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 resources for- and increase awareness of- the healthcare, nutrition and early developmental needs of the state's young children.

Parenting support: incredible years- a series of group-based interventions for parents, children and teachers that are designed to increase social and emotional fitness and prevent, reduce and treat behavioral and emotional problems in children up to age 12. This program targets parents and teachers working primarily with children ages 3-8, as well as children directly. Dolly parton's imagination library- a book gifting program that mails free, high-quality books to children from birth until they begin school, regardless of family income.

Core functions 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.