The Early Childhood Advisory Council (ECAC) urges South Carolinians to delve into the state’s publicly funded preschool programs by visiting palmettoprek.org.
Annually in April, Palmetto Pre-K Enrollment Day shines a spotlight on the significance of early education in preparing children for both school and life success.
Palmetto Pre-K, the official website of the State of South Carolina, serves as a centralized platform for families to discover and apply for one of the state’s free educational preschool options, such as First Steps 4K, Head Start, public school 4K and the Department of Social Services’ Child Care Scholarship program.
Most 4-year-olds in South Carolina are eligible for one or more of these programs. Palmetto Pre-K streamlines the process for families to assess their eligibility, locate available providers and apply to the program that aligns best with their requirements.
In a statement, Georgia Mjartan, executive director of SC First Steps and ECAC, emphasized the transformative impact of quality preschool experiences on children’s school readiness. Mjartan highlighted the importance of Palmetto Pre-K in simplifying the search for suitable programs and facilitating applications.
State Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver underlined the crucial role of early literacy in fostering lifelong learning success. Weaver emphasized that high-quality pre-K programs establish a robust connection between home and school, ensuring children enter kindergarten equipped with essential literacy skills.
Michael Leach, State Director of the Department of Social Services, stressed that child care is more than just a service for working parents — it’s a vital environment for promoting learning and development. Leach emphasized that quality early learning environments play a pivotal role in shaping children’s cognitive and emotional development.
Olandor Lewis, President of the SC State Head Start Association, highlighted the multifaceted nature of Head Start programs, which encompass various services ranging from education to health and parental involvement.
Lewis emphasized Head Start’s contribution to nurturing the holistic development of young learners.
For more information about Palmetto Pre-K and how to apply for pre-kindergarten programs, visit palmettoprek.org.
Martha Strickland, State Director of First Steps 4K, underscored the program’s commitment to offering families choices in preschool education. Strickland emphasized that First Steps 4K provides flexible options, including full-day kindergarten programs and child care scholarships for siblings, regardless of zip code.
The Early Childhood Advisory Council serves as South Carolina’s primary collaborative body for promoting the healthy development and education of children from prenatal stages through age five.
Comprising elected officials, agency directors, educators, healthcare providers and community leaders, the council aims to foster a coordinated and family-centered early childhood system.
