Office of School Readiness

Catherine Sanderson, PhD - Director of School Readiness

Preschool and Parent Services Profile

1001 West Sumter St
Florence, SC 29501
(843) 673-1129
Monday - Thursday  7:30 am - 3:30 pm 
Friday  7:30 am - 3:00 pm

Is your child on the right path to Kindergarten? 

Florence 1 Schools' StartSmart offers unique services for young children ages birth to age 5 that will help the Florence community ensure that all children enter school ready to learn so they will be better able to grow into productive citizens. The program has grown dramatically since it began in 2012. Over 1,000 Florence-area children currently benefit from the available services. Find out more at http://www.theschoolfoundation.org/

Registration for the 2020-2021 school year

4K: How to Qualify (Income-Based Program):

• Child must be 4 years old on or before September 1st, 2020
• Live in Florence District 1
• Valid medicaid card or 2020 income taxes (this is an income-based program)
• Proof of Residency (matching address on a driver's license/state issued ID, utility bill, vehicle registration or rental agreement)

3K & 4K: How to Qualify (F1S District Employee Children):

• Child must be 3 or 4 years old on or before September 1st, 2020
• Be the child of a F1S employee
• Proof of Residency

What to do:

Come to the Office of School Readiness to fill out an application and bring your documents. Then you will be given a code to continue registration online.    

Home Visiting Services

The Parent Center
1400 Woods Road
Florence, SC 29501
(843) 758-6871 

Two research-based home visiting programs support parents in their roles as their children's first and most important teachers. 

 Parents as Teachers (PAT) provides home visits for expectant mothers and children from birth-3 years old. Each bi-monthly visit includes activities that support parent-child interaction. Home visitors review the specific developmental stages and help parents work through barriers that can hinder the child's development. 

www.parentsasteachers.org

 Parent Child Home Visiting Program (PCHP) provides home visits that focus on language development for 2-3 year old children through interaction with educational books and toys. In each bi-weekly visit, a home visitor demonstrates how parents can use these carefully selected materials to maximize their verbal interactions with the child.

http://www.parent-child.org/

***Play Groups have temporarily suspended due to COVID-19.***

The Benefits of Play

Play allows children to use their creativity while developing their imagination, dexterity, and physical, cognitive, and emotional strength. Play is important to healthy brain development. It is through play that children at a very early age engage and interact in the world around them. Play allows children to create and explore a world they can master, conquering their fears while practicing adult roles, sometimes in conjunction with other children or adult caregivers.

Would you be interested in being a part of a group of moms and children, ages NEWBORN TO 3 that play together?

If you are interested in attending:

Please call Melanie McMillan at 843-758-6871

We look forward to hearing from you!