Stay Tuned
Our New Site
Is Coming Soon!
.jpg)
Oconee County First Steps
Getting Children Ready for School!
South Carolina First Steps to School Readiness was established in 1999 by the South Carolina General Assembly to close the opportunity gap for the state's youngest learners. Operating as both a state agency and a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, First Steps leverages public and private resources to deliver proven programs and innovative strategies that improve early childhood development and school readiness across all 46 counties.
Oconee County First Steps is the locally governed affiliate serving Oconee County. Our mission is to strengthen families and communities so that every child in Oconee County enters school healthy, safe, and ready to learn — from prenatal development through kindergarten readiness and beyond.
Early literacy is one of the strongest predictors of lifelong success. Research consistently shows that children who are not reading on grade level by third grade are four times less likely to graduate from high school. In Oconee County, the reading data reveals a significant opportunity for early intervention.
Dolly Parton Imagination Library
Every child deserves the opportunity to discover the joy of reading! Through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, Oconee County First Steps helps put books into the hands and homes of young children throughout our community. This nationally recognized program provides a free, age-appropriate book delivered directly to each enrolled child’s home every month, from birth until their fifth birthday. By the time a child enters kindergarten, they can have a personal library filled with wonderful stories that inspire imagination, curiosity, and a lifelong love of reading.
But the benefits go far beyond books! Reading together helps children develop language and communication skills, strengthens the bond between parents and children, and builds a strong foundation for success in school. Oconee County First Steps is committed to helping families make the most of these special moments by sharing practical reading tips, helpful resources, and creative ways to bring stories to life. Together, we're helping Oconee County's youngest learners turn the page toward a brighter future!
.png)
Reach Out & Read
A love of reading can begin in one of the most trusted places in a child's life — the doctor's office! Reach Out and Read is a nationally recognized, evidence-based early literacy program that makes reading an important part of routine pediatric care. Through partnerships with local pediatric practices, Oconee County First Steps helps provide young children with new, developmentally appropriate books during well-child visits. Healthcare providers also encourage parents and caregivers to read aloud with their children, helping families understand the important role reading plays in healthy development and school readiness.
Oconee County First Steps is working to make Reach Out and Read even more meaningful by strengthening connections between healthcare providers, families, and community resources. By collaborating with local organizations and pediatric professionals, we can help families access additional services and support that benefit their children's growth and development. It's about more than giving a child a book — it's about building relationships, encouraging family engagement, and helping every child in Oconee County get a strong start in life.
.png)