The first laptops will be distributed May 20 to parents of 4-and 5-year-olds in Marion School District 7.

An elementary school in Gresham and an early childhood center in Mullins are pilot sites for the program, called One Laptop per Child South Carolina program.

State Education Superintendent Jim Rex says giving children early access to technology will help prepare them for the computer skills they'll need to be successful in school.

The XO laptops are funded through private donations and designed for children. They have a keyboard meant for children's small hands, are rain-proof and won't break when dropped.

Officials hope to expand the program statewide.