Lexington County First Steps

LCFS Spring Training Schedule

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Sponhour) — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 01:00:00 +0000

Date
Time
Title/Topic
Presenter
Location
LCFS Rep.

March 10,2010 6:30 – 8:30 “How Do I Boost My Child's Brain Power?”
Growth and Development
Deborah Padgett
Irmo Library
Pat Wise

March 17, 2010 6:30 – 8:30 “Math for Preschoolers”
Curriculum
Rhonda Marino
Lexington Library
Julie Starr-Horne

March 24, 2010 6:30 – 8:30 “Asthma Management”
Health & Safety
Michelle Drayton
Lexington Library
Julie Starr-Horne

March25, 2010 12:00 – 2:00 “Till The Soil”
Program Administration
Martha Thompson
Brooklyn Baptist Salon C

March 29, 2010 6:30 – 8:30 “Throwing In The Towel”
Professional Development
Williease Williams
Irmo Library
Julie Starr-Horne

March 30, 2010 6:30 – 8:30 “How to Promote A Positive Environment”
Professional Development
Michelle Drayton
Irmo Library
Pat Wise

April 12, 2010 6:30 – 8:30 “What Will I Learn While I Play Today?”
Growth and Development
Lisa Harrington
Cayce/W. Columbia Library
Pat Wise

April 13, 2010 6:30 – 8:30 “Hands-on Math Experiences”
Curriculum
Deborah Padgett
Irmo Library
Pat Wise

April 15, 2010 6:30 – 8:30 “Cute is Not always Appropriate”
Curriculum
Martha Thompson
Lexington Library
Julie Starr-Horne

April 20, 2010 6:30 – 8:30 “Communication Through Behavior”
Growth and Development
Deborah Padgett
Irmo Library
Pat Wise

April 21, 2010 6:30 – 8:30 “Bubbling Brainworks: 4,5,6,&7”
Growth and Development
Crystal Y. Campbell
Lexington Library
Julie Starr-Horne

April 26, 2010 6:30 – 8:30 “Transition Times as Teachable Moments”
Curriculum
Lisa Harrington
Irmo Library
Pat Wise

May 4, 2013 6:30 – 8:30 “Coloring Outside the Lines”
Curriculum
Lisa Harrington
Cayce/W. Columbia Library
Julie Starr-Horne

Training Conference Set for March 6 at B-L High

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Sponhour) — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 03:25:00 +0000

First Steps of Lexington & Saluda Counties will be hosting the annual Early Care & Education Conference Saturday March 6, 2010 at Batesburg-Leesville High School. Hundreds of early childhood educators from around the state are expected to attend for a day of fellowship and professional development. The theme for this year's conference is "Coaching Tomorrow's Leaders Today." The Grammy-nominated duo of Greg & Steve will perform during the opening and closing sessions.

Nurse Family Partnership Survey

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Sponhour) — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 22:18:00 +0000

Leaders in Lexington and Rich land Counties have a wonderful opportunity to apply for a 7-year grant for an evidence-based, nurse home visiting program proven to enhance the health and well-being of low-income, first-time parents - The Nurse-Family Partnership.

The Duke Endowment and the S.C. Office of First Steps are partnering to fund 2 programs in South Carolina. We are working on a highly competitive grant application for Lexington and Richland Counties.

As a part of the grant application, we must demonstrate evidence of strong community support. Please take 5 minutes to respond to this survey regarding your views about NFP as well as how you might like to become involved.

To answer the survey, please go to this link:

http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/?p=WEB227NPYQ355P

Video from Saturday's Child Care Conference

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Sponhour) — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 16:34:00 +0000

Upcoming Training Events Sponsored by Lexington County First Steps

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Sponhour) — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 20:33:00 +0000

The following are tentative spring training dates for sessions being sponsored by Lexington County First Steps .

February 23 - Annual Conference - Excellence is an everyday commitment - Batesburg-Leesville High School

March 12 - Director's Forum - Program Administration - Irmo Library - Martha Thompson is instructor.

March 17 - Growth and Development - "Early Learning Standards Video Series II" - Cayce/West Columbia Library - Clara Slice is instructor.

April 28 - Child Guidance - "Challenging Behaviors in Infants and Toddlers" - Lexington Library - Cookie Grant is instructor.

May 19 - Curriculum - Cayce/West Columbia Library - Sallie Bozard is instructor.

May 28 - Director's Forum - Program Administration - Irmo Library - Martha Thompson is instructor.

For more information or to register, call Julie Starr Horne, Lexington County First Steps Program Coordinator at (803) 532-6861 or julieh@lex3.k12.sc.us

LCFS Board Set for 2008-09

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Sponhour) — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 16:57:00 +0000

The Lexington County First Steps Board is now set for the 2008-09 term. Positions are filled either by election or appointment as set out in statute. Here is the roster:

Officers
Michael Sponhour, Chair
Debbie Shealy, Vice Chair
Ada Jane Setzler, Secretary

Pre-Kindergarten through Primary Educator
Judy Tinder
Angela Willis

Family Education, Training & Support Services
Gigi Towers

Childcare/Early Childhood Dev./Ed. Provider
Rhonda Wiley
Cathy Walker

Health Care Provider
Cindy Sweigart

Non-Profit Organization/Services to Families and Children.
Dianne Hinson
Lydia Freeman

Faith Community
Jennifer McConnell
David Torrey

Business Community
Penny Danielson

Parent of Child Served in First Steps
Linda Tabor

Early Childhood Education
Crystal Campbell
Michelle Perry
Herman Knopf, Ph.D.
Clare Hodge, Ph.D.

Department of Social Services
Greg Frohnappel

Department of Health & Environmental Control
Roy Tucker

Library
Ellen Stringer

School District One
Heath Branham

School District Two
Gina Henderson

School District Three
Tom Sparks

School District Four
Sylvia Lucas

School District Five
Mary Kennerly, Ph.D.

Legislative Delegation Appointees
Ada Jane Setzler
Debbie Shealy
Tara Grigsby
Michael Sponhour

LCFS Wins Centers of Excellence Grant for Two Centers

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Sponhour) — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 21:44:00 +0000

Two Lexington County child care centers have been selected to share a $400,000 grant designed to enhance their delivery of quality care to young children.

Lexington County First Steps has been awarded the Center of Excellence grant to assist Gaston Childcare Center and Emmanuel Wee Care in Swansea for a two-year, comprehensive quality improvement effort. The grant was issued by South Carolina First Steps via funding provided by the General Assembly in the wake of Judge Thomas W. Cooper Jr. school funding equity ruling.

The grants were available to centers in 28 school districts that were plaintiffs in the funding lawsuit. Centers in five districts were selected for COE grants. Both Lexington County centers are in School District 4, which has been a key partner in the effort to win the grant.

“We are tremendously excited that two centers in our county will have this wonderful opportunity to dramatically improve their nurturing of young children,” said Gina Henderson, Lexington County First Steps board chair. “This project will demonstrate how powerful community partnerships can produce excellent care for young children."

The centers will work with Lexington County First Steps staff to implement a comprehensive improvement plan that will include:

Staff training in the latest research-based instruction techniques.

On-site mentoring and technical assistance.

Scholarship assistance for needy students.

Parent education initiatives.

Developmental screening and child assessment.

Staff incentives, including scholarships to further their education.

Improvements to facilities and classroom materials.

Annual Fun Fair Draws More than 1,000

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Sponhour) — Sat, 19 May 2007 01:58:00 +0000

The Fun Fair at the Library on Wednesday was a hugh success with 1,093 people! That is a record number and it was certainly worth all the planning and efforts that went into it.

I want to thank Julie for the usual good job in coordinating the event with the assistance of Pat Wise. Again, the Parent Centers' staffs came through and we could not do this without them along with Board members who participate. A special thanks is extended to Ebenezer Pentacostal Holiness Church in South Congaree for again allowing us to use their trailer for transporting tents, supplies, tables, etc. to and from the library; (and we can't forget the driver, our own Board Chair, Gina Henderson, whose husband is a Pastor at the church!). Many hands are required in an event of this size, and this is a great example of the "partnership" which characterizes First Steps. - Jim Riddle

Here are some photos from the event.

Magician Chad Crews entertains young and old.

Camel rides are always a big hit at the Fun Fair.

More Photos from Saturday's Conference

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Sponhour) — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 02:58:00 +0000

Conference Draws Record Crowd

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Sponhour) — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 02:41:00 +0000

More than 550 educators from across South Carolina attended the Early Care & Education Conference Saturday at Batesburg-Leesville High School, an increase of nearly 200 participants over last year. This comprehensive training conference is hosted by First Steps of Lexington and Saluda counties and provides early childhood educators a great way to keep current on trends in the professon.

The conference began with a fun session by magician Chad Crews who mixed tricks with a message about the importance of reading.

Lexington County First Steps Director Jim Riddle played a starring role in one of Chad's tricks.

Fifth Annual Early Care & Education Conference March 3

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Sponhour) — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 22:10:00 +0000

First Steps of Lexington & Saluda Counties will be hosting the fifth Early Care & Education Conference Saturday March 3 at Batesburg-Leesville High School. This event has quickly established itself as one of South Carolina's leading training opportunities for early childhood educators and hundreds of people from around the state are expected to attend.

The keynote speaker will be Dr. Thomas Moore, an early child education consultant who has given more than 800 speeches and workshops around the world. He has appeared before audiences ranging from Harvard University to Nigeria.

For more information, contact the Lexington County First Steps Office. Event organizers are also eagerly seeking volunteers. If you are a LCFS board member, we would love to have you attend March 3.

Fun Fair a Big Hit

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Sponhour) — Sun, 21 May 2006 18:07:00 +0000

The annual Lexington County First Steps Fun Fair was a big success once again. More than 1,200 participants enjoyed the fun and games under sunny skies. Thanks for everyone who helped, including the 13 City Year volunteers. What a way to start the summer!

Fun Fair Set for May 17

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Sponhour) — Sat, 06 May 2006 12:37:00 +0000

Young children and their parents from across Lexington County are invited to attend the
Lexington County First Steps annual Fun Fair Wednesday May 17.

Kids up to age 6 and their parents can enjoy games, camel and pony rides and an exotic petting zoo from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Lexington County Public Library, 5440 Augusta Highway, Lexington. Admission is free. Lexington County First Steps is hosing the fair in cooperation with the Lexington County Public Library. Support is also provided by the St. Andrews Women's Club

Rosemond Interviewed in The State

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Sponhour) — Fri, 24 Mar 2006 20:05:00 +0000

Parenting expert to visit Midlands

Q&A with John Rosemond

Parenting guru John Rosemond will be the featured speaker Saturday at the Fourth Annual Early Child Care & Educational Conference, sponsored by First Steps of Lexington and Saluda counties. Here, Rosemond talks about his philosophies:
QUESTION:
How did you become a parenting expert and do you feel comfortable with that role?
ANSWER:
If “expert” means I think I know what I’m talking about, and that what I’m saying is valid, truthful and helpful, then I’m comfortable with the role. I arrived at this point — and believe me, I’m a work in progress, the Lord’s not finished with me yet — by accepting my assignment, hard work, lots of experience and lots of mistakes.
QUESTION:
What are the three most common questions you get asked?
ANSWER:
Each question is different, in its own way, but the three most common categories of questions pertain to (1) discipline problems, (2) school performance problems, (3) sleeping, eating and toilet training problems.
QUESTION:
What do you think is the biggest challenge facing parents today
ANSWER:
The challenge of figuring out, from the cacophony of competing voices in my field, who to listen to.
QUESTION:
If you could give a new parent one piece of advice, what would it be?
ANSWER:
Be a husband or a wife first, a parent second.
QUESTION:
What do you enjoy most about your job?
ANSWER:
Public speaking. It’s my sandbox, and I’m a natural ham. It’s also where I get to see, first hand, that my work is changing lives.

IF YOU’RE GOING: Rosemond’s talk at the educators’ conference at Batesburg-Leesville High School will begin at 3:20 p.m. Parents and educators who would like to attend can register by calling (803) 532-6861. Admission is $15.
— By Lezlie Patterson

Rosemond Speaks at First Steps Conference Saturday

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Sponhour) — Thu, 23 Mar 2006 16:55:00 +0000

John Rosemond, America’s most widely-read parenting authority, will be the featured speaker March 25 at the Fourth Annual Early Child Care & Educational Conference sponsored by First Steps of Lexington and Saluda Counties.Rosemond will speak on the “Three Keys to Effective Discipline” during the day-long conference for early childhood educators at Batesburg-Leesville High School.

The talk is scheduled to begin at 3:20 p.m. Parents and educators who would like to attend the Rosemond talk may register by calling Lexington County First Steps at (803) 532-6861. Admission is $15.

More than 400 educators from around the state are expected to attend the Early Care & Education Conference which features workshops and talks about current issues in early childhood instruction. The conference is hosted by Lexington County First Steps, Saluda County First Steps and the Midlands Chapter of the South Carolina Association for the Education of Young Children.

Rosemond is a psychologist and the author of 10 best-selling books on parenting whose syndicated column appears in The State and 200 other newspapers around the country. It is read by an estimated 10 million people weekly. He is also one of America's most in-demand public speakers, and by far the busiest in the parenting field.

In a typical year, Rosemond gives more than 200 presentations to parents, teachers, and professional groups nationwide. From 1980 to 1990, John Rosemond was in full-time private practice as a family psychologist and also taught at the Carolinas Medical Center Department of Pediatrics and Family Practice in Charlotte, NC. He now spends most of his time speaking and writing.

More Photos from Today's Bill Signing

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Sponhour) — Wed, 01 Mar 2006 20:39:00 +0000

Governor Mark Sanford (left) and former Governor Jim Hodges exchange pens at the First Steps reauthorization signing March 1, 2006.

Governor Sanford and the children of the Arthurtown Child Development Center.

Sanford, Hodges Attend First Steps Ceremonial Bill Signing

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Sponhour) — Wed, 01 Mar 2006 20:20:00 +0000

S.C. FIRST STEPS TO SCHOOL READINESS ACT REAUTHORIZED THROUGH 2013

Early childhood education initiative will help SC's young children prepare for school for years to come

Columbia, S.C. - In a ceremonial bill signing, Governor Mark Sanford today signed legislation that reauthorizes First Steps to School Readiness until 2013. The signing took place at Arthurtown Child Development Center in Columbia, where Governor Sanford was joined by special guest former Governor Jim Hodges and SC First Steps Director Susan DeVenny.

"We've said from day one that if we're going to make a difference in children's lives, we have to make that difference early," Gov. Sanford said. "The fact is that far too many kids enter school without the tools they need to be successful. I think First Steps will continue to play a large role in changing that trend, and an increasingly important role given Judge Cooper's recent ruling on the need for these types of programs for at-risk children. First Steps has also succeeded in recognizing that different families have different needs, and has created choices for parents when it comes to early childhood education - something we believe is needed in the educational system as a whole."

Approved by the S.C. General Assembly in 1999, the South Carolina First Steps to School Readiness Act was authorized through July 2007. New legislation to extend First Steps passed unanimously earlier this year in both the House and Senate and was sent to Governor Sanford's desk for signature. The Governor officially signed the new bill on February 21, 2006.

"It is exciting to see First Steps reauthorized until 2013, and to watch community partners continue to support families and young children as they prepare for school and life success," said former Governor Jim Hodges.

"Thanks to our elected leaders, First Steps can continue to play a strong role in ensuring quality, accountability, collaboration and leadership among all partners serving children and families," said First Steps Director Susan DeVenny. "Research proves that children can succeed at higher success rates, in school and in life, if they arrive at the starting gate healthy and ready to learn. First Steps' only goal is to provide local solutions for parents as they prepare their children for school success."

Since inception, First Steps has helped families prepare over 330,000 young children for school through community-based public and private partnerships. First Steps works to meet the needs of children under six through programs that strengthen families, improve children's health and well-being, increase the quality of child care and early education opportunities, and transition children successfully into kindergarten.The Arthurtown Child Development Center opened to the community in 1999, under the leadership of Vital Connections at the United Way of the Midlands. Since 2002, the center has benefited from a partnership with First Steps to help enhance the quality of life for children and area residents.

Rosemond to Headline Early Child Care Conference

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Sponhour) — Wed, 22 Feb 2006 19:09:00 +0000

John Rosemond, America’s most widely-read parenting authority, will be the featured speaker March 25 at the Fourth Annual Early Child Care & Educational Conference sponsored by First Steps of Lexington and Saluda Counties.

Rosemond will speak on the “Three Keys to Effective Discipline” during the day-long conference for early childhood educators at Batesburg-Leesville High School. The talk is scheduled to begin at 3:20 p.m. Parents and educators who would like to attend the Rosemond talk may register by calling Lexington County First Steps at (803) 532-6861. Admission is $15.

More than 400 educators from around the state are expected to attend the Early Care & Education Conference which features workshops and talks about current issues in early childhood instruction. The conference is hosted by Lexington County First Steps, Saluda County First Steps and the Midlands Chapter of the South Carolina Association for the Education of Young Children.

Rosemond is a psychologist and the author of 10 best-selling books on parenting whose syndicated column appears in The State and 200 other newspapers around the country. It is read by an estimated 10 million people weekly. He is also one of America's most in-demand public speakers, and by far the busiest in the parenting field.

In a typical year, Rosemond gives more than 200 presentations to parents, teachers, and professional groups nationwide.From 1980 to 1990, John Rosemond was in full-time private practice as a family psychologist and also taught at the Carolinas Medical Center Department of Pediatrics and Family Practice in Charlotte, NC. He now spends most of his time speaking and writing.

Kindergarten for 4-year-olds is only part of the solution

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Sponhour) — Fri, 17 Feb 2006 14:46:00 +0000

The following op/ed was published in the Charleston Post and Courier:

Kindergarten for 4-year-olds is only part of the solution
BY WALTER R. MILLER
The recent ruling by South Carolina Circuit Judge Thomas W. Cooper on the inadequacy of state funding for early childhood intervention portends ...
Wait!
Everyone knows that a stitch in time saves nine; everyone knows that watering a plant is not complicated but is absolutely essential; everyone knows that as the twig is bent so grows the tree; and everyone knows that early intervention would be good for kids.
It is, therefore, somewhat surprising to me that people are abuzz about Judge Cooper's ruling?
Is it because money is attached to be sure? But is there really a sudden epiphany that early intervention is underfunded?
"Ahaa! Why didn't we think of that before?" some are saying.
After decades of research validating the economic and social value of early intervention, lawmakers still sigh at the paltry results, and then begrudgingly part with enough of the pie to quiet things down. Legislators know that early intervention pays. Then why isn't it happening?
Is it because many still assume teachers can solve the problem? Teachers are wonderful, but this problem is bigger than their contribution.
Is it because they buy into the common assumption that children and adults can be educated out of risk, which is patently untrue? It would be like trying to educate a person out of drug addiction.
Is it because they accept the easy way out by thinking that one service can solve a complex set of problems.? That assumes that a single service is the right thing to do, but we just haven't done it well. The logic is that we just haven't hit that square peg correctly to get it into the round hole. The fact is that more school, no matter how you do school or how early you do school, is not the answer.
Too many have succumbed to the notion that parents are not accountable for the way their children act and succeed. The state has done an excellent job convincing parents that only experts can raise their children correctly. The state says, "Give us your children earlier." Parents dutifully turn over their children to the state and say, "Grow them." And when their children are not right, they say to the state, "Fix them." And when children drop out, they say, "What's wrong with the schools?"
Here is a case in point. A parent came to me and said, "I am so mad. I don't know why my second-grader can't read. I have had her in childcare since she was 18 months old."
Judge Cooper is right about one thing: Early childhood intervention is underfunded. However, he and many others are mistaken to think funding kindergarten for 4-year-old children alone is the answer.
They are mistaken because the brain is significantly developed before the age of four. The brain begins to permanently dispose of neurons and associated synapses by the millions in the years immediately after birth if those cells are not being used. Structures in the brain that manage attachment, the accommodation of stress, focus, the ability to calm oneself, and vigilance are well established and very difficult to alter by age four. The groundwork for sharing and responding to authority (teachers' first pick for school readiness) are largely established by age four. Linguistic systems and processes are almost entirely intact by age four. The structures of the brain that process visual stimuli are almost complete by age four. (Turn off the TV!)
They are mistaken also because for children at risk of failure in school - and life - the answer is expensive, intensive, comprehensive services and not a single service. A significant misstatement in a Dec. 30 Post and Courier article was that Cooper's ruling said that the state "does not adequately fund early childhood education." The ruling states that the state does not "adequately fund early childhood interventions." This is not semantics. Kindergarten education for 4-year-olds is not the answer.
Do not let anyone persuade you that you can get results that cheaply. Do not let anyone persuade you that you can get results starting at age four. Do not let anyone persuade you that "something is better than nothing." Inadequately executed intervention has a negative impact on skills. You have to start very early helping parents of at-risk children to do their job, and it is expensive. A high-quality child development class is only a piece of the solution. But it has to be provided hand-in-hand with a home program that includes nutrition-counseling, behavior-influencing methods, exclusive parent-child time, medical care, reading to the child, talking to the child and safety development.
South Carolina needs to do this correctly. As Craig T. Ramey, Georgetown University Distinguished Professor of Health Studies and director of the Georgetown Center on Health and Education and others have demonstrated again and again, interventions must have the correct timing, the correct dosage of contact, the correct duration, the correct breadth of support and the correct content. Nothing less will do. More funds? Hurray! More half-interventions? Don't bother.
You might as well send each at-risk family a check to inch them away from poverty. Who knows, they may even buy a book, but don't look for their kids in high school.
Walter R. Miller is the evaluation chair for the South Carolina First Steps Board of Trustees.

2005 State First Steps Annual Report Now Online

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Sponhour) — Thu, 16 Feb 2006 15:04:00 +0000

The 2005 S.C. First Steps Annual Report is now online. You can read a PDF version of the document by following this link:

http://www.scfirststeps.org/annualreport.htm

Legislature Sends First Steps Bill to Governor

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Sponhour) — Thu, 16 Feb 2006 14:59:00 +0000

The following press release was issued by S.C. First Steps on February 1:

Today, the South Carolina State House of Representatives voted unanimously to renew legislation that would allow First Steps to continue helping the state’s youngest children prepare for school. Today’s House action, and the January 17 passage of identical legislation in the Senate, sends the First Steps reauthorization bill to Governor Sanford for his signature.

“First Steps has a track record of providing targeted school readiness interventions to young children, starting at birth, and their families through public-private collaborations at the community level,” said First Steps Director Susan DeVenny. “As we continue important discussions regarding Judge Cooper’s ruling and expanded services for young children in poverty, South Carolinians are increasingly aware of the long-term benefits of quality early care and education. Helping parents prepare their children early for school success results in strong returns to our state’s children and our economic future. Thanks to the House, we are a step closer to reaching those children and families who may benefit most from early learning opportunities.”

The First Steps legislation, first approved by the General Assembly in 1999, is set to expire July 1st of next year unless reauthorized. The House legislation (H. 4406), cosponsored by 79 bipartisan representatives, would reauthorize First Steps until a sunset of July 1, 2013. Along with the previously passed Senate bill, the legislation will become law upon the signature of Governor Sanford.

Spellings, Tenenbaum Headline Conference February 16

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Sponhour) — Wed, 01 Feb 2006 02:07:00 +0000

Columbia College is U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings and South Carolina Superintendent of Education Inez Tenenbaum for a talk called "Staying Competitive: National and South Carolina Perspectives" on Thursday February 16 a 7 p.m. in the Bellsouth Auditorium on Huger Street. SC First Steps is being allowed to include 100 people. OFS has asked that the Boards of Trustees from SC First Steps, Lexington County First Steps and Richland County First Steps be invited. A formal invitation is on the way to each LCFS Board member. We hope to see you there on the 16th.

LCFS Board Member Heads State Early Childhood Group

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Sponhour) — Wed, 01 Feb 2006 02:01:00 +0000

Lexington County First Steps Board Member Crystal Campbell has been elected the new president of the South Carolina Early Childhood Association. The SCECA is an advocate for early childhood programs, teachers and is the sponsor of many workshops and conferences around the state. Congratulations to Crystal for this great honor.

LCFS Board Meeting Tuesday February 7

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Sponhour) — Tue, 31 Jan 2006 18:32:00 +0000

The Lexington County First Steps Board will meet Tuesday February 7 at 6 p.m. in the academic center conference room at Midlands Technical College Airport Campus. Board members should look for more details via email soon.

First Steps Reauthorization Passes Senate

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Sponhour) — Tue, 17 Jan 2006 19:28:00 +0000

The Senate this morning passed the Joint Resolution that will reauthorize First Steps through 2013! This is great news. The House of Representatives must next take action on the legislation.