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    "The human brain develops most rapidly between birth and age 5 making preschool years a crucial part of a child’s education.”

    - Quoted from the Preschool Journey by Angela Thayer

READY FAMILIES

Become your child’s first and best teacher to prepare them for success in school and beyond.

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READY EDUCATORS

Discover the ways First Steps supports local educators in making a lasting impact on their students.

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READY COMMUNITIES

Support school readiness for Florence County youth to ensure a brighter future for our community.

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FIND OUT MORE

Learn more about how First Steps can make a positive difference in the life of your child.

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IMPROVING THE EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT OF ALL CHILDREN

Florence County First Steps serves children in Florence County with resources that provide them and their families with a solid foundation to promote enduring success at home and in the classroom.  Since its establishment in 1999, South Carolina First Steps has improved school readiness for hundreds of thousands of young children through initiatives designed to:

 

  • Each of the corresponding blocks of services leads ultimately to the goal of transitioning children successfully to school. Programs like Countdown to Kindergarten and From Day One to Grade One are ultimately preparing children for school success.

    Each of the corresponding blocks of services leads ultimately to the goal of transitioning children successfully to school. Programs like Countdown to Kindergarten and From Day One to Grade One are ultimately preparing children for school success.

  • We begin with a focus on providing a healthy start to life. This includes prenatal and post-partum services for both mother and baby. In 2007, First Steps collaborated with key philanthropic and agency partners to bring Nurse-Family Partnership to SC having a significant impact on reducing premature births and Medicaid costs

    We begin with a focus on providing a healthy start to life. This includes prenatal and post-partum services for both mother and baby. In 2007, First Steps collaborated with key philanthropic and agency partners to bring Nurse-Family Partnership to SC having a significant impact on reducing premature births and Medicaid costs

  • Quality childcare starts with quality childcare providers. Our quality enhancement and training strategies lead to improved teacher-student interaction, which research shows has a significant impact on a child’s development and success in school.

    Quality childcare starts with quality childcare providers. Our quality enhancement and training strategies lead to improved teacher-student interaction, which research shows has a significant impact on a child’s development and success in school.

  • Our home visitation strategies, such as Parents as Teachers, Parent-Child Home and Early Steps to School Success, are helping parents understand their responsibilities to care for and be positive models for their children. As a result of First Steps’ intervention and parenting support, 66% of clients initially assessed at “low” levels of parenting have achieved moderate or high levels of parenting skill.

    Our home visitation strategies, such as Parents as Teachers, Parent-Child Home and Early Steps to School Success, are helping parents understand their responsibilities to care for and be positive models for their children. As a result of First Steps’ intervention and parenting support, 66% of clients initially assessed at “low” levels of parenting have achieved moderate or high levels of parenting skill.

  • According to recent federal evaluations, outcomes for clients participating in BabyNet early intervention programs are above national averages. BabyNet matches the special needs of infants and toddlers who have disabilities and/or developmental delays with customized, community-based resources.

    According to recent federal evaluations, outcomes for clients participating in BabyNet early intervention programs are above national averages. BabyNet matches the special needs of infants and toddlers who have disabilities and/or developmental delays with customized, community-based resources.

  • Private-public partnerships through First Steps 4K have led to significant cost efficiencies in the delivery of publicly funded 4K. One recent analysis suggests First Steps is achieving comparable results, without the need for costly capital construction, for 80 cents on the dollar.

    Private-public partnerships through First Steps 4K have led to significant cost efficiencies in the delivery of publicly funded 4K. One recent analysis suggests First Steps is achieving comparable results, without the need for costly capital construction, for 80 cents on the dollar.

Funding Opportunities

Funding Opportunities

Learn about the types of programs and projects First Steps provides funding for in Florence County.

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Donate or Volunteer

Donate or Volunteer

With your donation, 100% of funds go back to programs. Help support programs dedicated to the healthy development of children in our community with your donation! You can also become a volunteer and help provide our youth with opportunities that will serve them for a lifetime.

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Apply for Services

Apply for Services

Are you a parent or daycare provider who is looking for assistance? Visit this link to see what all we require to get started!

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