"Impressionable" - that's a term often used for the young or easily influenced.

It's also a good adjective to describe young minds - impressed easily (and often deeply) by life before enough of those experiences create that subjective filter each person has that we call "attitude" or "personality."

For instance, the earlier children learn a foreign language, the better they retain it, even into their adult years.

Early childhood education is the core purpose of First Steps, the state organization that is a fusion of state-funded resources, community groups, county partnerships and caring volunteers.

Now First Steps itself is getting more impressive in its mission in South Carolina as it takes over BabyNet, the program created for improving the development of babies and toddlers with disabilities.

The idea behind BabyNet - similar to First Steps - is that the earlier these children are touched by education, the more adaptable they become and the less remediation and special education they will need as they get older. It would be less expensive in the long run too.

On Sept. 18, Gov. Mark Sanford issued an executive order that placed the federally funded BabyNet under the umbrella of First Steps. Until this move, BabyNet had been operated under the oversight of the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control.

Regardless of what people have thought of Sanford's actions in recent months, this is a good piece of administrative maneuvering.

Since both programs have had parallel concerns - one for infants and toddlers in general educationally and the other for the educational needs of disabled children. Both programs can move together toward a common goal: helping the state's youngest learners become better prepared for their future academic challenges.

The consolidation of these two programs will also save tax money as there won't be a duplication of related staff and support roles between the two groups had they been kept apart.

Another advantage in the combination is now that First Steps has a bigger client base, it also means a greater need. It will have a greater voice and influence when budget appropriation time rolls around for the agency.

We salute First Steps and its expanded mission and hope it continues making good impressions upon parents and children about the joy and necessity of learning.