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.
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
