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.

Programs > School Transition
Evidence Informed

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.

  • Families with preschool-aged children (3-5).

  • In-home coaching with trained parent educators.

  • A focus on language and literacy development.

  • Learning experiences for early childhood professionals.

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Programs > Parenting
Evidence Based

Parents as Teachers

Home visitation and group support for families, before birth and through age five.

  • Families with babies and toddlers (0-3).

  • Pregnant moms and expectant families.

  • In-home coaching with trained parent educators.

  • Community-based workshops and classes.

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Programs > School Transition
Evidence Informed

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.

  • Families with preschool-aged children (3-5).

  • In-home coaching with trained parent educators.

  • A focus on language and literacy development.

  • Learning experiences for early childhood professionals.

  • Learning experiences for early childhood professionals

Learn more

Programs > Parenting
Evidence Based

Dolly Parton Imagination Library

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library mails free, high-quality books to children from birth until age five, no matter their family’s income.

  • Families with babies and toddlers (Ages 0-3).

  • Families with preschool-aged children (Ages 3-5).

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First Steps 4K

First Steps 4K offers free, full-day four-year-old kindergarten to qualifying children in South Carolina. We partner with more than 270 licensed child care centers and private schools across the state, making it easy for families to find a high-quality program that meets their needs.

  • Opportunities for early childhood teachers, paraprofessionals, and program directors.

  • Learning experiences for early childhood professionals.

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Ready to get started with a program we offer? Apply today!