Greenville First Steps

05/25/2026

🇺🇸☀️ Taking a moment today to remember and honor those who served our country.

As we head into summer, it’s also a great time to remember some important tips to keep your littlest ones safe and happy:

☀️ Stay Cool
Hydrate often & limit heat time

🧴 Sun Protection
Sunscreen, hats & light clothing

🏊 Water Safety
Always supervise near water

🍓 Safe Eating
Cut food small & watch closely

Wishing you a safe, happy Memorial Day and a healthy start to summer!

05/21/2026

Why invest in early literacy? Because the impact lasts a lifetime. 📚

Programs like Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library put free books into the hands of children across Greenville County, helping build strong minds and strong bonds through reading.

Want to help us expand access and reach even more families? Consider donating and being part of a child’s story from the very beginning. Visit: https://greenvillefirststeps.org/donate/ to learn more.

05/20/2026

Thank you to the Greenville Journal for sharing information about our newly formed in-home childcare training cohort.

Read more below:

The child care pilot program aims to establish 10 home-based child care centers in local communities that currently lack access to care.

05/19/2026

We are proud to share the launch of a new In-Home Childcare Training Cohort led through a partnership between Greenville First Steps, The Greenville Housing Authority, Palmetto Shared Services Alliance, and South Carolina Child Care Resource & Referral.

Through this three-month training program, Greenville Housing Authority residents will receive the education, guidance, and support needed to become licensed family home childcare providers.

By investing in caregivers, we’re helping expand access to quality childcare while creating new opportunities for families right here in our community! We are thankful for the collective effort behind this initiative and the long-term impact it will have on Greenville County families.

05/14/2026

From nursery rhymes to school preparation and readiness 📚✨

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library helps children build their very first home library, delivering a new, age-appropriate book each month. By age five, children receive dozens of books of their own, thoughtfully selected to grow with them every step of the way!

Right now, select Greenville County neighborhoods qualify for this free program—and with community support, we hope to expand access and place even more books in the hands of local children.

You can help by sponsoring a child. Learn more here: https://greenvillefirststeps.org/donate/

05/13/2026

Please join us in congratulating Mrs. LaVonda on 20 amazing years of Small Impressions Child Development Center!

Her dedication to children and families has made a lasting impact in our community, and we are so excited to celebrate this milestone with her. Recently recognized by the state of South Carolina and Governor Henry McMaster, this honor is a true reflection of the love and care she pours into her work each day. 👏✨ Well deserved!

05/11/2026

📚 What is Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library?

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a free book-gifting program that delivers one age-appropriate book every month to children from birth to age five. The goal? To help kids build home libraries, develop early literacy skills, and foster a lifelong love of reading—all before they even start school.

Here in Greenville County, thousands of children are already receiving books each month. And with community support, we can reach even more kids—maybe even in YOUR neighborhood!

💛 If you’d like to help another child receive books each month, consider making a donation or sponsoring a child today! Visit greenvillefirststeps.org/donate to donate or learn more.

05/08/2026

One of the featured activities in our Every Step of the Way newsletter is the Greenville County Library System’s Summer Reading Challenge! ⭐📚

Get ready for a star-spangled summer of fun with reading, special events, and great prizes for all ages. Early registration opens May 13! Learn more at: greenvillelibrary.org/summer-reading.

05/06/2026

We are deeply honored and grateful to share that Greenville First Steps has been awarded the 2026 Dick Riley Children’s Champion Award from A Child’s Haven!

As longtime partners, supporters, and friends of ACH Greenville, this recognition is especially meaningful to us and reflects the shared commitment to serving children and families across our community.

At a recent celebration, Governor Dick Riley presented the award to our Strategic Operations Director, Beth Jamieson, in a moment that truly celebrated the power of collaboration and care. Thank you for this incredible honor!

05/04/2026

One of the featured activities in our Every Step of the Way newsletter is the Upstate Park Hop! 🛝

This fun, interactive park exploration program encourages families to get outside, discover new parks, and make lasting memories all summer long.

Sign up at parkhop.org, then start visiting participating parks and solving Park Hop clues to earn points along the way! Those points can be redeemed for exciting prize packages at the end of the summer! Happy hopping!