Programs

Imagination Library

As the local affiliate of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, we provide free, high-quality books to children from birth until age five, no matter their family’s income.

Children enrolled in our Imagination Library program receive one book per month by mail. Each title is selected by a panel of early childhood literacy experts, who are responsible for choosing books that meet the age-specific developmental needs of young children.

Child Care Training

High-quality child care hinges on high-quality professional development that meets the needs of the local child care workforce. Our training programs are certified through SC Endeavors and include topics in the areas of nutrition, health and safety, curriculum, child guidance, professional development and program administration.

Child Care Scholarships

For many families in Edgefield County, the cost of quality child care is out of reach. Our scholarship program makes payments to child care providers to care for children from families who have risk factors that might impact their child’s success in school. The children in this program receive developmental screenings and are enrolled in our Imagination Library program. The parents of our scholarship children also attend classes through our Nurturing Parenting Program.

Triple P Parenting Program

The Edgefield County First Steps Triple P Parenting Strategy is designed to empower individuals and families with new knowledge, beliefs, strategies, and skills to make good and healthy lifestyle choices through group-based parenting sessions. Our child care scholarship families are referred to this program, and we receive referrals from community partners, such as the Edgefield County Department of Social Services, Head Start, Early Head Start, and the local physician’s offices.

Early Childhood Education

Edgefield County First Steps supports Early Childhood Education for Children Under 4 through a program that provides a high-quality early learning environment using research-based curricula and developmentally appropriate practices that support school readiness. Progress monitoring and assessments of enrolled children are conducted.

Enhanced Early Education (EEE)

Edgefield County First Steps collaborates with the Edgefield County School District to provide high-quality educational support for 4K and 5K students in two of the elementary schools. The students are identified based on assessments and noted as in need of additional assistance to master skills. We offer these services in small group or one-on-one sessions with a tutor who works with the children during the school day.