South Carolina First Steps offers tips to prepare five-year-olds for kindergarten
Contributed by Lisa Michals

The first day of kindergarten is right around the corner. To help parents ensure a smooth transition to kindergarten, South Carolina First Steps will release school readiness and registration tips leading up to the first day of school.

Topics will include preparation to- do lists, how to pack healthy lunches, and what children should know before starting school.

This public awareness campaign is conducted in conjunction with First Steps nationally- recognized Countdown to Kindergarten program, which helps S.C.'s most at- risk children make successful transitions to kindergarten.

This year, 130 trained kindergarten teachers across 31 counties are conducting eight weekly home visits to help a total of 1,255 at- risk five year olds and their families prepare for school this fall.

First Steps weekly tips can be found at www.scfirststeps.org.