South Carolina First Steps To School Readiness Board Of Trustees

Healthy start-first steps recognizes the importance of a healthy start in maximizing both school readiness and the long-term well being of the state's children. The initiative partners with families, the medical community and other stakeholders to leverage resrources for- and increase awareness of- the healthcare, nutrition and early developmental needs of the state's young children. They accomplish these goals through the early identification and referral program.

School transition-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 high-risk rising kindergartners with their future teachers during the summer before school entry. Teachers complete six visits with each family,centered upon classroom and content expectations.

Indirect program expenses