Greenville First Steps

06/18/2026

We’re working to reach more children across Greenville County—but we can’t do it without you.

Your support helps us expand Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library so more children can grow up with books in their homes and a strong start to learning.

👉 Give today by visiting greenvillefirststeps.org/donate and help us fill more mailboxes with imagination!

06/17/2026

Play is powerful, especially in the summer!

Our partners at The Children's Museum of the Upstate offer unique exhibits that turn everyday fun into meaningful developmental learning.

In “Grandma Betty’s Farm,” little ones can practice tummy time while strengthening their neck, shoulder, and core muscles—an important step in developing gross motor skills and early physical strength.

In “SEAsations,” children are drawn to shifting lights and floating bubbles, encouraging them to track movement and focus attention—supporting early cognitive development as they observe, process, and respond to visual stimulation.

In “Lilly Pond,” infants and toddlers begin to sit up while engaging with hands-on play using blocks like LEGOs, blending balance and stability with grasping and manipulation. This supports both gross motor skills (core strength and posture control) and fine motor skills (hand-eye coordination and dexterity).

Learn more about the exhibits by visiting tcmupstate.org.

06/12/2026

If your family has benefited from Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, this is your chance to pay it forward!

By sponsoring a child today, you’re helping another family in Greenville County experience the same joy of opening the mailbox to a brand-new book—month after month.

Every child deserves a home filled with stories! Sponsor a child today by visiting greenvillefirststeps.org/donate

06/09/2026

Bringing stories off the page and into the room! 📖🎭

Through our HIPPY Program, we welcomed the South Carolina Children's Theatre for a “Tell Me A Story” performance at our Spartanburg site. Children experienced storytelling through movement, expression, and creativity—making literacy come alive in a memorable way. A big thank you to The SC Children’s Theatre for creating such a special experience!

06/04/2026

Through Greenville County’s Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, children from birth to age five in qualifying neighborhoods receive high-quality, age-appropriate books mailed directly to their home each month — completely free to their families.

We’re working to expand this life-changing program into even more neighborhoods across Greenville County. And we need your help!

For $25, you can sponsor a child in Greenville County to receive 12 free books this year. That’s one book a month—delivered straight to their mailbox!

👉 Sponsor a child today by visiting greenvillefirststeps.org/donate/ and help turn pages for our community!

06/01/2026

HIPPY Day at the Drive was a hit! 💚

We loved treating some of our HIPPY families to a fun day at the Greenville Drive. Thank you to everyone who joined us for an afternoon of baseball, laughter, and special memories at the ballpark!

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.