Lexington County Schools Join S.C. First Steps Countdown to Kindergarten Campaign

Lexington County Schools Kickoff Participation in the S.C. First Steps Countdown to Kindergarten Campaign

LEXINGTON, SC – Lexington County schools are among the 94 school districts and community organizations selected from 33 counties nationwide to participate in the annual S.C. First Steps Countdown to Kindergarten campaign. This year, the campaign kicked off on Wednesday, May 29, with the aim to provide rising kindergarteners and their families with resources and support for a smooth transition to the classroom.

Supporting Parents to Aid Smooth Transition into Kindergarten

According to a 2023 survey by South Carolina First Steps involving 2,727 parents and caregivers in South Carolina, it was revealed that 75% of parents need assistance in preparing their child for kindergarten. In response to these indicators, South Carolina First Steps has launched the annual Countdown to Kindergarten Campaign. The initiative, through its partnerships with schools and community organizations across the state, aims to aid upcoming kindergartners and their families with the necessary resources and support into the classroom.

A Holistic Approach to Kindergarten Preparation

The Countdown to Kindergarten focuses not only on providing resources but also organizes activities aimed to build confidence and connections among families. These activities along with community resources are linked to efforts in promoting school readiness, fostering connections with schools, and propelling early registration in the participating districts.

“Every child deserves a positive start in school, and Countdown to Kindergarten is our commitment to making that happen,” said Janice Kilburn, school transition coordinator at South Carolina First Steps. “By working together with educators and community partners, we are helping families across the state build the confidence and connections they need to support their child’s academic success from the very beginning.”

Resources made available for Families

Families are encouraged to visit the countdownsc.org website. This site provides a wealth of information and resources to aid parents in preparing their children for kindergarten. Resources on the website include helpful tips, a school directory, and a calendar that showcases local Countdown to Kindergarten events.

About South Carolina First Steps: South Carolina First Steps is a state agency and a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. It is the only statewide dedicated early childhood agency focused on the healthy development and school readiness of children from birth through 5. The agency plays a crucial role in supporting young children across all 46 counties. In the 2023 fiscal year, the organization directly served 54,241 young children, equating to 37% of the young children in need in the state.