Representatives from Nemours Children’s Clinic and the City were on hand Friday morning at the Hyatt Regency downtown to publicize a new community initiative. Nemours Bright Start, a program designed to identify children at-risk for dyslexia and also provide intervention for the disorder, is the first of its kind in the area.
“Nemours has been a fantastic partner to the City,” said Mayor John Peyton. “This program is going to take us to a whole new level. Early literacy is such a valuable investment to make in our children and a great way to get a tremendous return on your buck.”
Screenings of pre-kindergarteners and educational and monitoring services are included in the free program. More than 1,000 Jacksonville children ages four and under are expected to be screened for dyslexia this year. Pictured are Peyton (from left) Nemours CEO Jeff Wadsworth, Bright Start executive director Laura Bailet, and Florida State University professor of psychology Christopher Lonigan.