Lancaster County First Steps leads the effort of our community to see that all children are ready to be successful in school. Our organization, which is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, serves children from birth to 5 years of age. We are fortunate to have the help of many committed individuals and business partners, along with an energetic, enthusiastic staff and a supportive group of board members, contributors and community volunteers.

South Carolina First Steps was formed in 1999 as a comprehensive, results-oriented statewide education
initiative to help children succeed in school and in life. First Steps works to ensure that children get the
stimulation they need during the most critical period of brain development. Public and private support are combined through county partnerships, enabling communities to address the unmet needs of young children and their families. The 46 South Carolina counties have each formed a local partnership to best serve the needs of their individual communities.

Now Accepting Applications for Fall 2018

Lancaster County First Steps Early Head Start – Child Care Partnership is a federally-funded community based program.  This program is a child development and family support program for low-income families with young children.  The program provides full-day, full-time childcare in one of our partner childcare centers. READ MORE

Thank for Your Support of Our  Weekend Backpack Program

Lancaster Food Lion (Airport Road), donated 3 shopping carts to Lancaster County First Steps.  The carts will be used to distribute backpacks at Clinton Elementary for the weekend feeding program.  This program is funded by The Springs Close Foundation, and food is purchased from Second Harvest Food Bank.  Employees from the Lancaster County Administrative offices volunteer weekly to assist with distribution. Lancaster County First Steps is grateful for all of the community support that allows this program to be so successful.  

If you are interested in making donation to the Weekend Backpack program please contact Lancaster County First Steps @ LC1stSteps@comporium.net or call 803-286-8000.

Pictured left to right:  Gary Watson, Lancaster County Employee/Back Pack Program Volunteer; Troy Moore, Food Lion Assistant Store Manager; Andy Morgan, Lancaster County Employee/Back Pack Program Volunteer

Weekend Backpack Program Volunteers

Lancaster County Administrative Offices

Weekend Back Pack Feeding Program at Clinton Elementary Volunteers from Lancaster County Administrative Offices.  Pictured front row: Angie Estridge, Gavin Witherspoon , Dedra Brown, Jennifer Page, Patricia Rutledge. Back Row: Deanna Adams, Debbie Treywek, Sara Jenkins and Gary Watson.

A Celebration of Success – View our Video!