First Five SC is a resource for families with children 0-5. It’s a one-stop-shop for finding and learning about programs available through state agencies. You can learn more about First Five SC on our About page.  The information on First5SC.org is kept up-to-date by the SC Early Childhood Advisory Council staff.

Click here for a flyer that lists programs and agencies currently on First Five SC. Programs appear on the portal as information pages, on the eligibility screener or on the common application. The one-pager is updated frequently as more programs are added.  Programs may be on First Five for information, many appear on the screener, and many of those programs are also on the common application.

Palmetto Pre-K is SC’s one-stop shop for finding free, educational preschool programs for 3- and 4-year-olds in SC. Families can learn about their options. They can also check if their child is eligible and apply for many of them.

Parents can get help finding child care by contacting SC Child Care Resource & Referral. You can learn more about different types of child care, get help locating a provider, and search for child care centers near you.

Yes, if you create an account, you can log back in and see your applications in progress, and a list of applications you have submitted, as well as programs you may be eligible for that you can apply for on the First Five SC common application.  If your child’s age as changed, you have more children in your household, or your household circumstances change, you can complete the screener again to see if you may be eligible for different programs than before.

First Five SC was made for children ages 0-5 and their families, but many programs on First Five SC do not have age requirements or may also serve older children. Just enter the older child’s date of birth to see programs they or your family may be eligible for, such as SC Child Care Scholarships for Working Families, Medicaid or SNAP. There are also other websites in SC that can help you find community supports and services for all your children and family members, such as SCParents.gov, SC Thrive, and 211.

Definitely! If you are your grandchild’s legal guardian, you can apply programs for your grandchild. Some applications may need proof of guardianship, while others may only need to know that you are your grandchild’s primary caregiver.

The SC Family Voice Council welcomes parents of children ages birth-five to share feedback about the SC early childhood system, and also has members who are parents of young children who have participated in publicly funded programs and services. You can find out more information here and submit an interest form if you would like to be considered for becoming a member.                                

First Five SC does require access to the Internet. With families in mind, it was intentionally designed to be accessed on mobile devices.  Families have been accessing First Five SC through free sources: issued hotspots, open Wi-Fi networks, and public libraries.  Family-serving direct service professionals in our state may also help families by using work-issued tablets and devices to help families apply and use the eligibility screener.  Cookies and family data can easily be cleared from the device to protect families’ privacy.

Yes—First Five SC is built to only show families programs that they may be eligible for in their communities, so this is separated by county, school district, or zip code where appropriate. This is why First Five SC asks for addresses on the eligibility screener.