Superintendent Molly Spearman announces multi-million dollar investment in early childhood education

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO)– More families in South Carolina will have access to early childhood education. State Superintendent of Education Molly Spearman and the First Steps Program announced a $14.7 million partnership to expand 4K education throughout the state. The money will help fund initiatives for early childhood education and support for parents.

“With less than 40 percent of kindergartners demonstrating readiness pre-pandemic and the promising results of state funded early childhood education programs and pilots, we know the need and benefits of expanding our current offerings,” said State Superintendent of Education Molly Spearman. “COVID-19 has intensified the need to support early learners and their families so that they are ready to learn on day one of kindergarten. This funding will not only support the academic outcomes of our youngest learners, but also provide mental and physical health and wellbeing for them and their families that is paramount to successful outcomes in education and life. An effective early childhood program builds the foundation for school success and lifelong learning.”

Officials say the funding will go towards help with school transitions, afterschool and summercare reading programs, parenting programs and early childhood health and development.

Leaders say this will put thousands of South Carolina’s children on the right path toward education.

“We are incredibly grateful for Superintendent Spearman’s vision to apply these federal resources to programs and services for South Carolina’s youngest children, an investment that will generate an exponential return,” said Georgia Mjartan, Executive Director of South Carolina First Steps. “Children and families whose lives have been upended by COVID-19 will be able to participate in proven programs. Compared to their peers, children enrolled in First Steps programs are 74% more likely to enter kindergarten ready to succeed.”

The funding for the expansion comes from the American Rescue Plan, designed to aid in communities’ recovery from the pandemic.