Tell your South Carolina lawmakers – prioritize kids this legislative session!
Urge South Carolina State Lawmakers to Invest in Kids This Legislative Session
South Carolina
We’re Empowering South Carolinans to Be the Voice for Kids
South Carolinans overwhelmingly support investing in our kids, and especially early education.
This is key because research shows the first five years of children’s lives are critically important for their development. We’re committed to ensuring all children succeed in school and life.
Learn how we’re investing in South Carolina’s future.
Upcoming Events
Bird-Dog Our Gubernatorial Candidates on Behalf of Kids
June 3, 2021 @ 5:30 pm - November 8, 2022 @ 6:30 pm EDTAs the governor’s race heats up in South Carolina, our advocates are making it their business to a...
Take Action in South Carolina
South Carolina In the News
Save the Children Action Network Applauds South Carolina Lawmakers for Expanding Public 4K
Save the Children Action Network is thrilled with the South Carolina state budget, released today, which historically expands the state’s public four-year-old kindergarten program. Before today’s announcement, only four-year-olds residing in low-income school districts could access publicly funded 4K. But, now, all South Carolina four-year-olds from income-eligible families can enroll, no matter where they live.
Save the Children Applauds Introduction of the SMART Act
Save the Children is pleased to endorse the bipartisan Summer Meals Alternative Relief and Transportation (SMART) Act being introduced in Congress today by Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Cory Booker (D-NJ). The SMART Act would ensure children in rural communities and other hard-to-reach areas have access to nutritious meals during the summer months when school meals are not accessible. Currently, at the end of the school year, only 14 percent of eligible low-income children receive meals through the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), often because they cannot access meal distribution sites due to distance or lack of transportation. The SMART Act would work to address this by establishing an alternate food distribution service option, direct home delivery.
ERIN LIVE ON THE AIR WITH GUEST Deborah Merrill DePaoli
Deborah Merrill DePaoli is the South Carolina State Manager for Save the Children Action Network (SCAN). This winter, she spoke with Erin Live on the Air about SCAN's work to help children in the U.S. and around the world survive and thrive.
State Leadership
Deborah DePaoli
Mobilization Manager, South Carolina
Deborah DePaoli is a life-long educator. With thirty years of experience in public education, Deborah knows the importance of early childhood experiences and is highly motivated to reach out to like-minded community activists. Deborah is involved in her community and is a champion for those who are vulnerable.
Deborah grew up in southern California where she earned a teaching certificate at Cal State San Marcos. After moving to Columbia in 2005, Deborah has worked in local early childhood programs and earned a Master’s degree in administration and leadership from Southern Wesleyan University. She lives in Columbia now with her two precious children, True and Asher.
Email Deborah at [email protected].