Special to The Chronicle

Smart Start of Forsyth County, Inc. (SSFC) has received a grant from The Winston-Salem Foundation to provide more than 500 children in the Forsyth County NC Pre-K program with photo-refractive vision screening.

The agency believes vision screening is critical to the early detection and correction of visual impairment in young children.  A small problem with vision can have major implications for the development of reading as well as gross and fine motor skill development.

“We are so grateful to The Winston-Salem Foundation,” according to Dr. Paula Grubbs, director of the county’s NC Pre-K program, “as this grant will allow us to help children and their families take the necessary corrective measures to address any visual challenges. These funds provide vital screening services and early intervention opportunities to ensure that our children get off to the right start for a lifetime of learning.”

Under the direction of SSFC, Inc., Forsyth County’s NC Pre-K program provides high quality educational experiences to enhance school readiness for eligible four-year-olds. The program focuses on different approaches to learning, emotional and social development, health and physical development, language and communication skills, and cognitive development.

The Winston-Salem Foundation provides millions of dollars to charitable organizations every year to promote a better and stronger community. The Foundation and SSFC have worked together in the past and look forward to a bright future of building a strong community. This grant is possible through resources from the Claire Lockhart Follin-Mace Fund.