2021-2022 ANNUAL REPORT
To collaborate for ensuring that all children start school ready to reach their highest potential with engaged support from their parents, caregivers, and communities.
By FY23, the percentage of children in need who are directly served by Chester County First Steps will increase from 11% to 12%.
Every child will enter school healthy and ready to learn
• Effectively serve as a local portal for connecting preschool children and their families to services.
• Network with local agencies, organizations, businesses, school districts and faith-based groups to disseminate materials and market services.
• Create fundraising activities, events or projects, implementing strategies that achieve fundraising goals.
Street, City SC 00000 | 000-000-0000 | website OR
scfirststeps.org/county
109 Ella St., Chester, SC 29706| 803-685-6174 | www.chesterfirststeps.org
MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
I am excited to have the privilege to serve the community in which I lived, played, learned and grew. I do not take this opportunity lightly or for granted. First Steps has had a vital presence in the Chester community, and it is my desire to strengthen & build upon the foundation already established by:
➢ Creating a more visible presence in the community
W.
➢ Serving as a liaison between the local childcare providers and the school district in order to provide a smoother transition for school entry
➢ Providing resources to local childcare providers to support their efforts of providing quality care in Chester County
➢ Providing participating parents with resources needed to advocate for their child(ren)’s education and for their family well-being
➢ Establishing First Steps as a local portal for Early Childhood Education in Chester County
I look forward to working with other agencies in Chester to provide essential resources and support to families so our children will enter school healthy and ready to learn.
3
LaTonya
Boyd Executive Director Chester County First Steps
We will be successful when all children reach their highest potential.
4
Trainings offered by First Steps are very beneficial. I hate to miss any of them. I always attend every training whether I need the hours or not because I know I will learn something I can use with my babies. I also appreciate the materials we get to compliment the trainings. Felicia McCaskill, Over the Rainbow
5
112 43 11
Felicia McCaskill, Over the Rainbow
23 12
Being apart of First Steps is like working with family. I learn many valuable things for my family from recipes to resources. I enjoy attending the group meetings so I can get ideas from other parents.
Alicia M. Cousar, Parent
6
LOL: LITERACY ON THE LAWN
There is no magic wand guaranteeing developmental outcomes for children. The magic happens when we tap into the imagination of children. Attention to their interest and plenty of resources captivated the children and parents at Literacy on the Lawn (LOL) activities. Literacy on the Lawn is a project sponsored by Chester County First Steps in collaboration with the Chester County Library held at the Dawson Drive Housing Authority Apartments. Books appropriate for all ages were given to children and parents. Volunteers read and led activities related to themes of stories. An additional distribution of bookmarks, book bags and activity kits were given to each child and parents received parenting materials supporting early learning and school readiness.
7
LITERACY ON THE LAWN BY THE NUMBERS 2021-2022 225 materials distributed 4 events held 45 total event attendance
Addressing the needs of young children is a shared endeavor. In addition to providing services to families and support for childcare providers, Chester County First Steps mobilizes partners and community members to ensure all children in Chester County begin school ready to succeed. We serve as a:
First Steps has in Chester County. Sandra Johnson, DSS Director/Board Secretary
8
13 Collaboration Meetings 9 Referrals
Through partnerships and collaborations, as well as financial support from grants and contributions, Chester County First Steps leverages state dollars to enhance and expand services to children and families.
FUNDING SUPPORT
State of South Carolina – $176,523 (South Carolina First Steps)
Help Me Grow SC - $10,000
The Springs Close Foundation - $5,000
South Carolina First Steps (CTK) - $5,000
IN-KIND SUPPORT
Chester County - $34,200
JOIN US
Edit this message for your partnership. Example: For more information on partnership opportunities, visit our website at smithcountyfirststeps.org
9
State Funding Federal Funding Private Funding In-Kind Contributions Total Nurturing Parenting $93,900 $0 $114 $18,119 $112,133 Core Functions $20,283 $3,422 $673 $576 $24,955 Child Care Training & Prof. Dev $67,257 $0 $164 $14,785 $82,206 Countdown to Kindergarten $209 $2,250 $0 $0 $2,459 Administrative Support $ $ $ $ $ Total Expenses $206,131 $5,672 $951 $34,200 $246,955 2% 98% Since inception, ABC County First Steps has leveraged $1,512,583 from sources outside of state government. That’s $0.38 for every state dollar. 10 Expenditures of State Funds by Program Type
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Dr. Tammy Graham, Chair
Felicia McCaskill, Vice-Chair
Sandra Johnson, Secretary
Dr. Ricky Cremeans Lottie Crosby Patrice Davis
Walter Jones
Gail Keenon
William Rice Oresa Roddey Laurel Sharp Sherri Stringfellow
Board Advisory Committee
Sandra Davie
Dr. Cynthia Roddey .
STAFF
LaTonya Boyd, Executive Director Candy Gore, Parent Educator .
CONTACT US
109 Ella Street Chester, SC 29706 | 803-385-6174| www.chesterfirststeps.org
11
Total number of documents printed: 14. Cost per unit: $12.76. Total printing cost: $178.57.
