SOUTH CAROLINA FIRST STEPS TO

PER SOUTH CAROLINA CODE SECTION 59-152-30: "THE GOALS FOR SOUTH CAROLINA FIRST STEPS TO SCHOOL READINESS ARE TO: (1) PROVIDE PARENTS WITH ACCESS TO THE SUPPORT THEY MIGHT SEEK AND WANT TO STRENGTHEN THEIR FAMILIES AND TO PROMOTE THE OPTIMAL DEVELOPMENT OF THEIR PRESCHOOL CHILDREN; (2) INCREASE COMPREHENSIVE SERVICES SO CHILDREN HAVE REDUCED RISK FOR MAJOR PHYSICAL, DEVELOPMENTAL, AND LEARNING PROBLEMS; (3) PROMOTE HIGH-QUALITY PRESCHOOL PROGRAMS THAT PROVIDE A HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT THAT WILL PROMOTE NORMAL GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT; (4) PROVIDE SERVICES SO ALL CHILDREN RECEIVE THE PROTECTION, NUTRITION, AND HEALTH CARE NEEDED TO THRIVE IN THE EARLY YEARS OF LIFE SO THEY ARRIVE AT SCHOOL READY TO SUCCEED; AND (5) MOBILIZE COMMUNITIES TO FOCUS EFFORTS ON PROVIDING ENHANCED SERVICES TO SUPPORT FAMILIES AND THEIR YOUNG CHILDREN SO AS TO ENABLE EVERY CHILD TO REACH SCHOOL HEALTHY AND READY TO SUCCEED."