What We Do

First Five SC

Transforming the way families access public early childhood services.

Navigating public programs and services for young children can be overwhelming for families, especially when resources are spread across multiple agencies and systems. First Five SC is an innovative, user-friendly portal that streamlines the process of finding, checking eligibility for, and enrolling in public early childhood programs. Co-designed with families, state agencies, and community partners, the portal ensures that South Carolina families can easily connect with the resources they need to support their children’s healthy development.

At first5sc.org, families can check their eligibility for dozens of public services, including child care assistance, preschool programs, healthcare, special needs services, food and nutrition assistance, and parenting support. Then, using information they already entered, families can quickly apply for multiple programs at once.

With an accessible, mobile-friendly design, First Five SC redefines how families navigate public services—making access easier, faster, and more efficient than ever.

Get Involved

There are several ways to engage with First Five SC:

Access the Portal

Visit FirstFiveSC.org to explore services, check eligibility, and apply for programs.

Share the Resource

Help spread the word by sharing First Five SC with families and communities.

Become a Partner

Join the network of partners offering access to early childhood programs through First Five SC.

Explore Our Toolkit

Find resources for state and local governments looking to design, build and promote their own portals.

Visit First Five SC

See How It Works

Watch a short video to see how First Five SC was created in partnership with families to make accessing early childhood services easy and effective.