“The best evidence suggests that learning begets learning, that early investments in learning are effective. As a society, we cannot afford to postpone investing in children until they become adults, nor can we wait until they reach school age—a time when it may be too late to intervene.”
James J. Heckman, Ph.D. and Nobel Laureate in Economic Sciences | Professor of Economics and Director, Center for the Economics of Human Development, University of Chicago
What We Do
Our Programs
Quality Counts
For more information click here.
Early Head Start
For more information click here.
Nurse-Family Partnership
For more information click here.
The Franklin School
For more information click here.
Vida Y Salud
Spartanburg First Steps is partnering with Upstate Family Resource Center through an SC First Steps READY grant to expand the existing Vida Y Salud program. Vida Y Salud helps build a stronger South Carolina by supporting Latino communities with education, advocacy, and leadership development. For more information click here.
Countdown to Kindergarten
Countdown to Kindergarten is designed to increase family awareness of kindergarten expectations, create positive home-school relationships, and ensure a smooth transition to school. Spartanburg First Steps has partnered with this program since 2019. For more information click here.
What Drives Us
Our Mission
Spartanburg County First Steps mission is to help all young children in our county arrive at school ready to learn and prepared for success. To accomplish that we:
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Support evidenced-based programs that are designed to strengthen families and support children’s growth and development during the first 5 years of life.
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Build trusting relationships with early learning centers using a model of continuous improvement that helps to build and sustain high-quality learning environments.
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Collaborate with community partners to maximize our efforts and to increase our impact positively on school readiness.
Get Involved
Spartanburg County First Steps works with local businesses, nonprofits, churches, and schools to help all children enter school ready to thrive. This means we support events throughout the year in support of school readiness and the importance of a quality early childhood. If you would like to join us at one or more of these events, let us know by clicking here.
Upcoming Events
Board of Directors' Meeting
March 25, 2026
4:00 – 5:00
Zoom – email jlamm@1steps.org for link
Our Impact
48
Child Care
Providers Served
6450
Number of children and adults served by Spartanburg County First Steps in 2023 – 2024
For more information about our impact on Spartanburg County check out our
Annual Report.
2604
Number of children 0-5
enrolled in provider classrooms
Donate Today
The prosperity of Spartanburg County depends on our ability to support quality early education for future generations. Help a child enter school ready to learn and grow!
A donation today is a step toward a healthier, smarter, and stronger community tomorrow.
The
Latest
Walking in Their Shoes: Poverty Simulation Experience
This week, several of our staff participated in a Poverty Simulation — an interactive experience designed to shed light on the day-to-day challenges faced by families living in poverty. read more…
Project 100: Quality Childcare for Spartanburg’s Growing Future
Spartanburg Childcare Providers Receive Boost Through Project 100
Spartanburg County is celebrating a major win for families and small business owners with the latest round of Project 100 funding. Five locally owned childcare centers have been awarded a total of $164,000 in grants to improve quality and expand capacity.
This exciting initiative is made possible through a collaborative effort led by OneSpartanburg, Power Up Spartanburg, the Mary Black Foundation, and Spartanburg County First Steps Quality Counts program. (more…)
The Franklin School 4K Celebration
On May 28, 2025, The Franklin School’s 4K students rolled into their next big adventure—literally! The Cleveland Academy auditorium came alive with excitement as our littlest learners skated into the room to kick off their unforgettable graduation celebration. read more…