About Berkeley County First Steps Revised

Berkeley County First Steps is a statewide initiative to
prepare young children for school and a lifetime of
learning by:





Providing improved childcare and early education opportunities
Expanding and improving healthcare
Strengthening families through parenting skills programs
Serving as a leading advocate for the education of young children

Our Mission
The mission of Berkeley County First Steps is to improve the health and education of
Berkeley County’s youngest children so they can enter school ready to succeed and eager
to learn.
Parents as Teachers Home Visitation Program
Parents As Teachers is a voluntary early education home visitation program based on the
philosophy that parents are a child’s first and most influential teacher. Using specially
developed curriculum, trained parent educator’s work with parents of young children to
enhance parenting skills, offer periodic screenings and provide developmental
information. The parent educators are housed in Berkeley County School District
elementary schools and also do group meetings at their respective schools. Participating
families receive home visits from the parent educators every other week.
ABC Child Care Scholarship Program
In collaboration with the ABC Child Care Voucher Program, Berkeley County First Steps
offers ABC scholarships to low-income families who are in a home visitation program
(Parents As Teachers or Nurse Family Partnership) and who are working or in school.
Families who are approved, receive a list of child care providers who accept the voucher
and meet quality child care standards. Vouchers may be utilized for up to 52 weeks of

care.


Private 4K Expansion
Berkeley County is a plaintiff county benefiting from the South Carolina Child
Development Education Pilot Program. This program expands access of low-income
children to full day, four-year-old kindergarten within select community-based settings
such as child care centers. Qualifying children must live in Berkeley County, be four
years old by September 1st, and qualify for free/reduced lunch, or Medicaid.
Berkeley County First Steps Child Care Training
Berkeley County First Steps hosts annual trainings that are designed to improve the
quality of child care offered in programs, schools and family daycare homes. These
trainings provide early care educators with opportunities to complete the mandated
certified training hours required by DSS.
Child Care Quality Enhancement
Berkeley County First Steps provides ongoing site coaching opportunities to support
curriculum development and reflective practices in centers and homes that are
participating in one of our cohort programs. Teachers will be engaged in an assortment
of trainings, field trips, and coaching sessions throughout the year.
Early Identification and Referral/PASOS
Berkeley County First Steps provides free hearing, vision and developmental screenings
for children under five. Staff administers the screenings in child care centers and homes
throughout Berkeley County. Additionally, staff works with parents and providers to
initiate referrals to Babynet when red flags are identified. Parents and providers are also
offered ideas and activities to promote development in children who may be at risk for
problems resulting from medical, biological, or environment factors.
Doula Program
Berkeley County First Steps provides free doula services to pregnant teens, ensuring they
receive emotional and physical support during pregnancy, child birth, and the postpartum period. Services begin the seventh month of the client’s pregnancy, and continue
through the delivery of the child, and until one-month post-partum. The doula maintains

an educational and supportive relationship with the client through regular home visits,
assisting the mom in completing birth plans, and connecting her with community
resources that promote good health, and parenting techniques.
Mental Health Support Services


Berkeley County First Steps provides Mental Health Consultation Services to our
existing strategies, and community partners on an as needed basis. The consultant is
available to assess the needs of clients, identify social service/mental health linkages,
facilitate referrals, and advocate for access to needed services. The consultant is also
available to provide parent and provider community education workshops on mental
health.