4K Seats Available Now: Set Your Child Up for Success Before Kindergarten
As the new school year approaches, Spartanburg families have a powerful opportunity to set their children on a path to lifelong success by enrolling their child in a high-quality 4K (pre-kindergarten) program.
Research shows that early childhood education is one of the most effective ways to prepare children for school and beyond. And right now, free 4K spots are available across Spartanburg County for eligible families. Currently, there are 280 remaining spots for the 2025-2026 academic year, but the window for enrolling closes soon!
Studies in South Carolina have found that children who attend full-day 4K programs are significantly more prepared for kindergarten. These children enter school with stronger language, social, and problem-solving skills, which are key for helping them thrive in the classroom. In fact, children who start kindergarten ready to learn are more likely to read on grade level by third grade, graduate high school, and succeed in their careers.
Currently, only 48% of children in Spartanburg enter kindergarten ready to learn. Accessing high-quality early learning environments is a critical step towards community-wide change. To support early childhood success, Hello Family is a community initiative that connects families with resources from pregnancy through age 8.
A priority of Hello Family and the Spartanburg Academic Movement is ensuring that every child has access to high-quality early care and education. Through Hello Family, families can easily find and enroll in programs that meet their needs, including First Steps 4K and First Steps 4K+, which offer before- and after-school care and even scholarships for siblings ages birth to twelve.
To qualify for First Steps 4K, your child must be:
• 4 years old on or before September 1 of the school year
• A South Carolina resident
• Eligible for Medicaid, SNAP/TANF, free/reduced-price lunch, experiencing homelessness, or in foster care.
Don’t miss this chance to give your child a strong start. Text “ENROLL” to 864-606-9908 to connect with a Hello Family representative for free. Even if your child does not qualify for First Steps 4K, Hello Family can help you find other high-quality programs, including those that accept ABC Scholarships.