Jasper County First Steps

Jasper County First Steps First Steps works to help parents become the best parents they can be. First Steps also helps parents further their own education.

Executive Director: Duchett Polite
PAT Parenting Supervisor: Pamela Rose
HIPPY Coordinator: Shelia White
HIPPY Home Visitor: Darlene Thomas-Burroughs
HIPPY Home Visitor: Genesis Monge First Steps to School Readiness Strategy Areas
The First Steps initiative approaches children’s school readiness needs in five ways:

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 in the earliest years. First Steps works to help families understand children’s health needs through education and screenings while also working to help them access needed health services. Quality Child Care: Quality child care provides immediate and long-term learning benefits for children. First Steps works to expand the availability of quality child-care to families and to enhance the level of quality in existing child-care environments. Early Education: Research shows that children who participate in high-quality preschool classes are more likely to start school ready to learn, as well as be more successful later in life. First Steps works to expand high-quality 3-year-old and 4-year-old kindergarten opportunities in public and private settings. School Transition: The transition into kindergarten is a critical time that sets the tone for children’s perspectives about the school years, as well their parents’ perspectives. Making a strong initial connection between school and home -- and supporting both parents and students during this transition time -- has been shown to impact students’ later school success and parents’ later involvement during the school years.

Jasper County First Steps' Parents As Teachers (PAT) Program celebrated National Hispanic Heritage Month on 9/24/26! Our...
09/30/2026

Jasper County First Steps' Parents As Teachers (PAT) Program celebrated National Hispanic Heritage Month on 9/24/26!

Our guest speaker was Ms. Solimar Abbott, PASOs - Beaufort First Steps, who inspired us to celebrate where we're from and to build where we are. We spoke about the rich heritage of food, music and dancing across hispanic countries.

We also experienced a taste of Mexico with a delicious meal prepared by Ms. Margarita!

National Hispanic Heritage Month 2026 runs from September 15 to October 15, 2026. The official national theme for this year's celebration is "Unidos, Somos Más" (Together, We Are More), paying tribute to the collective strength, shared values, and cultural impact of the Hispanic and Latino communities.

07/16/2026
07/16/2026

New address? Don't let your books get lost along the way! 📦
If your family is moving, be sure to update your address so your child can keep the stories coming month after month.

Simply log in to your Parent Portal at imaginationlibrary.com to update your address, or contact your Local Program Partner using the information on your child's most recent book mailing label.

Here's to new adventures, new memories, and plenty of great books waiting at your new doorstep! 🏡

07/16/2026

Getting ready for kindergarten isn't just about ABCs and 123s. It's about building confidence, curiosity, and a love of learning. KindergartenReadySC.org helps South Carolina's children get ready for school. Learn more: https://bit.ly/44Yqrgg

Jasper County First Steps is hiring!Position Title: HIPPY Program CoordinatorLocation: Jasper (primary), with travel to ...
07/06/2026

Jasper County First Steps is hiring!

Position Title: HIPPY Program Coordinator

Location: Jasper (primary), with travel to Beaufort and Hampton Counties, SC
Employment Type: Full-Time | 12-Month Position
Salary: Competitive, based on experience and education

Position Overview:
The HIPPY Coordinator is responsible for the day-to-day implementation, supervision, and support of the Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY) program. This role requires strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills to ensure high-quality service delivery to families in the community.

Learn more about HIPPY: https://www.scfirststeps.org/what-we-do/programs/hippy/

Apply by: July 17, 2026
Send resume and cover letter to: [email protected] Questions: 843-726-5100

Jasper County First Steps is hiring!Position Title: HIPPY Home VisitorEmployment Type: Part-Time (15–25 hours/week) Comp...
07/06/2026

Jasper County First Steps is hiring!

Position Title: HIPPY Home Visitor
Employment Type: Part-Time (15–25 hours/week)
Compensation: $15–$18/hour, based on experience

Position Overview:
Are you a parent or caregiver passionate about children’s education? Join the HIPPY team as a Home Visitor and help prepare local 3 and 4 -year-olds for school success—right in their own homes! This is a rewarding opportunity for individuals who want to make a difference in their community through relationship-building and parent support. Flexible schedule options available—including evenings or weekends!

Learn more about HIPPY: https://www.scfirststeps.org/what-we-do/programs/hippy/

Apply by: July 17, 2026
Submit cover letter and resume to: [email protected]
Questions? Call 843-726-5100

06/16/2026

CALLING ALL KIDS!
Start your summer -- Reading with a Ranger! 📖
It's simple. It's FUN! Earn PRIZES!

How to Participate:
1. Download the program tracker: https://brnw.ch/21x3aV1
2. Attend 5 Reading with a Ranger programs this summer.
3. Bring your passport to each program to collect your stamps.
4. Submit your completed passport to [email protected] and receive a certificate and prize!

All completed passports must be submitted by September 10, 2026. Learn more here: https://brnw.ch/21x3aV2

Participating Parks ⤵️
Hampton Plantation State Historic Site
Hunting Island State Park
Huntington Beach State Park
May Forest State Park
Myrtle Beach State Park
Oconee State Park
Oconee Station State Historic Site
Paris Mountain State Park
Rose Hill Plantation State Historic Site
Redcliffe Plantation State Historic Site
Sesquicentennial State Park
Table Rock State Park

06/16/2026
06/16/2026

One size does NOT fit all when it comes to car seats!

Every child is unique, and so is every car seat. Always refer to your car seat's instruction manual to ensure the best fit for your child's weight, height and age. When in doubt, connect with a certified CPST who can walk you through it step by step. Schedule an in-person or virtual car seat check appointment: https://www.safety-connection.org/caregiver/

National Safety Council National CPS Certification NHTSA Safe Kids Worldwide

04/24/2026

April showers bring May flowers. When kids grow, car seats adjustments often are necessary. Does your car seat need adjusting to accommodate a growing kid? Schedule a FREE online appointment to meet with a Child Passenger Safety Technician: https://www.safety-connection.org/caregiver/

National Safety Council National CPS Certification NHTSA Safe Kids Worldwide

Address

1130 Third Avenue
Ridgeland, SC
29936

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5pm
Friday 8:30am - 5pm

Telephone

+18437265100

Website

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