News Summary
Horry County has unveiled a new initiative, ‘Ready, Set, Kindergarten!’, aimed at preparing four-year-olds and their families for kindergarten. This free program is a collaboration between local schools and community organizations, focusing on interactive sessions to enhance literacy and parental involvement. With nearly 75.2% of students previously inadequately prepared for kindergarten, this program represents a significant investment in early childhood education and community engagement. Families can expect engaging sessions starting in early 2026 that empower both children and parents for academic success.
Horry County Launches Free Kindergarten Prep Program
New “Ready, Set, Kindergarten!” Initiative Empowers Families for Academic Success
Myrtle Beach, SC – The foundation of a strong community is built upon the success of its youngest citizens. In Horry County, dedicated educators, community leaders, and parents are collaborating to ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive from their very first day in the classroom. This commitment to early academic excellence and robust family engagement is at the heart of a new, free program designed to prepare four-year-olds and their parents for kindergarten. The initiative exemplifies how local innovation and focused community efforts can effectively support academic growth.
This proactive approach recognizes the profound impact of early childhood experiences on lifelong learning. Rather than relying solely on traditional methods, Horry County is embracing collaborative solutions that empower parents and leverage community resources, fostering an environment where children can truly flourish. Such partnerships demonstrate a commitment to practical, results-oriented strategies that benefit families directly.
Introducing “Ready, Set, Kindergarten!”
The new program, aptly named “Ready, Set, Kindergarten!”, is a collaborative effort aimed at ensuring four-year-olds are well-prepared for their crucial first year of school. This initiative brings together the strengths of Horry County Schools, the United Way of Horry County, and the “Rise With Reading” initiative, demonstrating a unified commitment to educational success in the region.
Starting in early 2026, the program will offer monthly Saturday sessions for families with children who are anticipating kindergarten enrollment. These sessions are designed to be interactive and engaging, focusing on key skills and parental involvement. Hosted by Conway Elementary kindergarten teachers and United Way volunteers, the program underscores the value of local expertise and volunteer spirit in delivering impactful educational services directly to families.
Why Early Readiness is Essential
Research consistently highlights the critical importance of kindergarten readiness. Early childhood experiences and learning lay a vital groundwork, significantly influencing a child’s academic trajectory and broader life outcomes, including social, economic, and health aspects. Children who enter kindergarten well-prepared are more likely to achieve positive academic results, cultivate a love for learning, develop stronger social relationships, exhibit greater confidence, and possess enhanced social skills.
In Horry County, the need for such programs is evident. Data from February 2023 indicated that nearly 75.2% of students were not adequately prepared to begin kindergarten. This statistic underscores the urgency and importance of initiatives like “Ready, Set, Kindergarten!” in addressing foundational learning gaps and setting more children on a path to success. By focusing on early intervention, the community is making a strategic investment in its future.
Empowering Parents Through Engagement
A cornerstone of the “Ready, Set, Kindergarten!” program is its emphasis on parental involvement. The sessions are structured to include interactive literacy activities and direct parent engagement, providing take-home materials that enable families to continue reinforcing kindergarten readiness skills outside of the structured program. This approach recognizes parents as a child’s first and most influential teachers, empowering them with the tools and knowledge to support their child’s educational journey effectively.
Active parental involvement is not merely beneficial; it is crucial for a child’s holistic development. It demonstrably improves academic achievement and enhances social-emotional skills, fostering a supportive environment where children can reach their full potential. The State of South Carolina even acknowledges this importance through its “Parental Involvement in Their Children’s Education Act,” which aims to heighten awareness and encourage robust partnerships between parents and schools. By providing resources and guidance, “Ready, Set, Kindergarten!” strengthens these vital family-school connections.
Community Synergy: A Model for Success
The collaborative nature of “Ready, Set, Kindergarten!” exemplifies effective community partnership. The United Way of Horry County, a key partner, leads its “Mission Ready” initiative, which focuses on early childhood education for children aged 0-5. This broader initiative encompasses various programs, including Camp United, Heggerty, and The Basics, all designed to ensure children reach essential developmental milestones. “Ready, Set, Kindergarten!” fits seamlessly into this comprehensive framework.
Furthermore, the program directly supports Horry County Schools’ “Rise With Reading” initiative, a county-wide movement with an ambitious goal: to ensure 95% of HCS students are reading at or above their grade level by 2030. This overarching literacy goal is bolstered by expanded parent engagement opportunities and community partnerships, highlighting how targeted programs can contribute to broader academic objectives. Such coordinated efforts demonstrate how pooling resources and expertise, rather than fragmented bureaucratic approaches, can yield significant educational improvements. Horry County Schools also offers a full-day Child Development (CD) program for eligible at-risk four-year-olds, further demonstrating a commitment to early intervention and school readiness.
Investing in Our Future
“Ready, Set, Kindergarten!” represents a valuable investment in the future of Horry County. By focusing on early learning and parental empowerment, the program aims to equip children with the foundational skills necessary not just for kindergarten, but for a lifetime of learning and personal achievement. This emphasis on proactive preparation and community-driven solutions aligns with the vision of fostering academic excellence through practical, accessible, and supportive programs.
The success of our Myrtle Beach SC schools and the broader Horry County education landscape depends on continued engagement from all stakeholders. Programs like “Ready, Set, Kindergarten!” illustrate the positive outcomes that can be achieved when educational institutions, community organizations, and families work together with a shared purpose, minimizing red tape and maximizing direct impact.
Conclusion
The launch of “Ready, Set, Kindergarten!” is a testament to Horry County’s commitment to prioritizing early education and fostering strong family-school partnerships. By offering a free, accessible program that directly addresses kindergarten readiness, the community is actively working to ensure that more children begin their academic journey with confidence and a solid foundation for success. This initiative reinforces the belief that empowering parents and investing in early learning are among the most effective ways to cultivate a generation of accomplished and engaged citizens.
We encourage all parents of rising kindergartners to explore the opportunities provided by “Ready, Set, Kindergarten!” and to remain actively involved in their children’s educational development. Your engagement, combined with innovative community programs, is vital for shaping the future of our South Carolina classrooms. Stay informed and continue to support local initiatives that champion educational innovation and personal achievement.
Frequently Asked Questions about Ready, Set, Kindergarten!
- What is the Ready, Set, Kindergarten! program?
- The Ready, Set, Kindergarten! program is a free initiative in Horry County, SC, designed to help four-year-olds and their parents prepare for kindergarten. It is a collaboration between Horry County Schools, United Way of Horry County, and Rise With Reading.
- Who is eligible to participate in Ready, Set, Kindergarten! ?
- The program is for families of rising kindergartners in Horry County, specifically focusing on four-year-olds who will be entering kindergarten.
- What activities are included in the program?
- The sessions focus on interactive literacy activities, parent engagement, and provide take-home materials to reinforce kindergarten readiness skills.
- Where and when do the sessions take place?
- Monthly Saturday sessions will be hosted by Conway Elementary kindergarten teachers and United Way volunteers, starting in early 2026.
- Why is kindergarten readiness important?
- Early childhood experiences and learning have lasting positive effects on academic outcomes, social, emotional, and cognitive development. Children who are ready for kindergarten tend to have improved academic performance, greater confidence, and better social skills.
- What is the “Rise With Reading” initiative?
- “Rise With Reading” is a county-wide movement by Horry County Schools aiming for 95% of students to read at or above grade level by 2030, supported by various literacy strategies and community partnerships. The Ready, Set, Kindergarten! program supports this goal.
- How does parental involvement benefit children in early education?
- Active parental involvement is crucial for a child’s holistic development, enhancing academic achievement, and improving social-emotional skills. It helps create a nurturing and supportive learning environment.
Key Features of Ready, Set, Kindergarten!
| Feature | Description | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Program Name | Ready, Set, Kindergarten! | Local (Horry County) |
| Target Age Group | 4-year-olds (rising kindergartners) and their parents | Local (Horry County) |
| Purpose | To prepare children and parents for the transition to kindergarten. | Local (Horry County) |
| Collaborators | Horry County Schools, United Way of Horry County, Rise With Reading. | Local (Horry County) |
| Program Format | Monthly Saturday sessions. | Local (Horry County) |
| Activities | Interactive literacy activities, parent engagement, take-home materials. | Local (Horry County) |
| Goal Alignment | Supports Horry County Schools’ “Rise With Reading” goal of 95% literacy by 2030. | Local (Horry County) |
| Parental Role | Emphasizes active parental involvement as crucial for child development and academic success. | Nationwide/State-level (General benefit, SC Act) |
| Current Readiness Rate (Horry County) | Nearly 75.2% of students were not ready for kindergarten (as of Feb 2023). | Local (Horry County) |
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Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
