First Five South Carolina

25 Mar

Overview

First Five South Carolina (first5sc.org) is a comprehensive online portal that connects families with children from birth through age five to over 60 publicly funded programs. Launched in February 2022, the initiative allows families to check eligibility and apply for multiple programs using a single platform.

The program's design as a single point of entry simplifies what was previously a confusing maze of services for families seeking assistance. This innovative approach has gained national recognition, establishing First Five SC as a leading model for state early childhood systems across the country.

Why It Matters

South Carolina families have long struggled to navigate the complex system of programs that support children's development during the crucial early years. First Five SC removes these barriers by providing a single access point for families to find information, check their eligibility, and apply for the programs they need.

The "one-stop" portal organizes programs into practical categories that match family needs, rather than government structures, enabling parents to easily find and access programs for their young children. The user-friendly interface works on smartphones or computers, making the platform accessible to families across the state.

The platform's success in creating a centralized access point for information, eligibility screening, and enrollment in public early childhood programs offers a valuable model for other states seeking to cut red tape for families with young children.

Quick Facts

Core Model: Centralized online portal with common eligibility screening and application.
Notable Feature: Single application process for a broad range of early childhood programs reduces paperwork for families.
Launch Date: February 2022
Eligibility: All South Carolina families with children from birth through age five
Current Funding: Supported by the federal Preschool Development Grant Birth through Five Initiative, and recurring state funds.
Participation Rates:
- Unique Visitors: 361,551 (February 2022 - December 2024)
- Eligibility Screenings: 31,432 completed
- Applications: 3,555 submitted through common application (May 2023-December 2024)
Program Coverage: Statewide access to over 60 publicly funded programs

Background

Launched in February 2022, First Five SC emerged from stakeholder discussions in 2019 that identified barriers families faced when trying to learn about and participate in family support programs. The portal was developed by the South Carolina Early Childhood Advisory Council together with state agencies and community partners, funded by a grant from the federal Preschool Development Grant Birth through Five program.

The initiative began as an information source and eligibility screener, then added a common service application that allows families to enter information once to apply for any participating early childhood program. This feature has been praised by families for saving time and simplifying the application process.

The South Carolina Early Childhood Advisory Council oversees the program, with administrative support from SC First Steps, and works closely with numerous state agencies and community partners. This collaborative, cross-agency approach has been essential to creating a more efficient system for supporting families with young children.

How It Works

First Five SC functions as a comprehensive online platform:

Families visit the First Five SC website to access information about 60 public programs organized into five categories: Child Care & Early Education; Health & Safety; Special Needs & Early Intervention; Food & Nutrition; and Parenting & Family Support
Parents enter basic information into a common eligibility screener, including child's age, household income, and family circumstances
The system identifies which programs families qualify for in their community
Families can complete applications for multiple programs using information they have already entered

Key Features

Common Eligibility Screener: Families enter information once to determine potential eligibility for a range of programs simultaneously, dramatically reducing the time needed to get information from multiple state agencies.
Unified Application Process: Families enter their information once, which is then automatically filled into application forms for multiple participating early childhood services, eliminating a major frustration for families.
Geographic Service Locator: The "Find a Provider" feature helps families locate services near them, ensuring connections to accessible providers within their communities
User-Centered Design: The portal organizes information into practical categories that align with families' needs instead of government structures, helping families easily find what they need
Mobile Accessibility: First Five SC is user-friendly on mobile phones, making the platform accessible to families who rely on smartphones for internet access

Policy Levers

Funding: State leaders secured and directed Preschool Development Grant Birth through Five Initiative funding to create and maintain the unified portal
Interagency Collaboration Framework: Policy established the structure for unprecedented cooperation among state agencies to share eligibility criteria and build the unified system
Digital Access Expansion: Investment in online systems increased accessibility of public services, particularly for families unable to visit multiple state offices in person because of transportation or scheduling challenges.

Results

First Five SC has demonstrated substantial public engagement and service access improvements since launch:

Family Engagement: 361,551 unique visitors accessed the portal between February 2022 and December 2024, with 155,881 unique visitors seeking information on all publicly funded early childhood services in the 2023-2024 fiscal year alone
Effective Targeting: 77% of those checking for services were eligible for at least one program in 2023-2024, suggesting the platform effectively reaches families who qualify for assistance
Service Access Efficiency: Families report finding services in minutes that previously took them months to locate, demonstrating dramatic improvement in access to support.