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Our Story
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.
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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.
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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.
Our Team
Meet Oconee County First Steps Executive Director
Breanne Alexander
Breanne leads Oconee County First Steps in its work to help every child in Oconee County start school ready to succeed. She brings 22 years of experience in public health and public service, most of it working with mothers and young children. She brings a public health lens, practical thinking, and a talent for building strong partnerships to her deep commitment to Oconee’s youngest residents. Breanne, her husband and their four children are happy to call Oconee County home.
10,000
Lives Touched
Every Hand Helps Us Grow
500
Volunteers
Uniting Hearts and Actions
250
Projects Completed
Milestones of Hope and Change
Success Stories
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