Dillon County First Steps

Dillon County First Steps Dillon County First Steps is a non-profit organization committed to delivering high-quality early childhood programs aimed at preparing children for school.

For further details regarding the services we offer, please call (843) 774-0061. WHAT IS FIRST STEPS
South Carolina First Steps to School Readiness was created in 1999 by the South Carolina General Assembly for the purpose of having every child in South Carolina arrive at kindergarten ready to learn. Sadly, many South Carolina children possess one or more risk factors that put them at high risk (g

reater than a 1 in 3 chance) for “early school failure” – either being retained or scoring below grade level in reading or math – by third grade. First Steps exists to bring together efforts in early childhood at the state and local level, public and private, to focus and intensify services and assure the most efficient use of all available resources to serve the needs of South Carolina’s young children and their families. First Steps works to accomplish its mission through a state coordinating office and a network of county partnerships (46), each a private non-profit organization led by a board of early childhood stakeholders. With a modest recurring appropriation of state funding, First Steps leverages cash and in-kind resources at the federal, state and local level to improve services for young children in five strategy areas:

Family Strengthening
A parent is a child’s first and best teacher. Healthy Start
Children’s development and ability to learn are profoundly impacted by their health. Quality Child Care
Access to high-quality care is a critical component of a child’s healthy development. Early Education
Quality preschool opportunities set the stage for success in school. School Transition
Preparing children and parents for a successful transition into kindergarten.

Our heartfelt thanks go to our exceptional Teachers, Shannon Hargrove, Deontay Godfrey, Jaquasia McCormick, and Smilfeec...
05/09/2026

Our heartfelt thanks go to our exceptional Teachers, Shannon Hargrove, Deontay Godfrey, Jaquasia McCormick, and Smilfeecia Bethea, whose dedication and passion make our Wednesday Nights Parenting Sessions a perfect blend of fun and learning.

As Teacher Appreciation Week draws to a close, we're thrilled to acknowledge the outstanding contributions of our remark...
05/08/2026

As Teacher Appreciation Week draws to a close, we're thrilled to acknowledge the outstanding contributions of our remarkable Parent Educators! Ms. Shannon Hargrove, Ms. Hannah Walters, and Mrs. Geraldine Ellis are the epitome of dedication and compassion, providing unwavering support to our Nurturing Parenting Families, and empowering children to succeed in school and beyond, while equipping parents with the knowledge and understanding to be their child's first and most important teacher!

It is a great privilege to acknowledge and celebrate the outstanding teachers and childcare centers involved in our Qual...
05/07/2026

It is a great privilege to acknowledge and celebrate the outstanding teachers and childcare centers involved in our Quality Enhancement Program. In recognition of Teachers Appreciation Week, we visited with some treats to express our gratitude for their value and their essential role in shaping our future. To the educators at Kids LTD, Child Development Center, Kids Kastle, Power Academy, and Jon’la, we extend our heartfelt thanks for your commitment and effort. Our community thrives because of your presence. Always keep in mind, “A good education can change anyone, a good teacher can change everything.”

04/29/2026

We would like to thank Carla Edwards Shelley for her donation and support of Dillon County First Steps programs and giving campaign. Your contributions to this organization have truly helped use moved forward. We appreciate you!

04/29/2026

We would like to thank Ms. Beryl Collington for her many years of service and giving to our Day of Giving Campaign. Our communities are better because of your many years of educating and empowering our youth.

04/29/2026

We extend our sincerest gratitude to Stephanie Ard, Dillon District 3 Superintendent, for her generous donation to support the initiatives of Dillon First Steps Programs. We appreciate your support and value your contributions.

04/29/2026

We would like to send a heartfelt thank you to Mr. Frank Blue for always donating to First Steps to continue our work and in honor of his late brother, our Founding Executive Director, Dr. William Blue. We appreciate all that you do for the children of this county.

04/29/2026

We are thankful for Cory Lekhan Wilson and Fitness by Cory for being a contributing partner for our Day of Giving Campaign. We are thankful for all you do.

04/28/2026

We would like send a special thank you to Braddy Insurance for donating to our Day of Giving Campaign. We appreciate all you to do to insure the county. We appreciate you!

04/28/2026

We wish to express our gratitude to Councilman James Washington for your generous contribution to our Annual Day of Giving. We are thankful for your support of this agency and feel privileged to have you serving in our community. Your efforts are truly appreciated.

04/28/2026

The children of Dillon First Steps wish to express their gratitude to Councilwoman Detrice Dawkins for her generous donation towards our Annual Day of Giving. We appreciate your support, which is evident not only in your words but also in your actions. Thank you for your dedicated service to this community.

Address

Dillon, SC
29536

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4pm
Tuesday 8am - 4pm
Wednesday 8am - 4pm
Thursday 8am - 4pm
Friday 8am - 4pm

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