Kershaw County First Steps Annual Report 2021-2022

Through community collaboration, KCFS will provide access to resources and support for families, enabling children to enter school ready to learn.

1.. By 2023, the percentage of children under age 6 who benefit from Kershaw County First Steps quality enhancement and training efforts will increase from 2% to 5%.

2. By 2023, the percentage of children in need who are directly served by Kershaw County First Steps will increase from 9% to 18%.

Families are the single most important influence on the development of their young children.

Your values go here.

The work of supporting families and caregivers is a collaborative effort between state and local stakeholders within the public, private and faith sectors.

1. Families are part of a connected community; have the resources they need to support their children and inform ongoing school readiness efforts.

2. Children birth to five have positive early childhood experiences and the supports they need in all settings.

3. A cohesive system of school readiness supports is accessible, equitable, data driven and directly linked to family needs..

FIRST

MESSAGE

FROM

THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Kimberley Jordan Executive Director Kershaw County

First Steps

The whole world seems to be catching on to the idea that learning starts at birth, and that it takes place, not just in the home, but in the early learning centers that we call “child care.” The science of brain development, coupled with long-term studies that compare children who have received high quality preschool experiences with those who have not, point to the need for public policies that support families in being able to find and afford high quality child care and out-of-school-time programs. Children do better in school and in life if they receive this positive early start. At Kershaw County First Steps, we feel a strong responsibility to educate parents, providers, public policy makers and other members of the community on why school readiness is so important.

Every Kershaw County child will be prepared for success in school

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Rudine McLeod, Parents as Teachers Program Director, recognizes families that are the child’s first teacher during parent meetings and events.

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Each family is given a blue bag at the conclusion of the Raising A Reader program year. The families are encouraged to use the bag to visit their local library and continue literacy strategies.

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Connecting with my child’s teacher was a gift this summer. We will be comfortable when we start school.

Jean Wilson, Parent

Addressing the needs of young children is a shared endeavor. In addition to providing services to families and support for childcare providers, Kershaw County First Steps mobilizes partners and community members to ensure all children in Kershaw County begin school ready to succeed. We serve as a:

Through partnerships and collaborations, as well as financial support from grants and contributions, Kershaw County First Steps leverages state dollars to enhance and expand services to children and families. .

FUNDING SUPPORT

List each funder: Indicate their total FY2021 contribution

Camden Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta Sorority $400

IN-KIND SUPPORT

List each in-kind partner here. KC Health Center.

JOIN US

For more information on partnership opportunities, visit our website at kershawfirststeps.org

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Jennifer Kelley, Chair

Charlene Hayward, Vice Chair

William James, Treasurer

Leslie Williams, Secretary

Stephen James, Asst. Secretary

Veronica Lewis Betty Turner

STAFF

Karean Troy

Megan LeGrand

Thomas Bowen, J.D.

Ora Lee Blair

Carolyn Lyles

Virginia Catoe

Kimberley Jordan, Executive Director

Rudine McLeod, Program Manager

Patrice Davis, Early Childhood Coordinator

Jessica Clea, Parent Educator CONTACT US

401 Church Street Camden, SC 29020 | 803-432-7756| kershawfirststeps.org