Institute for Child Success

05/28/2026

Join ICS and Early Childhood Common Agenda at one of our statewide Housing Listening Sessions to share your experiences and ideas related to housing through public testimony, written comments, or by attending in support.

Community input gathered during these sessions will help inform housing policy recommendations for the 2027–2028 legislative session.

Simply scan the QR codes below.

05/28/2026

05/21/2026

New policy brief! Funding Early Childhood Education Through State and Local Tax and Fiscal Policy explores sustainable funding strategies that can help expand access to affordable, high-quality early childhood care and education.

Developed by ICS’s New York University Early Childhood Policy Fellows, this policy brief highlights innovative approaches that support children, families, and stronger communities.

https://www.instituteforchildsuccess.org/resources/resource/funding-early-childhood-care-state-fiscal-policy/

05/21/2026

Senators praise ICS and ECCA’s work in affordable housing for children and families

“Thank you to the Institute for Child Success, Citlaly, Deborah DePaoli… you truly are lynchpins of this effort. Senators, you will see a lot more of us, of this issue of housing affordability -starting now. You can thank them for that. This is an issue that is pressing and we need to get ahead of.” - Sen. Jeffrey Zell (R-Sumter and Clarendon Counties)

“We’ve been working with the Institute for Childhood Success and so this summer we have decided we will be taking a trip around the state with listening sessions about affordable housing. … And hopefully next year we can all work together to tackle affordable housing in our state.” -Senator Tameika Isaac Devine (D-Richland County)

At the closing of the South Carolina 2026 legislative session, Senators Tameika Isaac Devine and Jeffrey Zell hailed the boundary-pushing work of ICS, the ECCA, and Deborah DePaoli and Citlaly Rojo as crucial to moving forward the cause of affordable housing for young children and families across the state of South Carolina. We are proud to see the recognition on the Senate floor of these efforts to help children and families thrive!

To learn more about how affordable housing supports the well-being of families, and to explore innovative solutions to the housing crisis, mark your calendars for ICS’s October 23 event, “Housing Innovation Summit: Children’s Edition”.

05/19/2026

Honored to stand alongside partners and families advancing early childhood education justice across the South. Grateful for the continued collaboration, leadership, and shared commitment to creating stronger futures for children and families. Looking forward to the work ahead together.

Save the Children Action Network, Alliance For Early Success
South Carolina Early Childhood Common Agenda

05/15/2026

A memorable evening for a meaningful cause. 🏇✨

Thank you to everyone who made the Derby Party at Upper Room Rooftop such a creative and impactful event! From the derby style contests to the innovative fundraising ideas, the night was a powerful example of community coming together in support of children and families.

Thank you Rebecca Kincaid and her company KKincaid Retirement & Wealth Management, LLCfor hosting such a beautiful event.

05/14/2026

Congratulations to South Carolina Early Childhood Common Agenda advocate LaVonda Hallums-Paul!

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!

05/12/2026

A powerful moment for children and families across South Carolina.

ICS’s South Carolina Early Childhood Common Agenda was honored to stand alongside state and federal leaders as South Carolina became the 18th state to join A Home for Every Child.

At the heart of this work are real stories, real families, and advocates like Deborah Merrill DePaoli, whose lived experience reminds us why creating support, stability, and belonging for every child matters.

05/11/2026

Research and advocacy move further when they move together.

ICS is proud to share multiple posters at this year’s National Research Conference on Early Childhood (NRCEC) on June 22–24, 2026, in Arlington, VA. We will be presenting alongside partners and leaders helping shape stronger systems for children and families.

From community voice to national research, this work reflects the power of connection, collaboration, and shared commitment to what children need to thrive.

Register here: https://nrcec.secure-platform.com/registration/organizations/main/submissions/details/111908