(COLUMBIA, SC May 18, 2020) – Family Connection of South Carolina (FCSC) and the South Carolina Department of Education have launched a new program called Text 2 Read for parents of preschoolers. Parents can use their cell phone to text T2R to 734-5BOOK52 (734-526-6552) to receive free weekly text messages offering practical tips and activities to promote reading readiness. Texts are created from South Carolina’s early learning standards and are segmented for early preschoolers, 36-48 months old or older preschoolers, 48-60 months old. “Text 2 Read is a confidential, easy-to-use resource for parents to help prepare their child for Kindergarten and becoming ready to read” said Amy Holbert, CEO of Family Connection of South Carolina. “Parents and caregivers play an important role in supporting their child’s literacy development. This program is aimed to improve reading ability, comprehension and language skills of young learners and promote interaction between parent and child.”

Thank you to all of the generous contributors who donated to Family Connection of South Carolina through the Midlands Gives event this year! Because of you, and our generous anonymous donor, the Cheerful Giver, an unprecedented $7,000 was raised! Your gifts will help us continue serving our families and helping those with disabilities and special health care needs. #MakingConnections #RaisingAwareness #PromotingInclusion

CEO Amy Holbert’s appearance on WIS-TV discussing Family Connection of South Carolina’s resources and services for families! Watch the interview!

We want to hear from you! We would like to understand how the extended school closures have affected your family. Your input will help us continue to serve your needs! All feedback is confidential and no identifying information will be shared. The results of this survey will be used to develop products and programs to better help families and their children during this time. Parent Survey

Columbia, S.C. – As teachers, parents and students adjust to a new and unprecedented way of learning and living, the South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) is dedicated to delivering support as we all navigate and learn together. This week, the South Carolina Department of Education launched SCRemoteLearning.com, a website offering digital teaching and learning resources for teachers, parents and students during the current COVID-19 pandemic. “I know that remote learning can be challenging for everyone,” said State Superintendent of Education Molly Spearman. “We are committed to supporting both our teachers, who are working hard to make it possible for our students to learn at home, and parents and students, who are doing a great job of adjusting to these changes.” The information included on SCRemoteLearning.com was both developed internally and vetted from outside sources for use by school districts as instructional resources. The website offers support for remote learners that can be used by

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. In 2020 this takes on heightened meaning in the midst of our current uncertainty. Throughout the month we will post messages to help keep families strong and children safe amid these physically isolated times. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram! One way to help? Take the Pledge for Prevention! I pledge to be a good neighbor and help keep families strong and children safe. I will reach out to a family in my neighborhood, support a local family organization or know about family resources in my community.

The South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) is providing important resources and updates to ensure Healthy Connections Medicaid members continue to have access to care during the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). These updates include temporary policy changes allowing Healthy Connections Medicaid members to access many health care services from home as well as additional resources to answer questions you may have during the current outbreak of COVID-19. Nurse Phone Line Now Available 24/7 for Healthy Connections Medicaid Members Healthy Connections Medicaid members who are not enrolled in a managed care organization (MCO) are now able to speak with a nurse by phone for non-emergency health care-related questions. This resource is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and is free to Healthy Connections Medicaid members who are not enrolled in an MCO. If you’re enrolled in an MCO, you currently have access to