SC First Steps 4K
Confidence for Kindergarten. Childcare Support for the Whole Family.
Want to ensure your child is ready for kindergarten? Enroll in our free, state-funded First Steps 4K program at The Sunshine House!
We are proud to be one of South Carolina's First Steps 4K providers, meeting or exceeding strict state standards for curriculum, assessments, and teacher credentials. For 50 years, families have trusted us to provide high-quality early education—and we’d love for your family to join us!
📌 Limited spots available. Enrollment is first-come, first-served.
What is SC First Steps?
First Steps 4K is a FREE, full-day kindergarten readiness program for eligible South Carolina 4-year-olds. Available at select Sunshine House locations across SC, this program offers:
✅ 8 hours of daily instruction, 5 days a week
✅ Meals and snacks included
✅ Rolling admission - apply anytime!
✅ Care during school breaks and holidays
✅ Extended hours before and after the school day
Think you make too much to qualify?
The state recently increased the income limit for First Steps 4K eligibility, which means more families than ever may qualify for free 4K.
For example, a family of four earning $99,000 or less per year may now be eligible.
👉 Get Started - Apply Now
Support for the Whole Family
In addition to FREE 4K, eligible families may also receive scholarships and tuition assistance for:
Wrap care before or after the 4K school day
Childcare for younger siblings
Afterschool programs for school-age siblings
🔔 Options vary depending on location and household income
Who is Eligible?
Your child may qualify if:
They turn 4 on or before September 1
Your family resides in South Carolina
Your household meets income eligibility requirements
Think you make too much? The state recently increased the income threshold for First Steps 4K eligibility. For example, a family of four earning $99,000 or less annually could qualify.
How to Apply
Complete the First Steps 4K Application at www.Free4KSC.org.
First Steps will notify you and your chosen school of your approval.
Your school will contact you and provide next steps to complete your enrollment.
Documents You'll Need
Be prepared to upload:
Your child’s birth certificate
Proof of South Carolina residency
Income verification
SC Certificate of Immunization
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!
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.
Families may also be eligible to receive childcare scholarship and tuition assistance for siblings up to 12 years old. Contact us to learn more!
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 sibling care at any Sunshine House.