celebrating Earth Day at home or in your classroom? #HappyEarthDay

During this National Library Week, discover your joy at the library. Enjoy books, story times, and expert help for all!

When Daquisha Downing became a mom to her premature son, Corey, she carried more than just worry about his health; she carried uncertainty. Before enrolling in Early Head Start through Richland County First Steps, she wasn’t sure what learning was supposed to look like at his age or if she was “doing it right.” Like so many parents, she was figuring it out as she went. Early Head Start didn’t just support Corey: it supported Daquisha too. The program gave her tools, guidance, and reassurance, while also giving her the space to learn and grow. She was able to ask questions, make mistakes, and build confidence in her parenting without judgment. That support helped her recognize milestones, encourage development, and better understand her son’s unique needs. Today, Corey is thriving, and so is his mom. Their story is a reminder that good parenting doesn’t mean having all the answers. It means being willing to learn, to grow, and to accept a little help along the way. Sometimes the strongest thing a parent can do is reach out for support, and that can make all the difference.

When children enter kindergarten ready to learn, they are more likely to read proficiently, stay on track academically, and graduate prepared for the workforce. Strong starts matter for students — and for our state. #TheEarlyAdvantage #EarlyChildhoodSC "Early Advantage: Foundations for South Carolina’s Economic Vitality" explored how investments in early childhood development support school readiness, K-12 achievement, workforce participation, and economic growth. 🎥 View the full recording: vimeo.com/1161508689 📰 Read the press release: bit.ly/4tiFexl

With the right encouragement, children can develop a love for reading. That’s why we’re proud to support so many wonderful 4K teachers who make early reading a possibility! What books do children love for story time 🤔? Share in the replies!