South Carolina First Steps To School Readiness Board of Trustees

The South Carolina First Steps to School Readiness Board of Trustees is a nonprofit organization established to enhance early childhood development and improve school readiness across South Carolina. Operating under the authority of state law, the organization was created to foster public-private partnerships that address the diverse needs of families and children in the state.

Mission and Objectives

The primary mission of the South Carolina First Steps to School Readiness Board of Trustees is to ensure that every child in South Carolina is prepared for success in school. This objective is pursued by developing a comprehensive set of initiatives aimed at:

• Increasing school readiness and literacy among preschool children.
• Establishing results-oriented measures and monitoring the effectiveness of services provided through local First Steps partnerships.
• Supporting parents and caregivers through resources and training that enhance the early learning environment.

Governance

The Board of Trustees is composed of a diverse group of leaders, including state legislators, agency directors, early childhood educators, business representatives, and parents. This diverse representation ensures that the board is well-equipped to make informed decisions that reflect the needs of all communities across the state.

Key leadership includes:

• David Morley, Chair, Governor's Designee
• Amy Williams, Vice Chair, Medical Provider
• Several members from the South Carolina House of Representatives and Senate
• Representatives from various state departments related to health and education

Programs and Services

The organization operates a network of local First Steps partnerships throughout all 46 counties in South Carolina. Each local partnership is empowered to tailor its programs and services to meet the unique needs of its community. These initiatives can include:

• Professional development for educators and caregivers.
• Community outreach to promote early literacy and developmental skills.
• Support for programs that address risk factors affecting school readiness.

Legislative Framework

The South Carolina First Steps to School Readiness was established as a public-private partnership through legislation that recognizes the necessity of a collaborative approach to early childhood education. Over the years, the board's obligations have expanded to include:

• Development of a comprehensive school readiness assessment system.
• Regular evaluations of local partnerships and programs to assess effectiveness and recommend funding.
• Annual reporting to state legislative committees to highlight progress and identify areas for improvement.

Impact

Since its inception, the South Carolina First Steps to School Readiness Board of Trustees has been recognized as a leader in early childhood education initiatives. The organization has undergone multiple external evaluations to measure its effectiveness and has consistently adapted its strategies to meet evolving educational needs, thereby contributing significantly to the school readiness of children across the state.

Conclusion

The South Carolina First Steps to School Readiness Board of Trustees remains committed to the principle that every child deserves a strong foundation for their educational journey. By harnessing resources and fostering collaboration among various stakeholders, the organization strives to make lasting improvements in early childhood education and development throughout South Carolina.

[1] https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t59c152.php [2] https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/571097789/201421359349308472/full [3] https://www.scstatehouse.gov/CommitteeInfo/HouseLegislativeOversightCommittee/AgencyWebpages/FirstSteps/Oversight%20-%20Add'l%20Requests%20and%20Docs/Vision%202020%20Strategic%20Plan%20-%20Draft%20version%20adopted%20by%20FS%20Board%20(December%201,%202015).pdf [4] https://www.scfirststeps.org/about-us/board-of-trustees/ [5] https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/571097814