Programs
The positive impacts on the children and families of this area can be measured through the success of our programs. Williamsburg County First Steps provides much-needed services through Parents as Teachers, Countdown to Kindergarten, Dolly Parton Imagination Library, Child Care Training and Professional Development, and First Steps 4K.
Parents as Teachers (PAT)
Parents as Teachers is a home visiting program designed to build strong communities, thriving families, and children who are healthy, safe, and ready to succeed. Parents as Teachers service include personal visits from a parent educator at least twice monthly, monthly group connections with other families, screenings and assessments to identify developmental concerns, and connections to outside resources that families may need to succeed.
Click here to view our calendar for upcoming group connections!
Countdown to Kindergarten
Developed by South Carolina First Steps–and identified as a promising state practice by the National Governor’s Association in 2005–Countdown to Kindergarten is a home visitation program pairing the families of rising kindergarteners with their future teachers during the summer before school entry. Teachers complete six visits with each family, establishing strong connections during the summer that facilitate classroom learning throughout the year.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
Since July 1, 2005, Williamsburg County First Steps has worked hand in hand with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library (DPIL) as part of their ongoing effort to prepare young children for school. Since the program inception, Williamsburg County First Steps has given out more than 21,000 books.
Wlliamsburg County First Steps is focused on helping to bring Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to the children in our communities. This project will ensure that every child in the surrounding communities has the opportunity to experience the joy of reading. Literacy development is a continuous process that begins in infancy when babies are first exposed to language, books, and stories. Its roots are in the home, with branches extending to other environments.
Child Care Training and Professional Development
High-quality child care hinges on high-quality professional development that meets the needs of the local child care workforce. Our training programs are certified through SC Endeavors and include topics in the areas of nutrition, health and safety, curriculum, child guidance, professional development, and program administration.
Click here to view our calendar for upcoming trainings and events!
HIPPY
What is HIPPY? HIPPY (Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters) is a research-based home-visiting program for parents of preschool children. The program is effective in improving school readiness, parent involvement, school attendance, classroom behavior and academic achievement. HIPPY is designed to partner with parents and build trusting relationships between Parent Educators and families who enroll in the program. Each home visit equips parents with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in their role as their child’s first and most important teacher.
Family Café
Family Café is a parent discussion group that promote social connections with other parents, support in times of need, learning about parenting and child development and emotional awareness. It is a free program for parents and caregivers of young children, from birth through age five. Learn how to raise strong resilient children. Boost your child’s learning and development. Build social connections and support. Improve family relationships.
First Steps 4K + Siblings
South Carolina First Steps provides eligible children with free enrollment in full-day four-year-old kindergarten. In coordination with First Steps local partnerships and more than 230 private, community, and faith-based pre-school providers, First Steps 4K expands access to quality early education across the state.
Click here to see our list of 4K providers for Williamsburg County!
Palmetto Pre-K
The Palmetto Pre-K Portal is your one-stop shop for finding free educational Pre-K programs in South Carolina, allowing you to search based on zip code and eligibility to see at a glance your available program options. The Palmetto Pre-K portal is a simple, accessible way to check if your child is eligible to receive free or reduced cost preschool programs simply by answering a few quick questions.