Hundreds of four-year-olds across South Carolina face waitlists to enter state-funded preschool programs, despite thousands of available seats, as highlighted in a recent report to the state Education Oversight Committee. The state finances a dual system of full-day kindergarten for four-year-olds deemed “at risk.” Eligibility under state law extends to those qualifying for Medicaid, free or reduced-price meals, or those who are homeless, in foster care, or show developmental delays. Many public school districts also utilize local property tax revenues to broaden eligibility.
The South Carolina Department of Education manages these programs in public schools, while First Steps, another state agency, oversees classes in approved private schools and childcare centers.
As of November, around 400 four-year-olds awaited enrollment openings at local public schools. Concurrently, First Steps 4K reported over 2,300 available seats, frequently in the same counties with the longest waitlists. For these children, attending preschool is crucial, as they require at least 120 days of preschool to be adequately prepared for kindergarten.
Several factors contribute to the mismatch between available seats and waitlisted children. In some regions, alternative preschool programs may not be easily accessible. Additionally, a lack of awareness among parents about other preschool options could be a factor. To address this, the introduction of a designated “4K navigator” is suggested. This role would guide parents toward available preschool options and address any inquiries they may have. Such an initiative could effectively reduce waitlists.
First Steps 4K already employs a process that facilitates contact with a central phone line or website to help parents choose suitable programs for their children. This approach has successfully prevented First Steps from developing its own waitlist. Implementing 4K navigators in areas with significant waitlists could further enhance the efficiency of pre-K program enrollment.
Should a school district consistently maintain a waitlist exceeding 20 students, it could indicate a population growth requiring additional state funding to accommodate these students. Presently, waitlisted students account for less than one percent of eligible children not enrolled. Approximately 18,000 four-year-olds, or about 55 percent of those eligible, live in poverty but remain unenrolled in any 4K program.
The current enrollment represents an improvement from the 2022-2024 school year, where 60 percent of eligible students were not enrolled. However, further efforts are necessary. Even if all students on waitlists filled available spots, additional capacity exists to enroll at least 1,900 more students.
Outreach and awareness efforts are crucial to inform parents about 4K programs and their benefits. Preschool programs provide significant advantages, fostering skills in reading, math, and socialization. At-risk students who attend state-funded pre-K programs are better prepared for school than their peers who do not.
The report underscores the importance of ensuring that eligible students on waitlists gain access to these beneficial programs, emphasizing the need for continued outreach and resource allocation to reach unserved children.
SC Daily Gazette operates under States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and donors as a 501c(3) public charity, maintaining editorial independence. For inquiries, contact Editor Seanna Adcox at [email protected].