Teachers and Families Participate in CTK and CT4K Programs
Fifty-five families are participating in the 2022 Countdown to Kindergarten (CTK) program and the new Countdown to 4 K (CT4K) program from July 1 through August 12. CTK and CT4K are home visitation programs pairing the families of rising four year-old and five year-old kindergartners with their future teachers during the summer before school entry. The programs are facilitated by Anderson County First Steps Partnership in coordination with Anderson School Districts One, Two, Three and Four and St. Joseph's School. This summer, 14 home visitors representing 11 schools will meet 6 times with the families to ease their transition into kindergarten. Home visitors are: Tricia Harrison and Jolyn Young (Palmetto Elementary School), Jessica Poore and Ashlee Kellett (West Pelzer Elementary School), Donna Yarborough (Concrete Primary); Lori Ashley and Kim Barefoot (Honea Path Elementary/Primary Schools); Michele Wiles (Flat Rock Elementary School), Mary Boggs (Iva Elementary School), Rhonda Carnes (Starr Elementary School); Haley Callahan and Tanya Denny (LaFrance Elementary School); and Haley Vatakis (St. Joseph's). We appreciate the efforts that our teachers are making this summer to ensure that Anderson County's youngest children are ready for school.
Executive Director's Annual Message
During 2020-2021, SC First Steps and Anderson County First Steps celebrated 20 years of providing school readiness support and resources to children ages 0-5 and their families. During the past 20 years, the Anderson County First Steps Partnership has distributed over $13,000,000 to area providers for parent and family strengthening programs and services, school transition programs and early education classes for at-risk children.
The Partnership provided:
•227 children and 217 adults with family strengthening/parenting skills through Positive Parenting/Family Literacy Programs, Early Education 4 year-old Kindergarten half-day classes, and Nurse-Family Partnership program assistance to first-time mothers;
•29 children and 29 parents with school transition support to 5-K kindergarten assisted by 10 teacher/home visitors from 9 schools through the Countdown to Kindergarten program;
•999 books for children through Positive Parenting/Family Literacy, Early Education, and Countdown to Kindergarten programs; and.
•233 children and 198 adults with 7,136 child development and school readiness materials through our community education and outreach events and activities.
In total, 1371 children, adults and families participated in high-quality programs, received referrals and resources, and attended community education and outreach events.
Anderson County First Steps Partnership is proud of achieving these important milestones. Our mission could not have been accomplished without the passion, dedication, and support of our community partners.
Paige Wall
Executive Director
Anderson County First Steps Partnership Office:
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