Effective early learning environments provide the foundation for young learners. Early childhood classroom environments must promote multiple and varied opportunities for young learners to develop and enhance their knowledge, skills, dispositions, and feelings. Information, website links, and resources are provided below to support developmentally appropriate activities for learning content through a curriculum supported by a classroom rich in language and literacy experiences for early learners.
Please visit SC Profile for additional information regarding early learning in South Carolina.
Resources
First Five SC
First5SC is a collaborative effort of SC public services and is supported by the Early Childhood Advisory Council. This resource connects families with South Carolina's public services for young children. It is a one-stop portal that families and their advocates can use to find information about childcare, health, early intervention, nutrition, and parenting support programs in their area.
First5SC also is a single stop for finding free, high-quality pre-school programs for 3- and 4-year-old children throughout South Carolina. Check eligibility for pre-school and other public programs and services at First5SC.
Palmetto Pre-K
Palmetto Pre-K is an initiative supported by the SC Early Childhood Advisory Council that aims to provide families with 24/7 online access to search for high-quality 3- and 4-year-old preschool programs throughout the state.
Palmetto Pre-K is your one-stop shop for finding FREE 3- and 4-year-old preschool programs in your area. Check your child's eligibility today by visiting the Palmetto Pre-K webpage.
SC Profile of the Ready Kindergartner
Profile of the Ready Kindergartner
All children are ready for kindergarten when they are five years old by September 1 of that school year; but kindergarten readiness is more than a matter of age. For a strong start in school, children need positive relationships and supportive learning environments beginning at birth. It is our responsibility as families, caregivers and communities to nurture the health and development necessary for school success.
South Carolina’s Profile of the Ready Kindergartner describes the physical, cognitive, social and emotional signs of school readiness. Because each child develops differently, each child will be ready in different ways. That is why schools and educators must also be ready: prepared to meet the individual needs of students at all levels of readiness and provide whatever support and services are needed for a quality kindergarten experience.
Readiness Assessments
An overview of the Pre-K and Kindergarten Readiness Assessment can be found on the Readiness Assessment webpage.
SC Waterford UPSTART Family Engagement Program
Waterford UPSTART is an innovative human-powered, tech assisted learning model that empowers parents and caregivers as their child’s first teacher right in the home. Using a blend of parent training, weekly coaching, and research-based early learning software, the program, implemented by Waterford.org personalizes supports for families to help every child start school strong, ready for school success.
South Carolina Waterford UPSTART Family Engagement Program 2019-2020 School Year Outcomes Report (May 2020)
This document, South Carolina’s Early Learning Standards (referred to as SC-ELS), serves as the shared vision for the education of South Carolina’s children, and answers the question “What foundational skills do children need to experience success in school?” By providing this common set of Goals and Developmental Indicators for children from birth through kindergarten entry, the hope is that family members, educators, administrators, and policy makers together can do the best job possible to provide experiences that help children be well prepared for success in school and life.
Literacy Resources
Professional Learning Opportunities for Early Learning
State of South Carolina Form to Elect Non-Attendance in Compulsory Kindergarten
