South Carolina First Steps

South Carolina First Steps (SCFS) is both a nonprofit and state agency and is the only dedicated, comprehensive early childhood agency in South Carolina focused on getting children ready for school and life success. Annually, we serve more than 30,000 children. Established by the South Carolina General Assembly in 1999, SC First Steps provides funding and support to a network of 46 local, First Steps partnerships, one in every county. Through the partnerships, First Steps provides evidence-based parenting, literacy, and development programs; training for early childhood educators; child care scholarships; child care quality enhancement; and a slate of other early interventions. Through First Steps 4K, the agency partners with over 200 child care centers to offer free, high-quality, educational Pre-K 4 to more than 2500 children. In addition to developing, funding, and supporting programs and initiatives statewide, South Carolina First Steps coordinates the activities of the South Carolina Early Childhood Advisory Council, a collaborative body representing the state’s early childhood system. The Early Childhood Advisory Council works to ensure that South Carolina’s children arrive at school ready to reach their highest potential, are healthy and safe, and are actively supported by their families and communities.

The diverse workforce that makes up the 65+ member team at SCFS includes salaried and hourly positions and is governed by a State Board of Trustees. As an organization, we value children, relationships, equity, high quality, and results. Our office is in downtown Columbia, SC. As SCFS is a state-wide organization, some positions are remote, and some require travel.