Miss Ruby’s Kids, an early literacy program for families in Georgetown County, has grown since it was founded in February 2003 by sisters Jo Fortuna and Betsy Marlow.

When they started, they served five Pawleys Island families.

Now, they serve 56 preschool children and their families in their county-wide home visitation program, in addition to three family childcare homes with 17 more children.

They also have 51 mentors serving 54 children in eight of nine elementary schools in Georgetown County.

Marlow gave a report to the Georgetown County School Board Tuesday evening, updating them about how the group has grown and future plans.

Miss Ruby’s Kids is one of several groups that works with the district and rents space at the J.B. Beck Administration Building, owned by the district.

Based on the national Parent-Child Home Program, the non-profit group was inspired by Mrs. Ruby Forsythe, a passionate teacher on the Waccamaw Neck in Georgetown County for more than 50 years.

Children ages 2 and 3 and their families receive two years of bi-weekly home visits by trained paraprofessionals.

Miss Ruby’s Kids is also very involved in the Early Learning Initiative in Georgetown County.

“We are involved in an effort to educate business leaders about the importance of becoming involved in helping our most vulnerable citizens, children ages 0 to 5,” Marlow said.

“Businesses need an educated workforce and that starts with the youngest children in our county.”

By Clayton Stairs

cstairs@gtowntimes.com