Programs

Orangeburg County First Steps works closely with families, educators, and the community to provide support and promote the educational growth and success of children. Our partnership approach is designed to ensure that children receive the best possible opportunities for learning and development.

Parents As Teachers

A program offering home visits and group support to families that ensures children are healthy, safe, and ready for school.

  • Parents as Teachers, PAT, is designed for families with children aged 0-5. The program includes personal visits from a parent educator, group connections with other PAT families, developmental screenings, and connections to outside resources to help families support their children in reaching success.

  • If you are interested in applying, please Contact Us.

Raising A Reader

Helping families develop, practice, and maintain home literacy habits.

  • Raising A Reader is designed for families with children aged 0-8. The program includes a weekly book rotation, parent engagement, literacy experiences, and library connections.

  • If you are interested in applying, please Contact Us.

Countdown To Kindergarten

One-on-one visits to support incoming students and their families transitioning into kindergarten.

  • Countdown to Kindergarten is a home visitation program that connects families of rising kindergarteners with teachers during the summer.

    Teachers complete six one-hour visits with each child's family, five in the family's home, and a final visit in the kindergarten classroom

  • If you are interested in applying, please Contact Us.

Countdown To 4K

A home visiting program connecting students, families, and teachers to support students entering schools.

  • Countdown to Kindergarten - 4k is a home visitation program that connects families of rising 4-year-old kindergarteners with their future teachers during the summer.

    Teachers complete six one-hour visits with each child and their family, five in the family's home, and a final visit in the kindergarten classroom

  • If you are interested in applying, please Contact Us.

HIPPY

A program offering support to parents in their role as a child's first and most important teacher.

  • HIPPY, or Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters, is a program designed for families with 4-year-old children.

    Once enrolled in the program families are visited in their homes or meet at a host site once a week for 30 weeks. A curriculum is used during the visits to equip parents with skills and tools to support their children.

    Host Site - Wright Child Development Center
    639 Torrington Road, Eutawville, SC 29048
    803-492-7295

  • If you are interested in enrolling, please Contact Us.

Imagination Library

As a local champion of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, we provide one free, high-quality book per month to children.

  • Children aged 0-5 can enroll in the program to receive one free book per month delivered by mail. Each book is selected by a panel of literacy specialists, who choose books that meet the age-specific developmental needs of young children.

  • If you are interested in enrolling, Click Here to Register. Please Contact Us if you have any questions or need assistance with the registration process.

Learn more about how families are Taking the First Steps.

  • I just want to say thank you for introducing me and my child Jourdan to the HIPPY Program. This program has been very beneficial in helping Jourdan academically. His reading, math, and overall social skills have improved. I am very thankful that Ms. Bryant and the program helped to prepare Jourdan for school. I am forever grateful for my child to have been included in such an outstanding educational program.

    S. Barnes

  • The class has taught me a lot about taking more time out with my kids. It also taught me that I need to listen and communicate more with them.

    Community Member

  • I want to thank you for being such a great help to me and my children. I am a single mother of 3. I was struggling with self-confidence, drive, and a vision. Now, not only do I have a vision, but I have a vision with a purpose. I came in this program ready to give every excuse on why I should feel sorry for myself and have a pity party. Never the thought of meeting such phenomenal women and gentlemen that have helped me look at life, gain perspective, and tackle every obstacle. I thank you for the push, words of encouragement, and the attitude of "I CAN DO IT"!

    Community Member

  • Logan was very very shy and soft spoken before he started the HIPPY Program! He had already knew alot of what he was being taught at home but after he had joined the HIPPY Program with EbonI Bryant-Prezzy he started to open up, become less shy and had learned sooooo much more! Eboni along with this Program had Logan overly ready for Pre-K. When he started Pre K a lot of what was being taught he had already exceeded the limit in all because of the HIPPY Program! This program have been an amazing journey for Logan and I pray it continues!

    E. Jones

  • This organization is amazing! I enjoy the strong empowered women that I've had the pleasure of meeting. Everything was a learning moment. They have and will do anything to help the parents and children. From the books to the care, there has been nothing but love shown. Thank you for everything.

    Community Member

  • The First Steps program is amazing! I learned so much in enhancing my role as mother with my children. I also learned how to communicate a lot better than what I was used to in general and with my little ones. I would recommend this program to anyone who needs assistance and guidance. Ms. Sanders, Dr. Fludd, and Mrs. Jenkins are God sent and really care. I appreciate everything I've taken away from our sessions. I'm entirely grateful.

    Community Member

  • First Steps not only provides financial assistance, but also provides wonderful educational classes. These educational classes provide information on actual life and how to apply these things. Creating a better today to be life changing for tomorrow. This program ensures that my child is developing on level. The fact that the child care centers provided is clean and safe. I was taught what curriculum to look for once you enter a center. Getting reassurance to complete school. Knowing my actions affect not only my future but my children, and getting information to continue. Thank you for your love and support.

    Community Member

  • The First Steps program has really been a great stepping stone for myself and my son! I'm so thankful for First Steps because I can pursue my career and work hard to obtain better stability for my son and I, all while my son gets a learning experience at his learning institution.

    Community Member