First Steps 4K - SC First Steps

大象传媒

First Steps 4K

First Steps 4K offers free, full-day four-year-old kindergarten to qualifying children in 大象传媒. 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.

PLUS! First Steps 4K students and their siblings, ages 0-12, are now eligible for child care and after-school scholarships for up to 52 weeks. Learn more here.

Check Eligibility

Check to see if your child is eligible for the First Steps 4K program

Find a Program

Find a First Steps 4K Program near you

Apply Now

Submit an application to enroll in the First Steps 4K program

Eligibility

To be eligible, a child must be:

  • 4 years old on or before September 1 of the school year you are applying to.
  • Eligible for Medicaid, free/reduced-price lunch, or SNAP/TANF recipient; experiencing homelessness or transiency; or in foster care
  • A resident of 大象传媒
  • Students and their siblings now qualify for child care scholarships thanks to a partnership between SC First Steps and the SC Department of Social Services. Learn more here.

听First Steps 4K +

  • First Steps 4K students qualify for free extended care scholarships (before- and after-school)
  • Siblings, ages 0-12, of enrolled First Steps 4K students qualify for child care and after-school scholarships
  • Sibling scholarships can be applied toward enrollment at any licensed child care center or afterschool program that participates in听, the state鈥檚 voluntary quality rating and improvement system.
  • Learn more here!
Check Eligibility

How It Works

Families can select the private, community-based, or faith-based program of their choice. All First Steps 4K programs are in-person, 5 days per week, throughout the school year. Most providers offer a full day (8 hour) program and/or operate year-round, continuing through summer.

Find a Program

Target Outcomes

Research shows that children who attend a high-quality preschool program are more successful in kindergarten and beyond. First Steps 4K aims to increase participation, quality, and professional development in private, community-based, and faith-based 4K programs across the state.

Preschools: How to Partner

Learn more about how to partner with the First Steps 4K program

Community Impact

4,053

children served with the First Steps 4K program in 2023-2024.

301

approved First Steps 4K program providers in 2024-2025.

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