South Carolina First Steps

At First Steps 4K, children experience structure, schedules, and shared routines that help them feel confident and secure each day. These early experiences help create a sense of predictability while teaching them how to be a part of a community. Through play, group activities, and daily conversations, students build essential communication and social awareness skills. They learn how to express themselves, listen to others, make compromises and work together, skills that matter far beyond the classroom. With a strong foundation built on structure and connection, students are ready to grow, learn, and thrive in the classroom and beyond.

The data are clear: early investments produce measurable returns. Strengthening families and early learning opportunities improves outcomes in education, health, and workforce participation — while reducing long-term public costs.

Chandler Wendel lives in Columbia, South Carolina, with her husband of five years and their two children, 2-year-old Jordan and 9-month-old Walker. After earning her master’s degree from the University of South Carolina and beginning her career, Chandler believed she could handle anything. But parenthood, she admits, was the hardest challenge she’d ever faced. See how Parents as Teachers is helping parents like Chandler feel supported and confident. Read more here: bit.ly/4cnEuB7 #FamiliesofFirstSteps

Every minute matters. Regular, consistent attendance helps children build strong learning habits, confidence, and routines that set them up for success. When children arrive on time, they’re ready to learn, connect with friends, and fully participate from the very start of the day. Jennifer McCoy sees the difference with her son, Kyson, who attends Small Impressions in Greenville County. “Once we’re ready to go, he’s excited. He does not want to be late. When he sees his friends outside, he says, ‘Mom, hurry,’ because he wants to greet them and walk in together.” Being there on time means he doesn’t miss a moment, from morning greetings to hands-on learning. At the end of each day, Kyson comes home eager to share what he’s learned. “Every day he talks about what Miss Tammy taught them.” He loves the projects, the crafts, and building with Legos and proudly saying, “Mom, look what I made!” In SC First Steps 4K, regular attendance keeps children on track academically and socially. Missing more than 10 days could mean losing your spot. Let’s commit to showing up every day ready to learn, grow, and thrive together. Every day builds the way!

Few people know the First Steps 4K program like April Hayes. She’s led it, taught it, and even trusted it with her own child. After serving as a 4K center director, April returned to the classroom as a First Steps 4K teacher at Rehoboth Baptist Child Development Center in Richland County. As both an educator and a parent, she understands early learning from every angle.  Read more here: bit.ly/4cdrWML

Partnering with First Steps 4K means teachers are never doing this important work alone. Educators receive dedicated coaching support throughout the year, along with funding for classroom materials and student tuition. Teachers and assistants also have access to free, high-quality professional development hours focused on research-based instruction, classroom management, and early literacy. In addition, First Steps 4K provides research-based curriculum resources, family engagement tools, and opportunities to connect with a statewide network of fellow 4K educators. Events like the annual 4K Academy offer collaboration, fresh ideas, and renewed inspiration, ensuring teachers feel supported, equipped, and confident as they build strong foundations for young learners. Read here to learn how to get involved: bit.ly/3OH4fmh

At first, Hanna Vasquez thought her son, Jase, was just shy. But when he began refusing to get out of the car for preschool drop-off, she realized something more serious was happening. Jase’s separation anxiety made mornings stressful for both of them. Looking for help, Hanna turned to Lexington County First Steps to help Jase enter school ready to learn. Read more to see how Countdown to Kindergarten helps create a smooth transition! Read more here: bit.ly/3P1p0ZL #FamiliesofFirstSteps

School readiness does not start in preschool. It begins at birth, shaped by families and strengthened through high-quality early learning. Those early skills compound over time. bit.ly/46Bz6Xx @EducationSC

Happy Read Across America Day! Celebrate the joy of literacy by picking up a book, sharing a story with a young reader, and letting your imagination run wild! Join the nationwide movement to foster a love of reading that goes beyond the classroom. We want to know: what is your favorite storybook? #ReadAcrossAmerica

Thanks to a partnership between SC First Steps and the SC Department of Social Services, siblings of children enrolled in First Steps 4K qualify for child care and after-school scholarships, ensuring families have access to consistent, reliable care that supports both working parents and children’s learning. Through the First Steps 4K + Sibling Scholarship, ZaMarii and her older sister, Zelia, have access to structured, high-quality after-school care that extends their learning beyond the classroom. In a hands-on environment designed to support their growth and development, both girls are building confidence, strengthening new skills, and gaining the stability and continuity they need to thrive. “Because of the childcare scholarship, ZaMarii now has the mindset to go further than just the average,” says Rebekah Andrews, ZaMarii and Zelia’s mother. “The hands-on environment and learning experiences they receive—it’s unmatched.” The scholarship also gives Rebekah the support she needs to work and continue pursuing her associate degree in dental science, creating opportunity and stability for the entire family.

Hey, parents! Technology has its uses but it’s always important to encourage reading in children. Hear from one parent on how she embraced books in a screen-filled world: scfirststeps.org/news-resources…

Dionne Makie always knew she wanted to teach. Originally, Dionne planned to earn a degree in Primary Education with a focus on Special Education. But life took a different path when she became a mother. Seeing her son’s growth inspired Dionne to return to school and pursue a new dream which lead her to become a First Steps 4K teacher. Read more here: bit.ly/400bl7I

It’s International Mother Language Day! At South Carolina First Steps, we recognize the importance of supporting children’s home languages as a foundation for lifelong learning and success. Join us in celebrating our multilanguage learners and share your favorite words or phrases in your mother language below! #MotherLanguageDay

When 25-year-old mom Catherine Stewart struggled with loneliness and anxiety, even simple things like playdates felt overwhelming. After sharing her feelings with her DSS social worker, she was introduced to Parents as Teachers through Richland County First Steps. Catherine's story shows what happens when public and private partners align their strengths to serve children and families more efficiently and effectively. Read More Here: bit.ly/4tGlqV3 #FamiliesofFirstSteps

Happy Presidents Day! Our South Carolina First Steps offices will be closed on Monday, February 16th. Normal business hours will resume on Tuesday, February 17th.

Yesterday, we co-hosted Early Advantage: Foundations for South Carolina’s Economic Vitality, convening leaders from business, education, and government to examine how early childhood investments support a strong education and workforce system. Grateful to President Tom Barkin and Sonya Waddell of the @RichmondFed, our panelists, and partners at @EducationSC and @SCDEWinfo. 🎥 Recording: vimeo.com/1161508689 📰 Press release: bit.ly/4tiFexl

If you’re looking to grow professionally while making a real impact in the lives of young children and their families, becoming an AmeriCorps VISTA at South Carolina First Steps may be the opportunity for you. To apply, submit your resume and cover letter to HR@scfirststeps.org.