FREE SC First Steps 4K

Confidence for kindergarten - at no cost to you! 

First Steps 4K is a FREE, full-day kindergarten readiness program for eligible 4-year-olds in South Carolina – plus FREE childcare for siblings! Enroll today and give your child a strong foundation for school success.

What is SC First Steps 4K?

First Steps 4K provides FREE, full-day 4-year-old kindergarten for eligible families across South Carolina. At The Sunshine House, children receive high-quality instruction, wrap-around care, and childcare for siblings – at no cost to qualifying families.

  • Available at select Sunshine House locations in SC

  • Rolling admission – apply any time!

This program is designed to help children thrive in kindergarten and beyond by focusing on school readiness, brain development, strong family partnerships, and long-term benefits of early learning.

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First Steps 4K

FREE Full-Day 4-Year-Old Kindergarten

The program features a curriculum-based classroom setting with: 

  • 8 hours of daily instruction

  • Classes 5 days a week, year-round

  • Meals & snacks included

  • Early summer start for rising fours – an extra 40 days of learning!

First Steps 4K+

FREE Childcare for the Whole Family

Families may also qualify for childcare scholarships that include:

  • FREE wrap care before or after the 4K school day

  • FREE full- or part-time care for all siblings ages 0 – 12

    • Includes after-school care for school-age children

    • Can be applied toward enrollment at any licensed, ABC Quality child care center or afterschool program

Who is Eligible?

Eligibility is based on the following criteria:

  • Child must be 4 years old on or before September 1

  • Family income guidelines

  • South Carolina residency

SC First Steps 4K

How to Apply

  1. Complete the First Steps 4K Application at www.Free4KSC.org

  2. First Steps will notify you and your chosen school of your approval, usually within just 2-3 days

  3. Your school will contact you and provide next steps to complete your enrollment

  4. Already enrolled in First Steps and ready to use your FREE childcare benefits? Email your child's name to free4ksc@scfirststeps.org to get started today!

Documents You'll Need

Be prepared to upload:

  • Your child’s birth certificate

  • Proof of South Carolina residency (SC driver’s license or ID, utility bill, or lease/mortgage agreement)

  • Income verification (Medicaid card/letter, SNAP card, or household income documents)

  • SC Certificate of Immunization (school-ready certificate preferred; daycare certificate is acceptable)

Find a Sunshine House Near You to Learn More

Classes are filled on a first-come basis, and enrollment is available year-round. Availability is not guaranteed, so get started today!

Find a School How to Enroll Reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. First Steps 4K is fully funded by the state of South Carolina for qualifying families.

Yes. At The Sunshine House, children attend a full-day (8-hour) 4K program with optional complimentary wrap-around care.

Applications open in January and are processed year-round. Families can apply anytime; there is no cut-off date.

Yes. Eligible families may receive free childcare for siblings ages 0–12 through SCDSS childcare scholarships.

Beginning January 2026, you can apply for this benefit when you complete your First Steps 4K application. Get started here!

No. First Steps 4K+ funding is a protected category and is fully funded at this time.

Call First Steps at 1-877-621-0865 (option 1) during normal business hours, or email free4ksc@scfirststeps.org for assistance.

First Steps 4K is available at many Sunshine House locations across SC – including Easley, Spartanburg, Travelers Rest, Mauldin, Greer, Duncan, Anderson, Woodruff, Greenwood, Rock Hill, Columbia, Irmo, Blythewood, Aiken, Augusta, Charleston, North Charleston, and Florence. Availability may vary by location. Find a Sunshine House location near you to confirm First Steps 4K programs and openings.  

Once First Steps approves your application, your selected Sunshine House location will contact you directly to confirm availability and guide you through next steps.

First Steps 4K spaces are limited and filled on a first-come, first-served basis, so we encourage families to apply as early as possible.

Families may use the scholarship benefit for free sibling care at any Sunshine House.