WINNSBORO — During a recent meeting of the Winnsboro Rotary Club, Patti Wilkes, director of the First Steps Program, discussed the impact First Steps and the Imagination Library has had on children, parents and community partners within the county.
Wilkes was the guest of Rotarian Jackie Wallace.
In Fairfield County the first grade retention rate has dropped by 78 percent. To increase positive outcomes for children and families, First Steps standards meet or exceed those of national models. She stated that 66 percent of parents showed significant improvement in skills after participation in a First Steps parent education program.
Wilkes thanked the individuals for their support of the Imagination Library and asked for their continued support. The program provides books for children from birth to age 5.
She also asked the Rotarians to speak with county legislators and ask them to vote to refund the First Steps initiative. Having books in homes of children encourages them to read plus provides age appropriate books for them.
Registering a child for the program is $35 per year. This will provide a “library” of books for the child. The First Steps office is located in the Wells Fargo Bank building.
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