South Carolinaโs governor is proposing a $3M boost to First Steps 4K, aiming to expand access to full-day pre-K as rising costs and enrollment strain resources.
COLUMBIA, S.C. โ A program that pays for low-income families to send their 4-year-olds to preschool could soon get a boost amid rising costs, a child-care shortage, and the growing number of families in need.
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster is calling for a nearly $3 million increase to the First Steps 4K program to help low-income families access full-day pre-kindergarten for their children, a part of the Child Early Reading and Development Education program.ย
According to Martha Strickland, 4 K Director for First Steps, the program has seen a 7% increase yearly in the number of families that enroll.
“Even costs like classroom furniture, what we used to buy five years ago is just about doubled,” Strickland said. “So that cost continues to rise like everything in our lives continues to rise, so we’ve got to be prepared for that.”
Families can choose from several participating preschools, ranging from public school programs to faith-based, private 4K classes. All preschools must have education components as part of the Child Early Reading and Development Education program.
To qualify, children must meet income-based criteria, such as Medicaid eligibility or enrollment in programs like SNAP or free and reduced lunch, or be in foster care or experiencing homelessness.
Brookland Academy Child Development Center is one of the preschools working with the program. Programs are met with rising costs, including finding teachers and food.
โJust alone, our highest portion of our budget is allotted to personnel costs, and then beyond personnel costs is food costs,โ Academy Director Jennifer McConnell said.
McConnell said bringing in more families could impact children’s learning and literacy going into kindergarten.ย
A study by the Education Oversight Committee found that children who participated in the 4K program in 2022 were more likely to meet kindergarten readiness standards than those who did not.
Strickland said they hope to bring those services where they’re most needed.
โWe want to make sure that our underserved communities in South Carolina continue to grow and expand in those areas where we know access is more difficult for families,โ Strickland said.
The governorโs budget proposal will need legislative approval and, if passed, would take effect in July.
Families can visit the First Steps website to apply for the program. They can also enroll for the current school year. The 2025-2026 school year application will be released on Feb. 3.
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