The first day of kindergarten is one of the biggest moments in the life of a young child. For many it is their first experience in “big school” - a strange, new environment with unfamiliar adults and children and a new set of expectations.
There is a new program in South Carolina designed to help at-risk children prepare to make this big leap called Countdown to Kindergarten. Lexington County First Steps is working to offer this wonderful opportunity in every school district in Lexington County.
Countdown to Kindergarten gives participating families two home visits each week during the month of July from a fully certified kindergarten teacher. Often, it is the same teacher the child will have when school starts in August.
Last year, state funding allowed Lexington County First Steps to sponsor Countdown to Kindergarten at a single school, Batesburg-Leesville Primary. The early results show that Countdown to Kindergarten makes a difference.
Our goal this summer is to hire at least two teachers in each of Lexington County’s five school districts. The cost for each group of 10 children is $3,100. That includes intensive training for the teachers, eight home visits per students, and a “Transition Toolkit” that contains materials the child will use in kindergarten.
State funds will again pay for one class of 10. For us to form at least nine additional classes across the county, we need your financial support. It takes just $310 to ensure that an at-risk child from our community will step into a kindergarten classroom this fall happy, confident, and ready to embark upon a lifetime of learning.
Contributions received before April 14, 2005, will have double the impact. Every $3,100 raised by that date will be matched dollar-for-dollar by the state Office of First Steps. Rarely is there such an opportunity to make a powerful, direct impact on young lives. Please consider contributing to Countdown to Kindergarten today. Contributions of any amount are fully tax deductible and can be sent to the address listed on this website.
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