Anderson County First Steps Newsletter, December, 2025

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A Heartfelt Thank You
This December, our Anderson County First Steps staff gathered to reflect on the many wonderful events and accomplishments from this past fall. As we look back on these moments, we are reminded that none of this would be possible without the support of our community. From all of us at Anderson County First Steps, thank you for helping us make a difference in the lives of children and families!

Community Resource Fair This fall, a Community Resource Fair for Anderson County families was held at Pendleton Elementary School in conjunction with the PTO Fall Festival. The event brought together more than 25 community organizations offering goods and services that support families and enhance quality of life. Families enjoyed food, games, prizes, and interactive activities throughout the event. Anderson County First Steps hosted a resource table, sharing First Five information, the Profile of the Ready Kindergartener, and distributed 75 books along with First Steps/Family Learning Center bookmarks.

Book Rotations and Literacy Outreach
Our book rotations for the Raising a Reader and Early Care and Education programs continue to make a strong impact. On average, 558 books are lent to families each month, with an additional 138 books given to children monthly to build their home libraries.

Blessings for Babies Community Baby Shower Last October, a Blessings for Babies community baby shower was held in partnership with SMBC Women’s Ministry, Welfare Baptist Church, and AnMed. Anderson County First Steps was proud to participate by donating books to support families and promote early literacy.

COLUMBIA, S.C. – As the new school year begins, South Carolina First Steps is reminding families that regular attendance in preschool is one of the most important ways to support their child’s early learning and long-term success.

Even at age four, showing up every day matters. Research shows that preschoolers who miss 10% or more of the school year arrive at kindergarten with lower levels of school readiness and are more likely to be chronically absent in elementary school.

“Every day in a 4K classroom is a building block,” said Martha Strickland, state director of the First Steps 4K program. “It’s not just about ABCs and 123s. It’s about helping children build confidence, routines, and relationships that set them up for success in kindergarten and beyond.”

To support strong attendance in First Steps 4K classrooms this year, the agency has launched Every Day Builds the Way, a new initiative to raise awareness and equip families and teachers with practical strategies for getting children to school every day.

First Steps recommends the following tips:

• Create a daily routine. Set regular bedtimes and morning routines to help your child      feel rested and ready for the day.
• Talk about school positively. Ask your child specific questions like: "Did you hear a      story today? What was it about?"
• Plan ahead for transportation or scheduling      challenges. Ask your child’s school or provider for help      if needed.
• Keep children home only when truly sick. A mild cold or a sleepy morning doesn’t always mean a child      needs to stay home.
• Communicate with teachers. Let them know about any concerns and work together to support      your child’s attendance.

To help families make the most of this important year, the First Steps 4K program has adopted a new attendance policy. Children who have more than 10 absences may lose their free preschool enrollment. The primary focus, however, is partnering with families to build strong attendance habits and help every child succeed.

“Our message to families is simple: every day counts, and we’re here to help,” Strickland said. “Building strong attendance habits now can make all the difference later.”

About South Carolina First Steps

South Carolina First Steps is the state’s dedicated early childhood agency, working collaboratively to ensure every child starts school ready to reach their highest potential. Through partnerships, programs, and statewide coordination, the agency supports the healthy development and school readiness of young children in all 46 counties.

About First Steps 4K

First Steps 4K offers free, full-day preschool to eligible four-year-olds in partnership with more than 330 licensed child care centers, private schools, and charter schools across South Carolina. Part of the state’s Child Early Reading Development and Education Program (CERDEP), the program gives families the flexibility to choose any participating provider, regardless of where they live.

The 2025–26 school year is already underway, but enrollment is open year-round. To learn more or find a provider near you, visit free4ksc.org.

Topics: First Steps 4K, Early Care and Education

From SC First Steps Weekly Wrap 

August 7, 2025 

 Family Engagement Events 

Donuts with Dad, Muffins with Mom, and Grits with Grands continue to be some of our most popular family engagement events, providing meaningful opportunities for families to connect and learn together. Another highlight was Boo with Books and Blankets, held on the Crescent Football Field, where children and their parents gathered under the stars to enjoy reading together. Anderson County First Steps was pleased to provide books to the children and families who attended.

Real Men Read Event
Students at Spearman Elementary participated in our Real Men Read event, featuring guest reader Dr. Larry Knight from Anderson University. Students were highly engaged as he led a fun and interactive read-aloud and book-sharing experience.

Farm Field Trip
Our 4K students enjoyed an exciting field trip to a local farm, where they learned about the life cycle of a pumpkin. This hands-on experience beautifully complemented their classroom farm theme.

Literacy and Math Integration
Anderson County First Steps provided 4K teachers with the book Walter’s Wonderful Web by Tim Hopgood. After reading the story, students created their own “wonderful webs,” incorporating shapes such as squares and circles to reinforce early math concepts.

Veterans Day Reading:
In honor of Veterans Day, an active-duty Air Force parent volunteered to read to one of our classes. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all Veterans for their service and dedication.

Bike Safety with Safe Kids at AnMed Earlier this year, board member Jackie McCall from Safe Kids at AnMed visited one of our programs to teach students essential bike safety skills. She covered important topics such as choosing the right bike size, using proper hand signals when turning, and the importance of staying off railroad tracks. Mrs. Jackie also shared a meaningful personal story that highlighted why wearing a bike helmet is so important. The students loved spending time with her and learning these valuable safety tips. Thank you, Jackie, for helping keep our children informed, confident, and safe! 🚲

Parent Engagement Event Anderson County First Steps hosted a parent engagement event where families enjoyed decorating gingerbread men together. Parents and children worked side by side to decorate homemade gingerbread men using buttercream icing, mini-M&Ms, and sprinkles. Each child also received a copy of The Gingerbread Man to take home and add to their home library. We were thrilled with the strong parent participation and loved seeing families interact, create, and make special memories together.