Charleston County First Steps

New! 🎙 SC First Steps Executive Director Georgia Mjartan is the featured guest on The Collective Voice of Health IT, a WEDI podcast. Tune in as Director Mjartan discusses First Five SC and how she led this pioneering effort to seamlessly connect South Carolinians to the full spectrum of state- and federally-funded services available to young children.

🔗 Learn more and listen to the podcast here: https://bit.ly/3tbNqFh

New RSV vaccine for pregnant women and people 60 and up arrives at MUSC Health New RSV vaccine for pregnant women and people aged 60 and up arrives at MUSC Health. “No-brainer” for people who qualify, says expert.

It's Child Passenger Safety Week! Car crashes are a leading cause of death for children. Know for sure if your child is in the right seat. Click on the link below to view a list of car seat fitting stations by county and get your car seat checked today!



https://scdhec.gov/sites/default/files/assets/cspfitting/index.html

🌟 Early Childhood Educators and Childcare Providers - Join us for this FREE, virtual child care training! 🧡Don't miss out on this opportunity to grow as a childcare professional and make a positive impact on the lives of the children you serve. 🌈 Let's come together to create a safe and nurturing environment for our young learners. See you there!

📢 We are thrilled to announce that the Motheread/Fatheread Literacy program is coming to Charleston County! 📚 Motheread/Fatheread is an amazing literacy program that empowers parents and caregivers to become their child's first and best teacher. Through engaging workshops and reading sessions, Motheread/Fatheread helps families nurture a love for learning in their little ones. ❤️ We can't wait to bring this incredible program to our community and watch our families grow stronger together through the magic of books. 🙌 Thank you to SC First Steps and READY Grant funding for believing in the power of literacy and investing in our children's futures. 🙏 Your support is a game-changer! ✨

Biting is a common behavior in toddlers. This week, we will share information and tips to help parents and caregivers identify why the behavior may be occurring and how to appropriately manage toddler biting.

🌟 Happy National Hispanic Heritage Month! A great way to celebrate this rich and vibrant culture is by sharing the joy of reading with our little ones. 🙌 Some of the incredible picture books by LatinX authors that are perfect for babies and toddlers are
📚"Dreamers" by Yuyi Morales - A heartwarming tale of immigration, dreams, and the power of the library.
📖 "Alma and How She Got Her Name" by Juana Martinez-Neal - A beautiful story about the importance of names and family history.
📚 "Round is a Tortilla" by Roseanne Thong - A delightful exploration of shapes in everyday objects within Hispanic culture.
📖 "Besos for Baby: A Little Book of Kisses" by Jen Arena - A sweet bilingual board book that celebrates kisses and family.
🌍❤️Reading these books and the ones in the article linked below not only entertains and educates your little ones but also helps them appreciate the diverse world around them from a young age. 🌍❤️

Share your favorite Hispanic books and reading moments with us! Let's inspire each other to create a brighter future through the power of storytelling. 📚📷

SATURDAY!

📢 Calling all educators, parents, and community leaders in South Carolina Education! 📈 The South Carolina Education Oversight Committee has launched the Education Data Dashboard! 🌟 This user-friendly website helps you visualize education data. It's a valuable resource for parents, teachers, community leaders, and all stakeholders in early education. 👶 The Preschool section is coming soon, but you'll find crucial data about Kindergarten Readiness in the K-12 section. Visit dashboardsc.sc.gov

🌟 Our Parents As Teachers program had a fantastic Group Connection event at the Dorchester Road Library yesterday! 👴👵 We celebrated the wisdom and love of grandparents and enjoyed activities that encouraged everyone to explore the library. 🎨📚 From storytelling sessions that took us on nostalgic journeys and scavenger hunts to uncover fun books and facts about the library to engaging crafts that bridged generations, it was a day filled with smiles, laughter, and cherished memories. 💖💎

TOMORROW!

Viernes, 15 de septiembre: 3-6pm
Pañales, ropa de bebé y más GRATIS - compártalo este con los que necesitan por favor🙏
Edificio de Impacto Comunitario
2429 Midland Park Road
North Charleston

THURSDAY!

Your community has lots to do and see! From storytime at the public library to local parks and annual festivals, there is something for everyone in the family. Find what is going on in your area, https://www.daybydaysc.org/places-in-sc.

Taneisha joined First Steps’ Parents as Teachers program because she wanted to be sure that her two-year-old son, Grayson, would be ready for school. She says that she also found a friend in Melody DeLisa (right), lead parent educator at Charleston County First Steps. “She’s loving, she’s kind,” Taneisha says. “She’s great with Grayson, and with me.” After just one year of engagement with Charleston County First Steps, Grayson transitioned out of early intervention services into full-day 3-year-old kindergarten.

When you give to First Steps, you make real a difference in the lives of young children like Grayson. Your donation provides one-on-one support to families so that children are ready for school. Give here today: https://scfirststeps.networkforgood.com/projects/195836-get-sc-s-youngest-children-ready-for-success

LAST WEEK OF THIS MONTH!
📅 Mark your calendars & gather the information you need to sign-up for the Angel Tree program!
👇 Just check out the informational flyer below for details.
📍 Share this post, spread the word, so the Angel Tree program can make this holiday season unforgettable for everyone! 👼🎄

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A library card gives you access to so many free resources! We're joining with the American Library Association and libraries nationwide to celebrate . Click the link to learn more and sign-up for a card today!

https://bit.ly/484yRTE

🇺🇸 The Charleston County First Steps office is closed today in celebration of Labor Day. We honor the hard work and dedication of every member of our community and are proud to take this opportunity to recognize all early childhood educators and childcare providers. These professionals play a crucial role in making sure all children are ready for kindergarten and that parents can work knowing that their babies, toddlers, and preschoolers are well cared for. We hope everyone enjoys the holiday! 🌟

The weather today does make it seem like Fall here. Enjoy!

Guide to Fall Festivals in Charleston There are so many fun things going on around Charleston this fall! Here is a great list of fall festivals going on in Charleston/

YOU AND BWB COULD WIN! To celebrate delivery of 200-million books, is enclosing a special bookmark in seven Imagination Library books in September 2023. Families who discover the bookmarks will have the chance to receive a video chat, a personalized letter and autographed photo from Dolly, and four Dollywood Theme Park tickets. In addition, will donate $2,000 to the winning family's local affiliate -- that's us! Look carefully in your September books; together, we could win win win!

🎉 Happy South Carolina Day, Families! 🌟
🔍 What is South Carolina Day?- South Carolina Day is a special day during which we honor the rich history, culture, and heritage of our great state. On this day in 1775, a group of brave colonists stood up against British rule and formed the first independent government in America. This significant event marked the beginning of our state's journey towards self-governance. 🇺🇸✨
🌟 Teaching our little ones about the history of our state helps them understand the events that shape our community. It's a chance to ignite their curiosity about the past and inspire a sense of pride in being a part of this wonderful place we call home. 🏡🌿
🎨 Fun Activities for Today:
Create a State Flag: Let your kids design their own version of the South Carolina flag using art supplies.
State Symbols Hunt: Go on an adventure to look for some of our official state symbols like the Carolina Wren, yellow jasmine, or a Sabal Palmetto. This adventure can happen indoors too. Celebrate by drinking a glass of milk (our official state beverage) or eating a peach (our official state fruit).
Happy exploring, learning, and celebrating! 🥳🌺

Idalia update #2

Charleston County Government Buildings will close Wednesday, August 30 at 1 p.m. and remain closed Thursday, August 31, due to potential impacts from Idalia. Charleston County will move to OPCON 2 at 8 a.m. Wednesday, meaning a disaster or emergency is likely. Charleston County Council declared a state of emergency for the County on Tuesday afternoon. According to the National Weather Service, the main threats to Charleston County include heavy rain, potential extreme flooding, rip currents, and gusty winds Wednesday afternoon into Thursday.

Citizens Information Line
• Open Wednesday, August 30, 8 a.m. to 12 a.m.
• Open Thursday, August 31, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• English/Spanish: 843.746.3900.

Shelter Information
• Address: 3841 Leeds Avenue, North Charleston, SC 29405.
• The shelter will be open from 10 a.m. Wednesday, August 30 to 10 a.m. Thursday, August 31.
• Residents who need transportation to the shelter need to call the Citizens Information Line.
• Pets are allowed, but residents must stay with their animals and cannot drop them off.
• Residents need to bring comfort items to the shelter with them.

Charleston County Library Branches
• Charleston County Public Libraries will close at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, August 30 and will be closed on Thursday, August 31. Book drops will also be closed during that time.
Curbside Recycling, the Bees Ferry Landfill and Convenience Centers
• The Bees Ferry Landfill and Charleston County Convenience Centers will close at 2 p.m. Wednesday, August 30 and will remain closed on Thursday, August 31.
• Curbside recycling will be collected until 2 p.m. on Wednesday, August 30. Any routes not completed on Wednesday, August 30 will be serviced on the next scheduled pickup Wednesday, September 13.
• There will be no curbside recycling on Thursday, August 31. If your recycling service day is Thursday, August 31, your service will resume on Thursday, September 14, your next scheduled service day. Any overflow material can be dropped off at one of Charleston County’s many recycling drop sites. For location information, visit recycle.charlestoncouty.org.

Downtown Parking Garages
• Charleston County’s Parking Garages located at Queen and King Streets and 90 Cumberland will be open for those who live in flood prone areas beginning at 2 p.m. Wednesday. Vehicles must be removed by 6 p.m. on Thursday, August 31.

Bond Court
• Wednesday, August 30: bond hearings at 10:00 a.m. only.
• Thursday, August 31: bond hearings at 2:00 p.m. only.

DAODAS
• The Opioid Treatment Program will provide take-home dosing for Thursday. Patients may come and pick up Thursday’s take-home during Wednesday morning clinic hours.
• Outpatient services will be cancelled Wednesday afternoon and evening through Thursday evening.
• The helpline will still be open at (843) 722-0100.

Online Damage Reporting
• Charleston County Residents can report damage on Charleston County’s online damage page here. https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/707223c0560f4998ad07f0ee966d3121

Residents are encouraged to follow Charleston County Government on social media, download our 2023 Hurricane Guide and sign up for our Citizen’s Alert System here.
https://www.charlestoncounty.org/departments/emergency-management/hurricane.php

🌟 Amazing parents and caregivers- Let's talk about something super important – pedestrian safety. 🚸 Let's make every walk an opportunity to teach our kids about the world around them. By instilling these habits early, we're helping them grow into confident and safety-conscious individuals. Whether you’re walking to the park, school, or simply exploring our neighborhood, we developed these essential tips to make every stroll a safe adventure.

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🌈 These kiddos are getting ready for lunch at Rainbow Scholars Academy! 🍽️👶 This is one of the Family Home Centers in our Supporting Care Providers through Visits (SCPV) program. Twice a month, a Charleston County First Steps trained Parent Educator visits the home-based child care centers in the SCPV program to discuss child development, nutrition, early literacy, safety, and health. 🍉🤸 Our SCPV program also equips providers with creative activities, children's books, and essential materials. 📚This program is one of many strategies we use to make sure child care providers in our community have the resources they need to offer high-quality care that prepares children for success in kindergarten and life! ✨🌟

📢 Hey, Kindergarteners and all families with students new to CCSD- you already have a library card and can access all the wonderful services at your local Chas Co. Public Library branch! 👇

Mark your calendars! The waitlist for 2 and 3-bedroom apartments for public housing will be opening soon.

ABC Quality is excited to launch its newly re-designed website! The website makes it much easier for South Carolina’s parents to find affordable, accessible child care. Check it out now at abcquality.org.

SABADO!

¿FALTAN ÚTILES ESCOLARES para los niños?...¡No te preocupes!

Este sábado, 26 de agosto (11am-2pm), todos están invitados al evento, VUELTA A LA ESCUELA, organizado por el Latin Exchange Club of Charleston y Exchange Club of Charleston (Coastal Carolina Fair). Estarán presentes muchas otras organizaciones como el Community Impact, Community Resource Center North Charleston, Charleston Hispanic Association y Bundles of Joy para ofrecer artículos/comida a todos los asistentes!

TODO ESTARÁ COMPLETAMENTE GRATIS - Ofrecerán útiles escolares, ropa para niños y bebes, cajas de comida y mucho más. Además, para cada persona quien asiste el evento recibirá un almuerzo gratis!

Donde:
(Al lado de La Pulga)
9850 US 70
Ladson, SC

🎒📚 Happy First Day of School! 📚🎒
🌟 Students, enjoy opportunities to learn, grow, and create amazing memories.
🍎 Teachers, your dedication and passion light up countless minds and hearts. Thank you for your hard work, creativity, and unwavering commitment to education. Your impact is immeasurable!
📌 Parents and guardians, your encouragement and involvement make a world of difference. The relationships you build with teachers and school staff are essential to creating a positive learning environment for your child.
Here's to a year filled with discovery, growth, and success! 🌈📖✏️ Let's make it the best one yet! 💪

A great list of books to read with kids.
https://growingbookbybook.com/101-books-read-kids-kindergarten/

Everyone deserves a doula. 💛

SATURDAY!

Mark your calendars for our third annual Back to School Bash with the Community Resource Center North Charleston on August 19th from 1-4 PM! 📚🎒

We will help distribute exclusive Mercedes-Benz Vans Charleston backpacks, school supplies, groceries, and more to families in our community. We look forward to having our team members there to help support this awesome initiative. 🤍

Our community needs you!

Be a part of a dynamic group who shares experiences and talks about issues facing young children in our state. SC Family Voice Council members range in age, physical ability, race, ethnicity, household income, geographic location, family size, family type and education level.
Never served on a board or council before? No problem! Only your life experience is needed to contribute. Members give a few hours each month to make a difference!
•Meetings are once a month
•Stipends are available to members to honor their time and compensate them for the personal costs associated with participation
•Members serve for one year
Learn how you can make a difference to improve public early childhood services at https://earlychildhoodsc.org/wha.../sc-family-voice-council/.

Do you know a family with a child who’ll be 4 by September 1? It’s not too late to tell them about Palmetto Pre-K, a one-stop shop for finding four-year-old kindergarten programs in South Carolina. Find out how to apply to the preschool programs your child is eligible for.: [https://palmettoprek.org/apply]

🥳🎉✨

In a historic win for South Carolina’s youngest children, Governor Henry McMaster today signed H.4023 into law, permanently authorizing South Carolina First Steps. Thank you to the Governor, bill sponsor Rep. Stewart Jones, and dozens of legislative champions who played a crucial role in passing the bill unanimously in both the House and Senate. We are deeply grateful and renewed in our commitment to the healthy development and learning of our state’s infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. First Steps is here to stay!

Read the press release: https://bit.ly/3s6cnBl

Pediatricians play an important role in postpartum maternal health. Mothers should receive routine screening for postpartum depression during their child’s 1, 2, 4, and 6 month well-child visits.

Learn more about postpartum depression at https://www.apa.org/topics/women-girls/postpartum-depression.

THIS SUNDAY!

Spread the word, SuperStars is almost here! Special needs children can enjoy the museum without the usual crowds and noise. Join us this Sunday from 10AM - 12PM for a fun day at CML!

This program is FREE, but registration is required. Sign up here: https://bit.ly/44ZIjWB