2021-2022 ANNUAL REPORT
“Through collaboration, Aiken County First Steps empowers families and caregivers to prepare their children for school success by maximizing public and private community resources to deliver, enhance and expand high - quality early childhood services”.
The years of early childhood are a critical window of development during which much of human potential is shaped. Families are the single most important influence on the development of their young children. The work of supporting families and caregivers is a collaborative effort between state and local stakeholders within the public, private and faith sectors.
INCREASE THE REACH OF FIRST STEPS SERVICES
INCREASE THE AVAILABILITY OF HIGH-QUALITY EARLY CARE AND EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES OFFERED BY FIRST STEPS
MORE CHILDREN ARRIVE AT KINDERGARTEN READY FOR SUCCESS
EDUCATE THE COMMUNITY ABOUT PROGRAMS AND SERVICES OFFERED BY AIKEN COUNTY FIRST STEPS.
ENSURE THAT HIGH QUALITY PROGRAMS WILL BE ACCESSIBLE, EQUITABLE, AND AFFORDABLE FOR AIKEN COUNTY FAMILIES.
SUPPORT FAMILIES AS THEIR CHILD’S FIRST AND MOST IMPORTANT TEACHERS.
Street, City SC 00000 | 000-000-0000 | website OR scfirststeps.org/county
105 Gator Lane, Aiken SC 29801 | 803-306-1343 | scfirststeps.org/Aiken
FIRST
$1 = $1.27 Aiken County First Steps leveraged $108,601 from sources outside of state government, providing a match of $0.27 for every state dollar invested
STEPS
HERE Last year, because of Aiken County First Steps: 292 educators participated in First Steps training and professional development, benefitting 500+ children 74% more likely to score at the highest level on the Kindergarten Readiness Assessment 34% less likely to be chronically absent in kindergarten
A 2019 study found that children who received First Steps local partnership services were: 848 parents & caregivers received services and support to be their child’s first and most important teacher 872 children directly served
IS
PROVEN RESULTS
MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Marcia L. Nash, M.Ed. Executive Director
Aiken County First Steps
Aiken County First Steps has played a unique role within the community for over 20 years. Taking the holistic approach, our 2021-2022 programs, Parents as Teachers, Child Care Quality Enhancement, Child Care TrainingProfessional Development, Child Care Scholarships, Countdown to Kindergarten, Dolly Parton Imagination Library, and Early Head Start-Home-Based provided 573 children and 225 families with access to resources they needed, even during the most difficult times.
Under the leadership and guidance of the Aiken County First Steps Board of Trustees, we will continue to leverage the power of community to ensure the children of Aiken County are healthy and ready for school. Thank you to our staff, partners and supporters for making our progress possible.
Marcia L. Nash
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MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD CHAIR
Marie Davidsohn Chair Aiken County First Steps Board of Trustees
DID YOU KNOW?
Studies have proven that access to books and literacy from an early age help prepare children for a better future. They are better students and grow up to become productive adults in society. Many children who are exposed to literacy and books from an early age also become lifelong readers and learners. Reading has been proven to have many benefits for emotional and mental well being. Many families do not have the means or capabilities to access their local public library. It is vital that families have access to literature in their own home. Community programs, like Aiken County First Steps, who provide this material in homes and how to use it can have a great impact on the communities they serve.
Marie Davidsohn
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Every Aiken County child will be prepared for success in school.
7 11 178
8 4 40 265
9 23 4 23
292
12 22 15 243
143 18
14 12
Addressing the needs of young children is a shared endeavor. In addition to providing services to families and support for childcare providers, Aiken County First Steps mobilizes partners and community members to ensure all children in Aiken County begin school ready to succeed. We serve as a:
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1,581 Books Distributed 1,677 Materials Distributed
Through partnerships and collaborations, as well as financial support from grants and contributions, Aiken County First Steps leverages state dollars to enhance and expand services to children and families.
FUNDING SUPPORT
South Carolina First Steps: $346,477
South Carolina Endeavors: $2,000
Mr. & Mrs. John and Margaret Mullin: $200
IN
-
KIND SUPPORT
Aiken County Public School District: $80,075
United Way of Aiken County: $15,000
Ms. Katie Dukes: $400
Mr. Dave Sintich : $200
JOIN US
For more information on partnership opportunities, visit our website at www.scfirststeps.org/aikencounty
(803) - 306 - 1343 105 Gator Lane Aiken SC 29801 16
State Funding Federal Funding Private Funding In-Kind Contributions Total Parents as Teachers $83,064 $2,000 $0 $32.486
Healthy Families $5,063 $0 $0 $8,606
Child Care Quality Enhancement $28,615 $0 $0 $13,455
Child Care Training $28,172 $0 $0 $3,967
Childcare Scholarships $81,760 $0 $0 $4,729
Imagination Library $9,786 $0 $2,500 $15,000 $27,286 Early Head Start $0 $8,521 $0 $8,820 $17,341 Countdown to Kindergarten $23,785 $0 $0 $2,587 $26,372 Core Functions $26,979 $2,080 $0 $3,673 $32,732 Administrative Support $29,466 $0 $0 $2,352 $31,818 Total Expenses $316,692 $12,601 $2,500 $95,675 $427,468 9% 91% Since inception, Aiken County First Steps has leveraged $3,104,661.16 from sources outside of state government. That’s $0.32 for every state dollar. 17 Expenditures of State Funds by Program Type
$117,550
$13,669
$42,070
$32,139
$86,489
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Brandi Betties
Natrica Brighthop - Carpenter, Vice Chair
Tracy Brown
Theodore Burnett, Secretary
Marie Davidsohn , Chair
Gail Diggs
Shadie Hall
Dorothy Hughes
Paige Leopard
Tamisha Lawerence
Teresa Lilly
Charlene Moore - Peterson
Shirley von Beck, Treasurer David Walker, Governance
Ashlee Powell
STAFF
Marcia L. Nash, M.Ed., Executive Director
Tyeisha McKevie , Child Care Technical Assistant
Gwendolyn Ross, Parents as Teaches, Parent Educator
Beatrice Croft, Early Head Start Home Based, Home Visitor CONTACT US
105 Gator Lane | 803 - 306 - 1343| www.scfirststeps.org/ aikencounty
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CONTACT US
Gator Lane | 803 - 306 - 1343|
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105
www.scfirststeps.org/ aikencounty
Total number of documents printed: 21. Cost per unit: $12.20. Total printing cost: $256.25.
