Frequently Asked Questions
We have provided answers to the most frequently asked questions below.
If you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact us.
General Questions
What is Osceola Reads?
Osceola Reads is a reading initiative aimed at increasing the literacy rate throughout Osceola County, Florida. We want teachers to move students forward in their education rather than exposing students to literacy skills for the first time. We believe that children are more prepared for kindergarten if they are exposed to reading from an early age. We are proud to be active in the community, partnering with the School District of Osceola County, the Early Learning Coalition of Osceola County, and the Osceola Library System to provide parents with ways to support their children's literacy.
What are some resources as parents I can use to encourage my child to read more?
Osceola Reads provides many tools for parents to use. Visit our Parents Resource page and our blog to find up-to-date tools that will help your family.
What are some resources as a teacher I can use to incorporate more reading into my classroom?
As a teacher, we know you are always looking for new ways to interact with your kiddos. Through our Teacher Resource page and our blogs, there are plenty of ideas on how you can use Osceola Reads and MarcoPolo in your classroom.
Where can I find free books?
Right now, Florida children can get free books through New Worlds Reading! See our blog for more information.
Can I donate used books?
Absolutely! We always love new books we can provide for children. You may contact us at info@osceolareads.com to set up a donation meet-up.
Are there any events I can attend that promote reading?
Osceola Reads is always in the community looking to promote literacy for our little readers! Visit our events page to find out where we will be next.
Is there a cost with Osceola Reads?
No! There is no cost with Osceola Reads.
What kind of books do you recommend for my little reader? Do you have any specific book recommendations?
Books and reading levels will vary depending on your child’s age. Our blog, Tips to Rock Your Child’s Reading Development shares recommendations for Birth to One year, Two to Three years, and Three to Five years.
I am raising my children to be bilingual. What can I do to make them strong readers?
Reading books in both English and Spanish is a great start! Check out our favorite bilingual books here and follow our tips to develop reading skills in bilingual children.
What can I do to make sure my child knows how to read?
Reading out loud for at least 15 minutes a day is a great way to introduce learning how to read. Check out our blog for other tips on making the most out of reading!
MarcoPolo
Who can access the MarcoPolo Learning app for free?
The MarcoPolo Learning app is available for free to all children in Osceola County. You don’t need to be enrolled in a school—just use the class code 8817 to sign up.
How do I sign up for MarcoPolo Learning?
To sign up:
1. Download the "MarcoPolo for Families" app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
2. Enter the class code: 8817.
3. Create your account and start exploring the app!
What ages is the MarcoPolo Learning app designed for?
MarcoPolo is ideal for young learners, especially children ages 3–6, to support early literacy, math, and creative skills.
How does MarcoPolo help my child learn to read?
MarcoPolo enhances literacy skills through engaging videos, sight word games, vocabulary activities, and fun art projects focused on letters and storytelling.
Is the MarcoPolo Learning app safe for kids?
Yes, MarcoPolo is 100% ad-free and designed specifically for young children, ensuring a safe and educational experience.
What is the Art Room, and how does it work?
The Art Room is a creative space where kids can follow guided projects to practice letters and drawing. They can find it by clicking the door icon and scrolling to the paintbrush door.
Do I need an internet connection to use MarcoPolo?
Yes, an internet connection is required to access the videos and games in the MarcoPolo Learning app.
What should I do if my child's school starts using MarcoPolo after we've already signed up?
If your child’s school starts using MarcoPolo after you’ve already created an account, don’t worry! Simply reach out to Osceola Reads at info@osceolareads.com. The team will assist in transferring your child’s account to their school or classroom, so they can continue using the app seamlessly with their class.
What if I have trouble signing up or using the app?
If you need help, you can reach out to Osceola Reads at info@osceolareads.com, and our team will assist you.
Footsteps2Brilliance
General
My child cannot log on to the Footsteps2Brilliance app after it’s been downloaded on our device.
After you have downloaded the Footsteps2Brilliance app on your device, log in with your parent’s account information (your email address and the password sent to you in your registration email). Then retry logging in with your child’s Super Secret Code.
How does my child use the app without internet access?
Using WiFi, click the “Download Series” button at the top of the My Library and My Games sections on the app. Once all libraries and games have been downloaded to your device, you can disable WiFi or internet access.
TIP: Connect to WiFi once or twice per month to sync your child’s data with the Footsteps2Brilliance servers. This allows you and your child’s school to view their most recent progress.
How much space does Footsteps2Brilliance use on my device?
When completely downloaded (including all libraries and games), Footsteps2Brilliance uses 6.6GB of space on your device. However, you can opt to download the content appropriate for your child by choosing the “Download Level” button for the appropriate level and leave the remaining content on the app.
What time frame should I expect when downloading the newest version of Footsteps2Brilliance?
Footsteps2Brilliance has expressed the downloading of content can take up to 2 hours or more depending on the strength of your WiFi connection.
How do I view my child’s reports to assist them in their learning journey?
After logging in with your parent information, please select the “My Child’s Reports” button on the left-hand side.
I would like to have access to parent activities and lesson plans for my child's different books on Footsteps2Brilliance. How do I find these?
After logging in with your parent information, please select the “Getting Started Guides” button on the left-hand side. Choose the “What’s in my Library?” section, where you will be able to choose the library, book title, and different resources for each title.
My child is enrolled in an Osceola County public school and we are still having a technical problem.
Please visit our Footsteps2Brilliance Support Page for further assistance.
My child is not enrolled in an Osceola County public school and we are still having a technical problem.
Please visit our Footsteps2Brilliance Support Page for further assistance.
Registration
My child does not go to school yet. May I register for an account?
All Osceola County children have free access to the mobile reading app Footsteps2Brilliance, regardless of their age. Please complete the registration process to receive your child’s Super Secret Code.
My child is already registered with the school district and I don’t know his or her Super Secret Code.
You may use your child’s student identification number to finish registration. After you have completed registration, you will be emailed your child’s Super Secret Code for future reference. They may also use their student identification number as both their username and password.
I do not remember my (and/or my child’s) login information.
Begin the registration process as if you were a new user. After you have entered your name and email address, you will be brought to a screen asking if you would like to register another child or have your login information resent you. Once you choose to resend your information, your username and password, along with your child or children’s Super Secret Code(s), will be on the way to your email inbox.
When registering, I’m told I do not live within the boundaries of Osceola County.
Sometimes when registering, your mobile device may be connecting to an IP address outside of Osceola County. In this case, it’s recommended that you register on a computer that is connected to the internet within your home, at the local library, or another location.
My child attends an Osceola County public school, but we do not live within the county, are homeless or in transition. How do I register my child?
Upon being asked to enter your address, you may use the address of your child’s school, then continue with the registration process.
My child is enrolled in an Osceola County public school and we are unable to complete our registration.
Please email us at info@osceolareads.com so we may assist you.
My child is not enrolled in an Osceola County public school and we are having difficulty completing registration/logging in
Please email us at info@osceolareads.com so we may assist you.
Private Providers
We are a school within Osceola County but do not see our school’s name listed.
At this time, we are working with private providers to enroll their students. For the time being, please recommend any families to register as a community user whose child’s school is not listed and type in the school name. As a school, please fill out the contact us form to request school-level access or enrollment.
How does my school gain access to Footsteps2brilliance?
Request school-level access or enrollment by emailing your class roster using our template to info@osceolareads.com.
Are there any fees associated with gaining school access to Footsteps2Brilliance?
Footsteps2Brilliance can be in any Osceola County school for free. Please contact us today to begin the process of enrolling your students.
If you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact us.