Dillon County First Steps

Dillon County First Steps Dillon County First Steps is a non-profit organization committed to delivering high-quality early childhood programs aimed at preparing children for school.

For further details regarding the services we offer, please call (843) 774-0061. WHAT IS FIRST STEPS
South Carolina First Steps to School Readiness was created in 1999 by the South Carolina General Assembly for the purpose of having every child in South Carolina arrive at kindergarten ready to learn. Sadly, many South Carolina children possess one or more risk factors that put them at high risk (g

reater than a 1 in 3 chance) for “early school failure” – either being retained or scoring below grade level in reading or math – by third grade. First Steps exists to bring together efforts in early childhood at the state and local level, public and private, to focus and intensify services and assure the most efficient use of all available resources to serve the needs of South Carolina’s young children and their families. First Steps works to accomplish its mission through a state coordinating office and a network of county partnerships (46), each a private non-profit organization led by a board of early childhood stakeholders. With a modest recurring appropriation of state funding, First Steps leverages cash and in-kind resources at the federal, state and local level to improve services for young children in five strategy areas:

Family Strengthening
A parent is a child’s first and best teacher. Healthy Start
Children’s development and ability to learn are profoundly impacted by their health. Quality Child Care
Access to high-quality care is a critical component of a child’s healthy development. Early Education
Quality preschool opportunities set the stage for success in school. School Transition
Preparing children and parents for a successful transition into kindergarten.

❤️ TONIGHT IS ALL ABOUT FAMILY!❤️It’s not to late to join our Nurturing Parenting Program. An awesome program designed t...
08/19/2026

❤️ TONIGHT IS ALL ABOUT FAMILY!❤️

It’s not to late to join our Nurturing Parenting Program. An awesome program designed to support, encourage, and strengthen the ENTIRE FAMILY!

Whether you’re a mom, dad, father figure, mother figure, or caregiver there’s something for you! Come connect with other families, enjoy meaningful conversations, have some fun, and gain practical tools that can make a difference at home.

TONIGHT – Wednesday, August 19, 2026 at 6:30 PM
City of Dillon Wellness Center

Bring the family and come grow with us!
Because when we strengthen parents, encourage children, and support families, we help build a stronger community.

✨ First Steps. Brighter Futures✨

💜💙💛WHAT AN AMAZING NIGHT!💛💙💜Our Dillon County First Steps 2026 August Nurturing Parenting Fatherhood & Moms Group Meet &...
08/13/2026

💜💙💛WHAT AN AMAZING NIGHT!💛💙💜

Our Dillon County First Steps 2026 August Nurturing Parenting Fatherhood & Moms Group Meet & Greet was a HUGE success! We were blessed to welcome 93 dads, moms, father/mother figures, teens, and children** for an evening filled with **laughter, learning, family interaction, connection, food, and FUN!

One of the highlights of the evening was our interactive game. What started with smiles and laughter quickly became something educational, meaningful, and even emotional. It reminded us that sometimes the simplest activities can open the door to powerful conversations, self-reflection, and stronger family connections.

At Dillon County First Steps, our goal goes beyond teaching parenting strategies. We want every person who walks through our doors adult, teen, or child to leave encouraged, empowered, and inspired to become a better version of themselves. When we strengthen the individual, we strengthen the family, and when we strengthen families, we help build a stronger community.

Last night showed us just how important opportunities like this are in Dillon County. And this is only the beginning! Our 15-week Nurturing Parenting Program will continue bringing families together through new parenting strategies, health and wellness, family interaction, connection, food, fun, and support.

We do not own the rights to the music!

💙 MEET THE TEAM | Dillon County First Steps Nurturing Parenting Group 💜At Dillon County First Steps, we believe in build...
08/12/2026

💙 MEET THE TEAM | Dillon County First Steps Nurturing Parenting Group 💜

At Dillon County First Steps, we believe in building stronger, healthier connections within families by supporting the entire family—parents, caregivers, and children!

Meet the dedicated team behind our Nurturing Parenting Fatherhood & Motherhood Groups! Our team is committed to creating a welcoming, supportive space where families can learn, grow, connect, and strengthen their relationships together.

Through our 15-week parenting sessions, families receive practical parenting strategies, encouragement, resources, health and wellness support, family interaction opportunities, and plenty of food, fun, and connection. Childcare is also provided, because we want parents to be able to participate, learn, and enjoy the experience.

🌟 Meet Our Team:
Shirleen Davis – Executive Director
Shantel McRae – Parenting Program Supervisor
Darrel Gibson Jr. – Nurturing Father’s Facilitator
Cory Wilson – Nurturing Father’s Facilitator

It truly takes a village to raise strong children and build strong families, and we are proud to be part of that village! 💙💜

Meet the Team Behind the Fun & Learning! 💚💙We are excited to introduce our amazing Children’s Group Team: Shannon Hargro...
08/12/2026

Meet the Team Behind the Fun & Learning! 💚💙

We are excited to introduce our amazing Children’s Group Team: Shannon Hargrove and Deontae Godfray, Children’s Group Facilitators, along with Smilfeecia Charles and Jaquasia McCormick, Childcare Assistants. Together, they bring energy, compassion, creativity, and a genuine love for working with children.

During our 15-week Children’s Group sessions, children participate in engaging experiences that promote school readiness, communication and friendship skills, health and wellness, family and community awareness, interactive learning, and fun recreational activities.

While parents are learning and growing in their sessions, our children are doing the same! 🌟

At Dillon County First Steps, we believe strong families grow when parents and children are supported, encouraged, and empowered together.! 💚💙

08/12/2026

Come out and join an amazing program tonight at 6:30pm at the City of Dillon Wellness Center Dillon County First Steps

08/11/2026

💜💙 Dillon County First Steps Nurturing Parenting Group Meet & Greet 💙💜
It takes a village to raise a child, and we’re bringing our village together! 🏡❤️
Join Dillon County First Steps for our Nurturing Parenting Group Meet & Greet on Wednesday, August 12 at 6:30 PM at the City of Dillon Wellness Center.

07/21/2026

The Dillon County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) is partnering with Dillon County First Steps to help students learn to make positive choices and prepare for the upcom

ATTENTION PARENTS OF YOUTH AGES 10–15 YEARS OLDDillon County Sheriff's Office are proud to present the F.O.C.U.S. Progra...
07/20/2026

ATTENTION PARENTS OF YOUTH AGES 10–15 YEARS OLD

Dillon County Sheriff's Office are proud to present the F.O.C.U.S. Program (Focusing on Choices, Understanding Success)—a powerful three-day experience designed to inspire, educate, and empower our youth.

Through interactive activities, facility tours, mentorship from deputies, leadership development, and real conversations about choices and consequences, participants will gain the tools they need to build confidence, character, discipline, and a brighter future.

📅 July 20–22, 2026
🕙 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 Dillon County Sheriff's Office
1033 Old Latta Hwy, Dillon, SC 29536

*Lunch Provided Daily
*Transportation Available Upon Request

Our heartfelt thanks go to our exceptional Teachers, Shannon Hargrove, Deontay Godfrey, Jaquasia McCormick, and Smilfeec...
05/09/2026

Our heartfelt thanks go to our exceptional Teachers, Shannon Hargrove, Deontay Godfrey, Jaquasia McCormick, and Smilfeecia Bethea, whose dedication and passion make our Wednesday Nights Parenting Sessions a perfect blend of fun and learning.

Address

Dillon, SC
29536

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4pm
Tuesday 8am - 4pm
Wednesday 8am - 4pm
Thursday 8am - 4pm
Friday 8am - 4pm

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