Orangeburg County First Steps

Orangeburg County First Steps is dedicated to improving school readiness outcomes for children from birth to age five. We focus on supporting prenatal mothers and families with young children through a range of programs designed to foster early learning, parenting skills, and literacy development.

Our key programs include:

• Countdown to 4K and 5K – Helping children transition smoothly into preschool and kindergarten.

• Parents as Teachers (PAT) & Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY) – Equipping parents with tools and knowledge to be their child’s first and most important teacher.

• Raising A Reader & Imagination Library – Strengthening family literacy through book-sharing routines and access to high-quality children's books.

Parents as Teachers (PAT)

PAT is a home-visiting program designed to support parents in nurturing their child's development. Families receive:

• Personalized visits from trained parent educators.

• Monthly group connection meetings with other families.

• Developmental screenings and assessments to identify potential concerns.

• Access to community resources to support family success.

Family Literacy: Raising A Reader & Imagination Library

These literacy programs help families develop and sustain strong reading habits at home. Features include:

• Bi-monthly book rotations.

• Parent engagement activities and literacy experiences.

• A free, age-appropriate book gifted to each child every month.

Community Education & Outreach

We bring the early childhood community together to promote social-emotional development, celebrate young learners, and raise awareness about Kindergarten Readiness and Early Learning Standards.

Through these initiatives, Orangeburg County First Steps empowers families, strengthens communities, and ensures children are healthy, safe, and ready to thrive in school and beyond.