South Carolina Governor Ratifies Early Childhood Education 'First Steps' Legislation at State Capitol

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In a momentous move highlighting South Carolina's commitment to early childhood education, Governor Henry McMaster officially ratified the 'First Steps' legislation at the State Capitol. This piece of legislation, now permanently authorized, underlines the state's pledge to building a robust foundation for its youngest learners.

Introduced by the South Carolina General Assembly in 1999, the First Steps program initially aimed to ensure that every child, right from birth to age five, is well-prepared as they start their academic journey. The program, designed as a comprehensive public-private collaboration, positioned South Carolina as the third state in the U.S. to pioneer such an initiative.

Governor McMaster, speaking at the ratification, remarked, "South Carolina First Steps has been an indispensable asset, transforming our state into a beacon of early childhood education. With this legislation, we're not only reaffirming our commitment but also guaranteeing that our children step into school equipped and eager to learn. We're crafting a brighter future, both for them and for South Carolina."

Georgia Mjartan, the executive director of South Carolina First Steps, expressed her gratitude and excitement over the landmark legislation. "For over two decades, First Steps has acted as an anchor for families with toddlers, ensuring they get the best start in life," said Mjartan. "Today marks a pivotal day, solidifying that our support for South Carolina families remains strong. First Steps isn't going anywhere. It's here to stay."

A noteworthy facet of this initiative is the First Steps 4K program. Since 2006, it has provided free kindergarten education for four-year-olds, focusing particularly on those in private settings. In 2021, Governor McMaster broadened the horizon by offering full-day 4K to every lower-income child in the state. This choice-driven approach allows parents to select between public, private, or for-profit childcare providers, tailoring their child's educational needs.

Representative Stewart Jones chimed in on the collective effort behind the legislation, stating, "The community's overwhelming support and collaborative efforts have been truly humbling. This is about unlocking potential and guaranteeing that every child in South Carolina has the key to a promising education and a bright future."

In a display of bipartisan support, the bill received unanimous votes in both the House and the Senate. It officially took effect on June 19, 2023.

This ratification reaffirms South Carolina's unwavering commitment to its future generations, ensuring they're not only ready to learn but also set on a path to succeed.