Anderson County First Steps Newsletter, Summer 2025

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We're excited to bring you a few updates from this past spring and summer.

Our Anderson County First Steps Countdown programs (Countdown to 4K and Countdown to Kindergarten) were a huge success this summer!

An Anderson County First Steps teacher sent a note to you all: 

It was such a wonderful experience working with and getting to know my future students over the Summer. The children were excited for the
sessions each time and worked hard learning developmentally appropriate skills such as fine motor cutting, gluing, tracing, coloring,
playing with Play-Doh, etc., that will benefit them throughout their year in Preschool. Reading children’s books and retelling them helps children grow in their literacy skills. The backpacks and supplies were extremely helpful in engaging the children with the tasks for each session. I have thoroughly enjoyed this experience and feel very grateful for the opportunity Anderson County First Steps provides, allowing teachers to get to know the young learners over the Summer and build a strong relationship before they begin school in early August. I am looking forward to being involved in the Countdown to 4K Program in the future, and I sincerely thank you again for this wonderful opportunity. Alexis B. Paris

 

Power of the Purse Fundraiser

United Way held a fundraiser for literacy in Anderson County on March 6, 2025. Sheryl McCollum, our ACFS Board Chair, Maria Torres-Green, ACFS Board Member, and our Executive Director, Paige Wall, attended the event and were on hand to answer questions and assist with the event.which included a silent auction. 

Our Anderson County First Steps team met last week to discuss plans for the upcoming year. We enjoyed our planning meeting for 2025-2026 as well as our time together. Pictured left to right are Paige Wall, Charity Walker, Melissa Davis, Allison Strickland, and Karen Sweat. 

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 

Granniez Kidz 512 Martha Dr.   

Anderson 864-760-1030

Kiddie Land Child Care Center 1010 Whitehall Rd. 

Anderson 864-226-2037

Kiddie University 1700 South Main

Anderson 864-224-2064

St. Joseph Catholic School 1200 Cornelia Rd. 

Anderson 864-760-1619

The Champion Center 1700 South Fant St. 

Anderson 864-260-4546

The Sunshine House Earling Learning Academy 1944 Pearman Dairy Rd.   

Anderson 864-772-3266

Trinity Chrisitan Educational School 1100 West Franklin St. 

Anderson 864-381-5248

Welfare Baptist Church Child Development Center 2176 Bolt Dr. 

Belton 864-226-8896