08/05/2026
Board Member Kiara Lint, Community Engagement Specialist for Health Strategy and External Affairs with the South Carolina Department of Public Health, led the Early Education Committee of the Florence County Collective. She presented the committee's accomplishments and collaborative efforts to improve school readiness, strengthen families, and expand access to early childhood resources throughout Florence County.
Key results included:
• 80 childcare scholarships were provided to children and families through Florence County First Steps, increasing access to quality early childhood education.
• Childcare provider support included a five-hour professional development training hosted by Florence County First Steps, along with educational materials and classroom supplies.
• ParentChild+ through Florence County First Steps served more than 80 families and their young children through weekly home visits, providing developmentally appropriate books, educational toys, and learning materials that equipped parents to become their child's first and most important teacher while strengthening early literacy and school readiness.
• The committee celebrated the ParentChild+ 4K Graduation, recognizing children's readiness for kindergarten.
• The Jade Bridge Summer Camp awarded 4 scholarships, helping children develop the cognitive, social, and emotional skills needed for kindergarten success.
• Parent engagement was strengthened through daily Lunch and Learn sessions during the summer camp, where 15 parents participated in four-hour workshops focused on trauma-informed practices and evidence-based interventions (EBIs).
• Community partnerships expanded as The Jade Bridge collaborated with the South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS) and the Foster Care Clothing Closet to better serve families, while also pursuing grant funding to support teenage adoptees.
• Peer-to-Peer Networking opportunities were established, allowing childcare providers to meet quarterly to collaborate, share best practices, and strengthen the local early childhood system.
• Community outreach efforts ensured participating organizations distributed information about enrollment opportunities and educational resources to families.
• Books were donated through The Jade Bridge to McLaurin Elementary School to promote literacy and encourage a love of reading.
Additionally, the Foster Care Clothing Closet's Fostering Bright Futures Program continued to promote early literacy by providing weekly storytime sessions, hands-on learning activities, and increased access to books for foster, kinship, and adoptive families with children ages 0–8.
These collaborative efforts are helping build stronger families, improve kindergarten readiness, and create a solid foundation for lifelong learning throughout Florence County.
