Orangeburg County First Steps

To invest in our community, to support families and caregivers of children birth to age 5, to improve school readiness, and to ensure children realize their full potential.

Orangeburg County First Steps Programs have had a transformative impact on the community. Our programs have significantly enhanced school readiness for families with children from birth to age 5, with Countdown to 4K and 5K participants expressing heightened confidence as they approach school transitions. The Parents as Teachers program empowers caregivers with essential skills and knowledge, fostering nurturing home environments that prepare children for educational success. Home visits and group meetings create meaningful connections among parents, cultivating strong support networks where families share resources and solutions. The Raising A Reader and Dolly Parton Imagination Library initiatives ignite a passion for reading in children, resulting in improved language skills and academic performance. Proactive screenings and assessments help identify developmental concerns early, ensuring families access vital resources for their children's growth. Orangeburg County First Steps is transforming lives by supporting families, inspiring literacy, and preparing children to thrive, shaping a brighter future for our community.

Testimonials

"Through this program [Parents As Teachers] I've been able to receive resources to help me prepare my daughter for education in home and school while learning parenting skills and how a child's parent is their first teacher. I am so happy to have them [First Steps] as part of our village and investing in me. This amazing scholarship awarded through Together We Can Family Initiative, allows me to attend OC Tech's Certified Life Coach program and further improve my family's well-being."