Early Childhood Education

The Charleston County Early Childhood Education Program is a state-of-the-art, research-based program that is built on current research, methodologies, and best practices. It provides the foundation for a continuum of learning from Preschool to Grade 12 that is based on proven practices for the education of young learners. The Early Childhood Department has an ongoing collaboration with CDI HeadStart and Charleston County First Steps to ensure that preparation gaps are eliminated and all students read on grade level or higher by the end of the third grade.

Charleston County School District offers full day and half day prekindergarten for children who are four years of age by September 1st. Full day prekindergarten, funded under EIA, Title One, and GOF funds, allows the district to provide full day instruction for eligible students. CCSD's preschool programs are designed to develop skills necessary for success in the regular public school curriculum with a focus on emergent literacy, early numeracy, science and social studies. Through full day and half day inclusive preschool programming, the needs of bilingual, ESL, and preschool children with special education needs are met. CCSD's Early Childhood Department oversees preschool programs in conjunction with the Office of Exceptional children and currently serves approximately 1,700 students in preschool programs.

Mission

The mission of the Charleston County School District, a dynamic system of challenging educational choices, is to increase student achievement and close the gap between groups in order to prepare all students to compete in a global economy and make a positive contribution to our community and nation.

Vision

To provide high quality early childhood programming that will produce students who are proficient in all areas of academic and prosocial development.

CCSD Preschool Classes

Resources

Lerah Smith Lee
Director of Early Childhood Education
(843) 937-6563
lerah_smith-lee@charleston.k12.sc.us

Jean H Brown

Early Childhood Administrative Assistant

(843) 937-6378

jeanh_brown@charleston.k12.sc.us