2021-2022 ANNUAL REPORT
To provide high-quality early education programs designed to meet the needs of the time that will ensure children in Barnwell County will arrive at first grade with the foundational knowledge and skills needed to succeed.
Increase the reach of First Steps services.
Increase the availability of high-quality early care and education opportunities offered by First Steps.
More children arrive at Kindergarten ready for success.
The years of early childhood are a critical period of development during which the foundation for future health and success in school and life begin.
Families are the single most important influence on the development of their young children.
The work of supporting families and caregivers is a collaborative effort between state and local stakeholders within the public, private and faith sectors.
Children receive high-quality childcare.
Early childcare staff are highly qualified and motivated.
Families are supported as their child’s first and most important teachers.
Children will be ready to transition to kindergarten.
110 Franklin Street, Barnwell, SC 29812 | 803-450-1493 | barnwellfirststeps.org
FIRST
STEPS
Last year, because of Barnwell County First Steps: 74% more likely to score at the highest level on the Kindergarten Readiness Assessment 34% less likely to be chronically absent in kindergarten PROVEN RESULTS A 2019 study found that children who received First Steps local partnership services were: $1 = $2.72 Barnwell County First Steps leveraged $345,906 from sources outside of state government, providing a match of $1.72 for every state dollar invested 182 educators participated in First Steps training and professional development, benefitting 500+ children 86 parents & caregivers received services and support to be their child’s first and most important teacher 86 children directly served in Barnwell County
IS HERE
MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Tricia Gordon Executive Director Barnwell County
First Steps
Barnwell County First Steps has a mission statement to “ensure that all children start school ready to reach their highest potential.” Our partnership focuses on providing direct support and resources to our families in Barnwell County in order to provide children with a strong foundation for success in school and in life.
We continue to work to provide high-quality childcare opportunities for our communities. Our programs work with the early childhood directors and educators to improve their skills and assist with the challenges that they face in their centers. In concert with this effort, we provide scholarship opportunities for families that need assistance affording highquality childcare to be able to work or attend school
We value our community partnerships and hope to expand our connections amongst agencies and organizations that serve our children and families in Barnwell County
As we look forward to the future of our partnership, we encourage you to reach out and join us in providing a better future for our children and their families
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MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD CHAIR
CHERYL AZOURI LONG
Chair
Barnwell County First Steps Board of Trustees
Our mission for Barnwell County First Steps has been to make sure that all of the children in Barnwell County have every opportunity to be the best that they can be.
The services that our partnership provides to families and children have evolved further during this program year. We have established a family pantry that focuses on providing diapers, pull-ups, and feminine hygiene products to families across the county. We are here for our families and children to help them during these difficult times.
We, as a board and as a partnership, are committed to doing our best to help our children be their best.
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Barnwell County First Steps takes a holistic approach to accomplishing that all children start school ready to reach their highest potential. We offer services that improve children’s health, strengthen families, expand access to quality early care and education, increase participation in four-year-old kindergarten programs, and help transition rising kindergartners into school.
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6 25 1
7 1 1040.25 $3,247.50
EHS BY THE NUMBERS 2021-2022
14 14 28
children served
families served home visits
If I take care of the child, I take care of the entire family.
LATONYA JONES CONELLY, DIRECTOR, HEAVENLY ANGELS
8
79 48
9 4
29 4 31
10
188 188 11
Childcare center directors and staff benefited from a variety of professional development opportunities during the year. Topics included CPR, growth and development, health and safety, curriculum, and nutrition.
11
210
12
7
Ms. Iris and her daughter, Avery, enjoyed participating in our HIPPY program.
21 356 16
Our goal with Parents As Teachers is to support our parents as they are the first and greatest teacher their child can have.
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Adrian Robinson, Parent Educator & Braylee.
2 3 15 89
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Addressing the needs of young children is a shared endeavor. In addition to providing services to families and support for child care providers, Barnwell County First Steps mobilizes partners and community members to ensure all children in Barnwell County begin school ready to succeed.
We serve as a:
Families from our parenting programs enjoyed an end of year celebration at EdVenture in Columbia.
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16 community events 1233 books distributed
Through partnerships and collaborations, as well as financial support from grants and contributions, Barnwell County First Steps leverages state dollars to enhance and expand services to children and families.
FUNDING SUPPORT
James & Miriam Darnell Fund: $129,407 Barnwell County, ARPA Funds: $100,000 TriCounty Community Foundation: $4,800
IN-KIND SUPPORT
Barnwell 45 School District
JOIN US
For more information on partnership opportunities, visit our website at barnwellfirststeps.org.
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State Funding Federal Funding Private Funding In-Kind Contributions Total
Core Functions
Expenses
8% 92%
Steps has leveraged $3,101,174 from sources outside of
government.
dollar. 17
of State Funds by Program Type
Parents as Teachers $77,340.90 $22,033.37 $0 $0 $99,374.27 Child Care Quality Enhancement $19,709.75 $0 $0 $0 $19,709.75 Child Care Training $21,040.40 $0 $0 $0 $21,040.40 HIPPY $3,923.83 $6,365.12 $0 $0 $10,288.95 Scholarship Initiatives $11,149.03 $0 $129,407.22 $0 $140,556.25 Early Head Start $17,457.47 $128,648.13 $0 $0 $146,105.60 Countdown to Kindergarten $13,216.28 $0 $0 $0 $13,216.28 Administrative Support &
$53,232.50 $508.95 $0 $0 $53,741.45 Total
$217,070.16 $157,555.57 $129,407.22 $0 $504,032.95
Since inception, Barnwell County First
state
That’s $0.64 for every state
Expenditures
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Cheryl Azouri Long, Chair
Ethel Williams, Vice Chair Garnette Alexander, Secretary
Yamile Bryant, Dr. Vickie Carter-Blocker, Amanda Daff, Shanikia Dukes
Sharlene Ford, Jameka Hagood, Carmen Harvey , Hilary Hindman, Doris Jamison, Rosaland Kenner, Catherine Mack, Kimberly Richardson, Sheila Silon, Eryl Smalls
STAFF
Tricia Gordon, Executive Director
Kenya Johnson, Program Coordinator
Alexandera Walker, HIPPY Parent Educator
Renea Brooks, PAT Parent Educator
Brittany Daniels, PAT Parent Educator
Teresa Jenkins, PAT Parent Educator Adrian Robinson, PAT Parent Educator
Amie Sanders, PAT Parent Educator Cynthia Middleton, Data Specialist
Randy Mack, Quality Enhancement, Technical Assistant
CONTACT US
110 Franklin Street, Barnwell, SC 29812 | 803-450-1493 | barnwellfirststeps.org
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@FirstStepsBarnwellCounty
Total number of documents printed: 13. Cost per unit: $17.14. Total printing cost: $222.86.
