2021-2022 ANNUAL REPORT
• Increase the reach of First Steps services
• Increase the number of children enrolled in high intensity programs funded by First Steps.
• Increase the availability of high - quality early care and education opportunities offered by First Steps.
• Collaborative work, advocacy, and diverse perspectives in the development of public policy and programs.
• Individualized services adaptable to meet unique needs of children and families.
• High - quality, evidence - based programs and services
To help families and caregivers prepare their children for school success by maximizing public and private community resources to deliver, enhance, and expand high - quality early childhood services. Street, City
• Promote optimal child development.
• Increase Community Education and Outreach
• Explore Evidence Models
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website OR scfirststeps.org/county
Street,
29116 | 803-987-9164 | www.orangeburgfirststeps.org
610 Laurel
Orangeburg, SC
FIRST STEPS IS HERE
Last year, because of Orangeburg County First Steps: 74% more likely to score at the highest level on the Kindergarten Readiness Assessment 34% less likely to be chronically absent in kindergarten PROVEN RESULTS A 2019 study found that children who received First Steps local partnership services were: $1 = $1.16 Orangeburg County First Steps leveraged $46,559 from sources outside of state government, providing a match of $0.16 for every state dollar invested 151 educators participated in First Steps training and professional development, benefitting 500+ children 104 parents & caregivers received services and support to be their child’s first and most important teacher 133 children directly served in Orangeburg County
MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Kathy R. Jenkins Executive Director
Orangeburg County First Steps
In the past year, Orangeburg County First Steps completed our inaugural year as a Parents As Teachers Affiliate and met all essential requirements of the program. We provided direct services to over 130 children and families across parenting, literacy, and school transition programs. Orangeburg County First Steps is a leader among AmeriCorp partnerships and continues to expand services across the county from Eutawville to Norway. As we navigate our way post pandemic, I am humbled by the dedication and tenacity of our staff who were flexible in meeting families and providers where they were. Over 35 unique childcare and home providers received coaching and mentoring which will make an indelible impact on the lives of hundreds of children and families being served. The Orangeburg County First Steps’ team is doing incredible work to ensure children learn, grow, develop, and are ready for school! With the support of stakeholders, like you, we can expand our reach and achieve our goal of increasing school readiness outcomes for all children ages 0-5.
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MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Antron Williams Chair, Resource Development Committee
Orangeburg County First Steps Board of Trustees
Orangeburg County First Steps is a phenomenal agency. The work we do to help the children of Orangeburg County get started with a strong educational foundation is so important to our community. Having now served on the Board of Directors for eight years, I can truly say that the future of this agency is in good hands. All stakeholders understand and appreciate the value that Orangeburg County First steps adds to the community.
In my eight years, I have had the privilege of working with two Executive Directors, various staff members, and countless board members. Everyone has understood the vision of empowering the most vulnerable among us, our children. Every meeting, training, and collaboration has been a means to that end. The Community Days have always been my favorite activity as a board member. As we look forward, I know that we are able to achieve through whatever comes our way. We have the best First Steps team on Earth. I know that as my tenure ends, I leave an agency that is better and one that has a bright future ahead of it. I will continue to support Orangeburg County First Steps and advocate for the work it does.
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God Bless
Every child in Orangeburg County will be prepared for success in school.
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$3,247.50
1 938
7 3 77 70
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Celebrating Early Childhood Education Appreciation Day with Quality Counts Centers: Trinity United Methodist Church CDC (Junita Jamison, Director), Pecan Grove CDC (LaToya James, Director), and Small Steps Big Strides CDC (Sonya Gadson, Teacher)
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I am proud to be a part of Orangeburg County First Steps!
I appreciate all they do…everything from the referrals to the classes provided to keep us in compliance with yearly hours to uphold our license to the materials we can use in classrooms and the children can play and learn from. I appreciate Dr. Anthony Broughton who comes out to follow up and make sure we are in compliance and ready for DSS and DHEC check-ups.
LaToya James, Director - Pecan Grove Child Development Center
10 300
My son really enjoyed the lessons that were provided with the books to go along with it. He really enjoyed learning about the magnets he still continue to go around our home to see what objects attract to the magnet. Thank you Ms. Bryant! ~ T. Guess
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HIPPY Parent Educator, Eboni Bryant with 2021-2022 program participants from Wright Way Child Development Center 4K class.
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“Before receiving services from Orangeburg County First Steps program I couldn’t visualize a consistent learning pattern for my toddler that would give him a great start. With this program, I have gotten that. The Parents As Teachers program stood out for me in a way that made my child feel like he can get that one-on-one attention. It helped me so much as a parent to realize education starts early.” ~ R. Bradley
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29 29 0 3
“My most favorite part about receiving yall’s services is the book bag exchange and calendar of activities given each month. These activities are mapped out and organized for me to complete with Jaivik and all his siblings. Having an autistic child sometimes can be overwhelming because you don’t know how to find things to help stimulate their growth. My son is more interactive with me because of some of the things we do on the calendar. Ms. Sheree has been a joy to talk to over the phone and in person. When the Zooms are acting up she takes the initiative to get me what I missed and discuss any questions I might have. I really enjoy this program!” ~ S. Green
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3 3 25 150
I just love Mrs. Graham's interaction with my child. This is my child's first time in a classroom setting, and she is very nervous, but the teacher is very patient with her.
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Countdown to 4K Parent – Elloree Elementary School
2 3 39 234
Both parents participated in the sessions. The father shared his appreciation for the help during the summer. He stated his speech was getting better.
L. Raysor – 5K Teacher, Brookdale Elementary School (working with ESL Family)
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PUBLIC AWARENESS
Read For The Record/Community Day brings the Early Childhood community together to celebrate children and their social - emotional development. This event allows 3 & 4 year olds to participate in an educational field experience while honoring the world's largest sharing reading experience. READ FOR THE RECORD BY THE NUMBERS 2021 - 2022
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325 materials distributed 1 events held 91 total event attendance
Addressing the needs of young children is a shared endeavor. In addition to providing services to families and support for childcare providers, Orangeburg County First Steps mobilizes partners and community members to ensure all children in Orangeburg County begin school ready to succeed. We serve as a:
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4 Group Meetings 89 Total Attendance
Representatives from DSS, Orangeburg County School District, Orangeburg Department of Public Safety, Orangeburg County Sheriff's Department, CASA Family Systems, and other community leaders convene to discuss adverse community experiences, family resilience, and school readiness.
Through partnerships and collaborations, as well as financial support from grants and contributions, Orangeburg County First Steps leverages state dollars to enhance and expand services to children and families.
FUNDING SUPPORT
Albemarle Foundation
Central Conference Branch Women’s Missionary Society AME Church
SC Endeavors
Orangeburg Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta Sorority
National Supreme Court DOI Wright’s Day Care, LLC
United Way of the Midlands
IN - KIND SUPPORT
Amazon
Designz by KDG, LLC.
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Jenn Affairs
Kaplan Early Learning Company
Sam & Son Lawn Care
The Premiere JOIN
US
For more information on partnership opportunities, visit our website at www.orangeburgfirststeps.org
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State Funding Federal Funding Private Funding In-Kind Contributions Total Parents as Teachers $104,612 $58,920 $851 $650 $165,033 Child Care Quality Enhancement $30,843 $10,834 $0 $4,900 $46,577 Child Care Training & Prof. Dev. $26,064 $0 $2,000 $0 $28,064 Partnerships & Community Education $34,136 $1,000 $2,999 $728 $38,863 Administrative Support $35,216 $0 $590 $0 $35,806 Family Literacy/Raising A Reader $10,696 $0 $0 $0 $10,696 School Transition (CT4K & CTK) $44,831 $0 $7,205 0 $52,036 HIPPY $10,243 $5,841 $0 $0 $16,084 Total Expenses $296,641 $76,595 $13,645 $6,278 $393,159 Since inception, Orangeburg County First Steps has leveraged $2,154,118 from sources outside of state government. That’s $0.28 for every state dollar. 18 Expenditures of State Funds by Program Type
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Marie Artis, Vice Chair
DeAndria J. Bennett
Dr. Sharon Daniels
Fatimah Davis
Kalin Halls, Secretary
Angie Hutto
Dr. Cassandra Jenkins
Chandra McPherson - Gibbs
Faith Arthur, Organizational Development Chair
Charlene Nimmons
James Rickenbacker, Chairman
Antron Williams, Resource Development Chair
Bryant Williams
David Williams
STAFF
Kathy R. Jenkins, Executive Director
Dr. Anthony Broughton, Technical Assistant/Trainer
Sarah Hayes, Administrative Assistant
Khori Mitchell, Parent Educator
Sheree Porter, Parent Educator
Kierra Huggins, Parent Educator
Eboni Bryant – AmeriCorp Parent Educator
PO Box 451, Orangeburg SC 29116| 803 - 987 - 4164| www.orangeburgfirststeps.org
CONTACT US
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