Palmetto Pre-K

Connecting South Carolina's publicly funded preschool programs. 

South Carolina offers a variety of publicly funded preschool programs across different settings, including public schools, Head Start centers, First Steps 4K classrooms in private centers, and child care scholarships through the SC Department of Social Services. With funding from multiple sources, the landscape of services can be complex to navigate. To improve alignment and coordination across this mixed delivery system, the South Carolina Early Childhood Advisory Council (ECAC) created Palmetto Pre-K.

PalmettoPreK.org
The Palmetto Pre-K Portal is a one-stop resource for families seeking free educational preschool programs in South Carolina. Through the portal, families can easily check their eligibility and search for programs by zip code to find available options that meet their needs. The goal is to make it simple for families to explore and connect with the right programs at a glance.

Palmetto Pre-K Jamboree
The Palmetto Pre-K Jamboree is South Carolina’s signature professional development event for educators of 3- and 4-year-olds. Held twice a year, the Jamboree brings together leaders and professionals from across the state to promote excellence in early education. The event is coordinated by SC First Steps, the SC Department of Education, the SC Department of Social Services, and the SC Head Start Collaboration Office.