PROGRAMS
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.
Save the Children's Early Steps to School Success (ESSS)
Service exclusive to Lee County, this program is designed to provide high-quality early childhood development services to young children and families living in under-resourced and underserved communities.
How it Works
Key components include home visits that focus on healthy pregnancy and early childhood development; a book bag exchange; fostering positive connections between families and schools; supporting school transitions and connecting families to services and resources.
Countdown to Kindergarten
Developed by South Carolina First Steps in 2003, the Countdown to Kindergarten program is part of a statewide initiative including community events, professional development opportunities, and an annual public awareness campaign. Learn more at countdownsc.org.
How it Works
Teachers complete six one-hour sessions with each child's family, five in the family's home and a final visit in the kindergarten classroom.
Strengthening Families
The Strengthening Families Program (SFP) is an internationally recognized, evidence-based family skills training program for high-risk and general-population families.
How it Works
Parents and children attend 14 weekly group sessions, learning parenting and life skills both separately and together. A weekly meal provides families with the opportunity for skills practice, peer-to-peer support, and coaching.
Childcare Training
Our training programs are certified through the SC Center for Child Care Career Development and include topics in the areas of nutrition, health, and safety, curriculum, child guidance, professional development, and program administration. Our training includes:
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Understanding the Feeding Behavior of Toddlers
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Planning for the Whole Body
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Mistaken Behavior: Understanding Conflicts and Aggression​
Child Care Scholarship
Through First Steps and DSS-funded childcare scholarships, eligible children receive tuition-free enrollment at quality childcare centers
How it Works
Scholarship funds are paid directly to childcare centers to serve eligible children
Who's eligible
Families with babies and toddlers and preschool-aged children
Countdown to Kindergarten
Developed by South Carolina First Steps in 2003, the Countdown to Kindergarten program is part of a statewide initiative including community events, professional development opportunities, and an annual public awareness campaign. Learn more at countdownsc.org.
How it Works
Teachers complete six one-hour sessions with each child's family, five in the family's home and a final visit in the kindergarten classroom.
Strengthening Families
The Strengthening Families Program (SFP) is an internationally recognized, evidence-based family skills training program for high-risk and general-population families.
How it Works
Parents and children attend 14 weekly group sessions, learning parenting and life skills both separately and together. A weekly meal provides families with the opportunity for skills practice, peer-to-peer support, and coaching.