Florence County First Steps

09/05/2026

A Special Thank You to Prime Pediatric Dentistry! 🦷💙

Florence County First Steps extends our heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Connors and Prime Pediatric Dentistry for their generous $210 donation to our ParentChild+ Initiative.

Through their No Cavity Club, Prime Pediatric Dentistry is doing more than encouraging healthy smiles. They are teaching children and families that healthy habits can also make a difference in the lives of others. Each month, their cavity-free patients help support a local nonprofit, and we are honored that Florence County First Steps was selected as their July recipient.

This generous donation will directly support our ParentChild+ Initiative, which works with young children and their families to strengthen early literacy, parent-child interaction, and school readiness through books, educational materials, and home-based learning experiences.

Thank you, Dr. Connors, the Prime Pediatric Dentistry team, and all of the amazing children and families who participated in the No Cavity Club. Your healthy smiles are helping us build brighter futures for children in Florence County!

Healthy smiles. Strong families. Bright futures. 💙📚🦷

08/05/2026

Board Member Kiara Lint, Community Engagement Specialist for Health Strategy and External Affairs with the South Carolina Department of Public Health, led the Early Education Committee of the Florence County Collective. She presented the committee's accomplishments and collaborative efforts to improve school readiness, strengthen families, and expand access to early childhood resources throughout Florence County.

Key results included:
• 80 childcare scholarships were provided to children and families through Florence County First Steps, increasing access to quality early childhood education.

• Childcare provider support included a five-hour professional development training hosted by Florence County First Steps, along with educational materials and classroom supplies.

• ParentChild+ through Florence County First Steps served more than 80 families and their young children through weekly home visits, providing developmentally appropriate books, educational toys, and learning materials that equipped parents to become their child's first and most important teacher while strengthening early literacy and school readiness.

• The committee celebrated the ParentChild+ 4K Graduation, recognizing children's readiness for kindergarten.

• The Jade Bridge Summer Camp awarded 4 scholarships, helping children develop the cognitive, social, and emotional skills needed for kindergarten success.

• Parent engagement was strengthened through daily Lunch and Learn sessions during the summer camp, where 15 parents participated in four-hour workshops focused on trauma-informed practices and evidence-based interventions (EBIs).

• Community partnerships expanded as The Jade Bridge collaborated with the South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS) and the Foster Care Clothing Closet to better serve families, while also pursuing grant funding to support teenage adoptees.

• Peer-to-Peer Networking opportunities were established, allowing childcare providers to meet quarterly to collaborate, share best practices, and strengthen the local early childhood system.

• Community outreach efforts ensured participating organizations distributed information about enrollment opportunities and educational resources to families.

• Books were donated through The Jade Bridge to McLaurin Elementary School to promote literacy and encourage a love of reading.

Additionally, the Foster Care Clothing Closet's Fostering Bright Futures Program continued to promote early literacy by providing weekly storytime sessions, hands-on learning activities, and increased access to books for foster, kinship, and adoptive families with children ages 0–8.

These collaborative efforts are helping build stronger families, improve kindergarten readiness, and create a solid foundation for lifelong learning throughout Florence County.

07/28/2026

Welcome Phines...

07/16/2026

I am honored to be featured by South Carolina Voyager in their Daily Inspiration series.

For more than 25 years, my life's work has centered on one mission: helping children and families build a stronger future through education, leadership, and community partnerships. From leading Florence County First Steps and Marion County First Steps to serving nonprofits across South Carolina, I have been blessed to work alongside incredible people who believe every child deserves the opportunity to succeed.

In this interview, I share my journey, the lessons I've learned through both successes and challenges, and why I remain committed to preparing children for school and life.

Thank you to everyone who has encouraged, challenged, and supported me throughout this journey. This recognition belongs to all of us who continue working to make our communities stronger.

I invite you to read the interview and share it with others.
📖 Read it here:
South Carolina Voyager Interview: Daily Inspiration – Meet Spencer Scott

Today we’d like to introduce you to Spencer Scott. Spencer , we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin? My journey into early childhood education and nonprofit leadership wasn’t something I planned, it was something I felt called to do. Thro...

07/05/2026

06/21/2026

One of the greatest myths society continues to tell is that fathers are absent, uninvolved, or disconnected from the lives of their children. Yet every day through our First Steps programs, I witness a very different story. I see fathers showing up, sacrificing, teaching, encouraging, and loving their children in ways that often go unnoticed. These men may not seek recognition, but their impact is undeniable.

Recently, I watched a father teaching his young son how to cut grass while proudly wearing his First Steps 4K shirt. It wasn't just about lawn care. It was about responsibility, work ethic, confidence, and passing down life lessons that can't be taught in a classroom. In that moment, a father was doing what fathers have done for generations—preparing his child for life through example.

At another event, I witnessed a father kneel beside his son who was overwhelmed and afraid to sit in front of nearly 200 people during graduation. Rather than dismissing his fears, he comforted him, reassured him, and gave him the courage to walk across that stage. A father's presence provides security, strength, and confidence when children face challenges that seem bigger than themselves.

I am also reminded of a father who drove five hours just to attend his child's elementary school graduation, celebrated that special moment, and then immediately drove back home to report for his night shift at work. That kind of sacrifice speaks volumes. Fathers matter. Their time matters. Their presence matters. Their encouragement, guidance, protection, and love help shape the future of our children.

To all the fathers in our First Steps programs and throughout our communities, thank you for showing up, standing tall, and proving every day that fatherhood is one of the most important roles a man can ever have.

06/20/2026

It's about graduation time... Parent Child Plus graduation ceremony!!!

06/20/2026

🎓🎉 Tomorrow is the Big Day! 🎉🎓

Florence County First Steps is proud to celebrate our amazing 2026 ParentChild+ Preschool Graduates!
These young scholars have spent the year learning, growing, exploring, and preparing for their next big adventure—Kindergarten! Through the dedication of their families, ParentChild+ Home Visitors, and community support, these children have built a strong foundation for lifelong learning and success.
Join us as we recognize their accomplishments and celebrate this important milestone!

📅 Saturday, June 20, 2026
⏰ 10:00 AM
📍 Senior Leatherman Center
600 Senior Way, Florence, SC

🎓 Graduates should arrive by 9:00 AM for lineup.
Congratulations to our graduates and their families! Your hard work, commitment, and love for learning have made this achievement possible. We can't wait to see all the wonderful things you will accomplish in the years ahead.

🎓📚🍎✨