CERDEP
Child Early Reading and Development Education Program (CERDEP)
The South Carolina Child Early Reading and Development Education Program (CERDEP) is a state-directed program available in several Berkeley County schools. As part of the Appropriations Act, the South Carolina General Assembly provides funding for students who qualify under the established income eligible guidelines. To be eligible for the program a child must be at least four years of age by September 1st (public school cutoff date) to be considered for enrollment at the beginning of the school year. Program space is limited.
The South Carolina Child Early Reading and Development Education Program (CERDEP) program is available on a voluntary basis. Berkeley County School District works in partnership with the South Carolina Department of Education to offer CERDEP. As part of the Appropriations Act, the South Carolina General Assembly continued funding for students who qualify under the established guidelines.
The goal of CERDEP is to provide the developmental and learning support that children must have in order to be ready for school. With this voluntary program, parents participate in seminars to gain information that will allow them to support their child’s educational journey. Using research-based instructional practices and ongoing assessment, teachers provide an avenue for students to be ready for school.
Registration for each school year opens in the spring. Enrollment for the SC Child Early Reading Development & Education Program (CERDEP) can begin online. Those unable to register online should contact the school to arrange a date and time to register in person. All qualified children will be contacted by the school for readiness screening as schools are able to complete.
Registration links:
Cerdep Guidelines
This document from the South Carolina Department of Education opens in a new window.
This document from the South Carolina Department of Education opens in a new window.
Contact a participating school (listed below) for more information on this voluntary program.
Child Find
As a service to the community, Berkeley County School District provides free screenings for hearing, vision, speech, and developmental skills for children ages 3 to 21 who live in the Berkeley County attendance area.
Regularly scheduled Child Find Clinics are held monthly at each of the elementary schools in Berkeley County.
If you would like to know more about your child’s developmental learning patterns, if your child is developing significantly differently than other children the same age, or if you have concerns about your child’s development, you may want to consider scheduling an appointment to have your child screened.
Please contact Berkeley County School District for an appointment at (843) 899-8890.
2023-24 Child Find Clinic Dates
August 18, 2023
September 15, 2023
October 20, 2023
November 17, 2023
December 15, 2023
January 19, 2024
February 23, 2024
March 22, 2024
April 19, 2024
June 6, 2024
Preschool Programs for Children with Disabilities
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (2004) and South Carolina Department of Education Policy R43-243 authorize the provision of special education services to children who meet the eligibility criteria as a child with a disability. Special education preschool programs are designed to include educational opportunities that promote school readiness and social skills development. Specially designed instruction includes preliteracy, language, and numeracy skills. In addition, behavioral/social skills and personal/adaptive development may be addressed for children who demonstrate a need in these areas.
If you have a child with a diagnosed disability or if you suspect that your child may have a disability, you may request more information by contacting Berkeley County School District at (843) 899-8890.