First Steps 4K Program

4 to 5 Years

First Steps Pre-K child learns numbers by playing with a puzzle.

Kindergarten Readiness – at No Cost

First Steps 4K is a FREE, full-day kindergarten readiness program for eligible 4-year-olds in South Carolina, plus FREE childcare for siblings.

• 8 hours of daily instruction
• Classes Mon.-Fri., year-round
• Meals & snacks included

Families may also qualify for childcare scholarships that include:

• FREE wrap care before or after the 4K school day
• FREE full- or part-time care for all siblings ages 0 – 12

Intentional, Advanced
Pre-K Learning

First Steps 4K combines focused academic instruction with hands-on discovery —
ensuring children are fully prepared for the expectations of elementary school.

Structured Daily
Routines

Clear expectations that build responsibility and self-management

Small-Group
Learning

Targeted instruction that strengthens literacy and math skills

Kindergarten
Readiness

Preparing children academically, socially, and emotionally for the next step

First Steps 4K
Program Focuses

This program is designed to help children thrive in kindergarten and beyond.

Active learning through hands-on experiences
Consistent daily routines for structure and stability
Positive behavioral management to support social growth
Comprehensive assessments to track progress

Program Goals &
Classroom Milestones

Strengthen early reading and writing proficiency

Develop independent problem-solving skills

Demonstrate emotional regulation and self-control

Follow multi-step directions with confidence

Master foundational math concepts

Prepare fully for the structure and expectations of Kindergarten

Identify most letters and their corresponding sounds

Write their first name and attempt simple words

Count, compare, and sort objects with accuracy

Express ideas clearly and participate in group discussions

Work independently and in cooperative group settings

Demonstrate readiness behaviors for a Kindergarten classroom

Applying for SC First Steps 4K

Eligibility Requirements:

South Carolina resident
Must turn 4 on or before Sept. 1
Meet family income guidelines. (Expanded income limits are being considered by the state, allowing families of 4 making up to $99,000 to qualify.)

How to Apply:

Complete the application at www.Free4KSC.org
First Steps will notify you of approval, usually within 2-3 days
We will contact you to complete your enrollment

Documents You'll Need:

Your child's birth certificate
Proof of residency (driver's license, utility bill, or lease/mortgage agreement)
Income verification (Medicaid card/letter, SNAP card, or household income documents)
SC Certificate of Immunization

*Conditional approvals for 2026-27 are available for families at or below 300% of the federal poverty guidelines, pending passage of FY27 Provisos 1.46 and 1A.25 and final state budget approval.

What Our Families
are Saying

Hear how Foundations is making a lasting difference in the lives of children every day.

More Reviews

The teachers are amazing and teach the kids so much, our son can’t be better prepared for his first year in “big kid school."

- Vanessa

My daughter enjoys going, loves her teachers and friends, and is well on her way to being prepared for kindergarten.

- Jacob

We recommend Foundations to everyone we know . We are just so thankful to have found a place where our daughter feels safe, loved, and excited to learn every day.

- Krista

Our family has had a wonderful experience at Foundations. Our child has adjusted so well and truly enjoys going to school every day.

- Yeonjae

I love the atmosphere and vibes from all of the teachers and staff. They have a great curriculum, and all of the teachers really strive to meet the needs of each child.

- Samantha