Publications & Reports

KIDS COUNT Data Book is an annual data book that tracks the status of children by analyzing state- and county-level statistical indicators of child well-being using social educational, economic and health data. The 34th edition of the Annie E. Casey Foundation's KIDS COUNT^® Data Book describes how the country’s lack of affordable and accessible child care negatively affects children, families and U.S. businesses. 

Telling the story of babies is more important than ever. The data included in the State of Babies Yearbook helps policymakers understand the indications that too many babies face risks that can undermine development and therefore their ability to reach their potential—in other words, what to pay attention to. The data also can help policymakers think strategically about progress—the actions that can be taken to create meaningful and sustainable change for all families with young children.

Through surveys and interviews conducted in 2021-2022, findings highlight the most prominent needs of a diverse group of South Carolina families. 

A compilation of findings from a statewide survey conducted Summer 2022

The annual report for South Carolina's ECAC is included in the South Carolina First Steps Annual Report. South Carolina First Steps is the host and administrator of the ECAC.

The 2022 report shares highlights from the South Carolina Family Voice Council which was born of a commitment from the public early childhood system to partner with families and listen, center, and co-create the future of programming and policies that impact families in our state.

Ascend published “Toward A More Equitable Tomorrow: A Landscape Analysis of Early Childhood Leadership” that highlights key issues we face across the nation that are also mirrored in communities across our state.  The report identifies priority areas, such as supporting parents in locating job and educational opportunities to promote greater economic security, and the vital importance of shaping the direction our systems move by centering the experience, knowledge, and leadership of families. 

“South Carolina Pre-K to Kindergarten Transition Plan: Family Engagement” demonstrates the state’s collective capacity and commitment to ensure every child and family has the resources to learn, flourish and thrive. It includes a range of recommendations and opportunities identified to enhance, increase, and improve families’ engagement with preschool and school-based professionals, leading to shared understanding and goals around school readiness.

South Carolina's Birth through Five Plan will build a coherent framework for our collective efforts to strengthen the early childhood system.  It will bring together various strategic planning efforts conducted over the past five years into a bold, comprehensive, actionable strategy for our state that includes joint interagency commitments.

Two-generation (2Gen) approaches build family wellbeing by intentionally and simultaneously working with children and the adults in their lives together. As children, parents, and families grow and change across their lifespan, 2Gen approaches align opportunities to help families pursue their goals and thrive, optimizing each person’s potential along the way. The results are healthy parents with family-supporting jobs, healthy children meeting developmental milestones, and better-connected individuals able to participate in civic and family life.