South Carolina First Steps

Looking for a flexible, high-impact role in early childhood education?

SC First Steps is seeking independent contractors to serve as 4K Success Monitors across from September to April. Conduct 45-minute classroom observations to help ensure high-quality preschool environments and set your own schedule.

Compensation: Flat rate of $125 per documented observation.

Flexibility: Self-select morning or afternoon assignments that fit your availability.

Who is the ideal fit?
• Retired Educators wanting to stay connected to the classroom.
• Graduate Students (Education, Child Development, Social Work) looking for flexible, resume-building field experience.
• Freelance Education Consultants looking to supplement their current portfolio.

If you have a background in education, strong observation skills, and reliable transportation, we want to hear from you!

How to Apply: Check out the detailed recruitment notice at https://bit.ly/3Sr8wfs and submit your resume and cover letter to [email protected].

Did you know siblings of 4-year-olds in First Steps 4K may qualify for scholarships covering child care and afterschool programs? Learn more at https://www.scfirststeps.org/first-steps-4k/

Today we celebrate the role that nurturing, committed dads and father figures play in the lives of South Carolina's youngest children. Happy Father's Day!

Today we celebrate and honor the promise of freedom for all. How is your family celebrating Juneteenth this year?

Father's Day is right around the corner! We know when dads are actively involved in early learning, children show stronger language skills and emotional development. To all of the dads and father figures out there, we see you! 💙

First Steps 4K Leader Training is underway, and we're excited to implement our newly revised 4K leadership training across the state!

Our Introduction to 4K Operations and 4K Refinement training sessions are designed to support leadership teams as we prepare for the 2026–27 school year and continue strengthening high-quality 4K programs statewide.

Registration remains open for our June 30 session at the P*e Dee and Upstate locations, and we would love for you to join us.
https://bit.ly/49YC61J

L to R: Windy Tatum, Precious Little Angels Day Care; Markesha Jackson, Abundant Blessing CDC; Antonio Smith, Bright Minds Learning Academy; Shawna Bynum, The Franklin School.

Reading together helps kids get ready for school. This Children's Awareness Month, try to spend 15 minutes each day reading with your child. Share your family's favorite read-aloud picks in the comments! 📚

Let's play outside today!🌳

Celebrate World Environment Day by getting outside with a backyard scavenger hunt or drawing pictures of bugs and butterflies with sidewalk chalk.

June is Children's Awareness Month and we're all in! Every child in South Carolina deserves to arrive at kindergarten healthy, happy, and ready to thrive. This month, join us as we celebrate the families, educators, and communities making that possible. Tag a parent or caregiver with a shoutout today! 💛

We're hiring a Director of Communications!

Are you a data-driven storyteller and a strategic communications leader? Do you want to use your expertise to increase public awareness of school readiness, strengthen stakeholder engagement, and promote participation in early childhood programs across South Carolina?

We're seeking a dynamic Director of Communications to serve as a key leader within our state’s comprehensive early childhood system. In this role, you will lead a high-performing team and spearhead collaborative strategies that connect our agency's resources with parents, legislators, media, 4K sites, and local partnerships across the state. This position is essential to our mission of directing $80M in funding to support children from birth through age 5, while also supporting the vital work of the Early Childhood Advisory Council.

What you’ll do:

Drive Data-Led Strategy and Innovation: Use data to design marketing and communication initiatives that yield measurable progress toward our five-year strategic goals and full utilization of the agency’s resources and services.

Engage Statewide Stakeholders: Build and maintain positive relationships with diverse partners, state agencies, media, and the State Board of Trustees.

Champion the Brand: Oversee brand management, program marketing, public information, and crisis communications.

Learn more and apply here: https://bit.ly/4x9DmZZ

To learn about other career opportunities, visit our jobs page at: https://www.scfirststeps.org/about-us/jobs/