Extension
It Starts With Us
Author: Brenda Cockerham
Major Program: Family Development General
Parent Expo is an event held annually by the Early Childcare Council on which the FCS agent serves. The objective of the group is to insure that preschoolers are as prepared as they can be in the 5 topics they are tested on before entering school: 1. Health and Physical Well Being 2. Social and Emotional Development 3. Language and Communication Development 4. Approaches to Learning 5. General Knowledge and Mathematics. The past two years we were unable to have the event due to covid. This year
Author: Jessica Hunley
Major Program: Family Development General
Over the course of several weeks from mid July to early August, I partnered with the South Madison Family Resource Center Director to bring Laugh and Learn playdates to two local elementary schools. This program focused on kindergarten readiness and targeted students who would be enrolling in Kindergarten this fall, as well as children who were eligible to enroll in Preschool as well. The students were engaged in activities that encouraged social skills, gross motor skills, fine motor skil
Author: Sheila Fawbush
Major Program: Family Development General
The financial constraints caused by the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic also affected local non-profits as people and agencies were not able to donate as much funding. To help the local Operation Care Women’s Shelter, the Shelby County Extension Council decided to have a fundraiser and personal and household item drive for the Women’s Shelter. The Council President and the Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agent organized a Ladies Day Out Christmas in July Event. A
Author: Linda Brown-Price
Major Program: Family Development General
The Kenton County Annual Farm Tour seeks to connect the urban and rural residents with learning where their food comes from. It is important for farmers to work on educating the public about who they are, what they do, and why it matters. 98 percent of the population is removed from modern agriculture, so connecting to consumers is important. This educational activity provides the public an opportunity to see what happens on the farm, ask questions, and develop trust in farmers and the food prod
Author: Cabrina Buckman
Major Program: Family Development General
SELF-CARE AND MANAGING GRIEFDeath is unavoidable, yet we keep it at arm’s length. We know it is going to happen, but we don’t want to let it in. The purpose of the Living with Loss series is to help people feel more comfortable talking about and exploring issues related to death. This lesson highlights self-care and managing grief. Talking about self-care and how to manage grief is important because it helps people learn how to adjust and keep on living after a loved one has died. Wh
Author: Kenna Knight
Major Program: Family Development General
Over the past five years (2015-2020), Kentucky has reported that only 52% of children attending kindergarten (34% in Pendleton County) are actually prepared and equipped to succeed. In many Kentucky counties, limited resources or the environment may serve as barriers for healthy lifestyle choices related to early childhood development and physical activity. As an innovative strategy to improve early childhood development skills and increase kindergarten readiness with Pendleton County resid
Author: Vicki Wynn
Major Program: Family Development General
Laugh & Learn Preschool Playdates According to Kentucky’s 2020 Early Childhood Profile, 55.6% of children in Marshall County are ready for kindergarten. Children who start kindergarten with delayed development and fewer assets are far more likely to repeat grades, get tracked into lower-tier classes and dropout of high school than more advantaged children. The Marshall County Agent for Family & Consumer Sciences (FCS)
Author: Melissa Goodman
Major Program: Family Development General
Quality early learning experiences for all children is a key driver of school readiness, vital to improving high school graduation rates, and critical to a community’s economic success. A child’s early years, from birth until school age, are a unique period of growth and development. In fact, 85 percent of the brain’s development happens before kindergarten. Research in neuroscience shows the critical impact that relationships between children and caregivers have on the develop
Author: Bryce Roberts
Major Program: Family Development General
Teenage pregnancy, babies born out of wedlock, and children born to low income families is more the reality than not these days. This is no different for the residents of Spencer County. This year the Spencer County FCS, 4-H/Youth Development, and Agriculture agents, in conjunction with the Family Resource & Youth Service Centers, planned the Spencer County Community Baby Shower. The agriculture agent was in charge of pre-registration for the event and checking in participants as they
Author: Nola Janeen Tramble
Major Program: Family Development General
Only 50% of Crittenden County student who enter school are kindergarten ready so there is always a need for preschool programming. However, there isn’t always a good location and an available audience. This summer and fall, the Crittenden County FCS agent partnered with the Crittenden County Public Library to offer weekly preschool programs. The idea for the program came about after the FCS taught animal yoga at the summer reading program. The children’s librarian was goi
Author: Christy Stearns
Major Program: Family Development General
Since many annual programs were cancelled last year due to the pandemic, Clinton County Extension Staff were excited to reintroduce Pumpkin Walk in a revised format that better met health and safety guidelines due to Covid-19. 302 youth and adults participated in the event along with 16 different organizations and agencies. The outdoor event which had families walking a half-mile loop together included fall themed physical activity games, health screenings, community resources, family fall scene
Author: Deborah Messenger
Major Program: Family Development General
According to the Kentucky Governor's Office of Early Childhood, school readiness means that each child enters school ready to engage in and benefit from early learning experiences that best promote the child’s success and ability to be Ready to Grow, Ready to Learn & Ready to Succeed. The Cumberland County Family and Consumer Sciences agent has partnered with the local Early Childhood Council to promote early learning in preschool children. An early learning event was held in
Author: Lora Davidson
Major Program: Family Development General
Holidays can be stressful and exciting at the same time. For most of us, this means more family time, more traveling, more shopping, and spending. The Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) Agents from Bell, Laurel, Rockcastle, and Whitley provided eight counties with strategies on how to deal with stress, incorporate more family time, and take care of yourself.The Holiday Ideas program has been an annual program that covers Harlan, Bell, Clay, Knox, Rockcastle, Laurel, Whitley, Jackson counti
Author: Rebecca Miller
Major Program: Family Development General
With more and more children being raised by grandparents and drugs affecting many families, young children are finding themselves in unsafe situations. Often, times they do not know where to go for help or what they should do if an emergency arises. Several families and community members reached out to the Bell County Cooperative Extension Service for help to get young children familiar with community helpers in our area and ways to make them feel safe. The
Author: Kayla Walton
Major Program: Family Development General
The Menifee County Family and Consumer Sciences agent hosted the “Laugh and Learn Playdates” in the summer of 2021. From the months of May through August, participants ages 2-5 years old met at the Menifee County park on the second Thursday of each month for the “playdate”. Each playdate consisted of an interactive story reading, a craft, a learning game and a healthy snack, along with socialization amongst peers. Each month had an educational theme that coordinated with
Author: Anna Morgan
Major Program: Family Development General
Four River Counties Community Early Childhood Council is of vital importance to the rural area of Far Western KY by serving Ballard, Carlisle, Fulton and Hickman Counties. Extension FCS Agent in Fulton County has served as the council chairman for the past five years. This Early Childhood grant advocates for the young child and their families by improving quality childcare, increasing parent knowledge, improving school readiness, and collaboration to meet the needs of the families. The com
Author: Catherine Jansen
Major Program: Family Development General
Covid 19In responses to the Covid -19 outbreak during 2010 – 2021, the loss of humanity effected many people in Carroll County.Families had to deal with the unexpected loss of their loved one, being alone while their loved one was sick, and not being able to say their last good byes.The Carrol County Extension Service offered a workshop on Dealing with Depression and Loss During the Holidays. Topics included the Five Stages of Grieving, Tips on Handling Stress, and Taking Care of You
Author: Joan Bowling
Major Program: Family Development General
According to the American Journal of Emergency Medicine the Covid-19 the quarantine conditions associated with alcohol abuse, depression, and post-traumatic stress symptoms caused a catastrophic environment for individuals whose lives are plagued by domestic violence. Domestic violence cases increased by 25-33 percent globally in 2020. The crisis has significantly altered how families interact and the long-held traditions that bonded them together could fracture. The program, &qu
Author: Christy Stearns
Major Program: Family Development General
Only 36% of children are ready to enter kindergarten (KY Governor’s Office of Early Childhood Profile, 2020). To address early literacy and kindergarten readiness, 12 Nights of Virtual Bedtime Stories offered nightly bedtime stories read by community readers. Community readers ranged from police officers, nurse practitioners, State Senator, librarians, and Mrs. Claus. The stories were recorded and appeared on the Anchors & Paws Community Early Childhood Council Facebook page. Books foc
Author: Judy Vaughn
Major Program: Family Development General
Program date: March 29, 2022 Death is unavoidable, yet we keep it at arm’s length. We know it is going to happen, but we don’t want to let it in. The purpose of the Living with Loss series is to help people feel more comfortable talking about and exploring issues related to death. This lesson highlights self-care and managing grief. Talking about self-care and how to manage grief is important because it helps people learn how to adjust and keep on living after a loved one has di
Author: Elizabeth Evans
Major Program: Family Development General
Children begin learning well before they reach the classroom. They begin learning at home with their parents and therefore parents play a crucial role in kindergarten readiness. When parents are more involved with early childhood education and development, it is more likely that they will be involved in kindergarten and throughout a child’s school experience. Low-income families often face many barriers to providing early educational opportunities that are high-quality for their children.
Author: Vicki Wynn
Major Program: Family Development General
According to Kinship Families Coalition of Kentucky, 96,000 Kentucky kids live in kinship care. Kinship care may be informal or may involve the Department for Community Based Services (DCBS). In many cases, grandparents and even great-grandparents have stepped up to help raise children when they cannot remain safely with their parents.The Marshall County Family & Consumer Sciences agent, Family Resource Youth Services Center directors and the Marshall County Resiliency Center are working tog
Author: Denise Wooley
Major Program: Family Development General
Over the past five years, Kentucky has reported that only 52% of children attending kindergarten 59% in Graves County are actually prepared and equipped to succeed. In many Kentucky counties, limited resources or the environment may serve as barriers for healthy lifestyle choices related to early childhood development and physical activity. As an innovative strategy to improve early childhood development skills and increase kindergarten readiness with Graves County residents, the Family and
Author: Brooke Hogancamp
Major Program: Family Development General
Early childhood literacy and school readiness is a concern in Carlisle County. According to the data center of kidscount.org, between 2012-2018 345 preschool age children met headstart eligibility for meeting at-risk income standards and developmental delays and disabilities. Combined with the statistics that 102 children were born into "low income" households between the years of 2012-2018, community partners in the school system and local government partnered with Family and Consumer
Author: Brenda Cockerham
Major Program: Family Development General
JC FCS presented programs on table etiquette and the positive impact of eating meals with families, making better food choices, as well as the impact of important soft skills it adds to future employability. All 320 students at Highland Elementary received the training, and 50 received incentives for following up and setting a table and eating together at home. There were no students in the school who indicated prior knowledge of where the correct placement for flatware should be in relation to
Author: Cathy Sparks
Major Program: Family Development General
Stitched Together Inter-generational Sewing Class The Stitched Together Inter-generational Sewing Class was created as a part of the Berea Folk Arts and Culture Grant that Magoffin County Extension Office received. We were awarded an additional $1,000.00, in addition to the amount requested, and therefore created the sewing class. The class was designed for parents and their child or a grandparent, or caregiver and child to come to
Author: Kristi Shive
Major Program: Family Development General
The University of Kentucky Human Development Institute hosted the Warren County Community Conversations forum. Organizations who work with individuals with disabilities were asked to identify the biggest need they saw in Warren County. The answer was, “There is a lack of disability awareness education amongst the youth in our community”. In response to this need, Kristi Shive, Warren County Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences, began developing and presenting the, “Different
Author: Lynn Blankenship
Major Program: Family Development General
In the first few years of life the brain forms neural pathways based on the child’s experiences and environment. Parents and caregivers for infants and toddlers are the child’s first teachers and how they interact with their young child, has significant impact on future learning and development. Half of Kentucky’s young children arrive in kindergarten without foundational skills needed, for them to be “ready to learn” in the formal school setting.
Author: Chelsea Young
Major Program: Family Development General
According to data from Kids Count Data Center, in 2020 the Kindergarten readiness percentage rate for Owen county is 56.4%. With this low percentage, the Owen County Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences decided to partner with the Family Life Center to offer a Laugh and Learn program to preschool aged children (0- 5 years old) that allows children and their parent/caregiver the opportunity to play and learn together. The program began in January and met twice a month thro
Author: Christy Stearns
Major Program: Family Development General
The Clinton County Cooperative Extension Service sponsored a Community Baby Shower for 67 pregnant women and parents of infants up to age three months. 24 community partners participated in the event as well. The goal of the Community Baby Shower was to provide information to families on child health and developmental needs as well as connecting families to appropriate services. Participants interacted with guest speakers on topics such as safe sleep, healthy pregnancy, basic and infant CPR, Spe
Author: Rebecca Miller
Major Program: Family Development General
Studies have shown that families who spend time together doing activities form strong and emotional bonds. But in today’s society families average 30-60 minutes of quality time together. With the increase of screen time and busy lifestyles, parent/child interaction is becoming less common. To ensure that families can spend quantity and quality time together, the Bell County Family and Consumer Sciences Agent, the SNAP-ED Assistant and the Bell County
Author: Lynn Blankenship
Major Program: Family Development General
The Metcalfe County Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences Education, partnered with Metcalfe County Head Start to provide monthly family involvement nutrition and safe cooking with children, go program bags during the months of April – June 2022. Thirty-three families representing 111 adult and youth family members, received once monthly, hands – on nutrition/cooking with kids go program bags. Go program bags were distributed on Thursday afternoon, as families
Author: Denise Wooley
Major Program: Family Development General
Death is unavoidable, yet we keep it at arm’s length. We know it is going to happen, but we don’t want to let it in. The purpose of the Living with Loss series is to help people feel more comfortable talking about and exploring issues related to death. This lesson highlights self-care and managing grief. Talking about self-care and how to manage grief is important because it helps people learn how to adjust and keep on living after a loved one has died. When grief is
Author: Leah VanMeter
Major Program: Family Development General
Children thrive in the context of positive and healthy relationships. According to research, relationships are one of the strongest predictors of children’s wellbeing (Newland, Lawler, Giger, Roh, & Carr, 2015). Research shows there is a strong positive impact on the academic and social/emotional skills of children with close positive relationships with adults. This program sought to provide the opportunity for participants to work towards developing and supporting those positive relat
Author: Elizabeth Evans
Major Program: Family Development General
For many, pets have always been an integral piece of the family unit. As a result of Covid-19, many more families added pets with more than 23 million American households adopting a pet during the pandemic according to the ASPCA. A MetLife survey conducted among pet insurance policy holders found that only 2% had taken a pet first aid course and only 10% had a pet first aid kit in their home. In addition, 49% of dog owners and 80% of cat owners acknowledged needing more training to be able to be
Author: Elizabeth Evans
Major Program: Family Development General
Tornadoes are the most destructive of all atmospheric conditions. Wind speeds within these violently rotating columns of air can reach up to 318 mph. A study published in npj Climate and Atmospheric Science noted that there has been an upward trend in tornado frequency among the Southeast, including Kentucky. Unfortunately, the Southeast already the maximum occurrence of casualties as a result from tornadoes. From January 2021 through March 2022 there were 79 tornadoes in the state of Kentu
Author: Julia Wilson
Major Program: Family Development General
Over the past five years (2015-2020), Kentucky has reported that only 52% of children attending kindergarten 45% in Edmonson county are actually prepared and equipped to succeed. In many Kentucky counties, limited resources or the environment may serve as barriers for healthy lifestyle choices related to early childhood development and physical activity.As an innovative strategy to improve early childhood development skills and increase kindergarten readiness with Edmonson County residents, the
Author: Cabrina Buckman
Major Program: Family Development General
Through the Washington on Wellness Coalition, which holds an interagency monthly meeting, the Washington County Family and Consumer Sciences Agent partnered with Communicare and others to hold a community baby shower at the Washington County Extension Office on May 26, 2022. Community agencies that were represented through resource tables included the Extension SNAP-Ed Program, United Healthcare, Anthem Medicaid, Lincoln Trail District Health Department, Passport, Spring Haven, Head Start,
Author: Kerri Ashurst
Major Program: Family Development General
Dr. Ashurst has been a Federal Coach for USDA's Children, Youth and Families at Risk (CYFAR) Professional Development and Technical Assistance (PDTA) Center since January 2019. This is a multi-state subcontract with the University of Minnesota and Pennsylvania State University as the national leads. During the reporting period, she was assigned to oversee grants in New York, Vermont, West Virginia, Michigan, Rhode Island, Ohio, Oklahoma (2), Maryland and North Carolina. Ashurst facilitates m
Author: Kerri Ashurst
Major Program: Family Development General
Dr. Ashurst has been the national co-chair for the Youth Experiencing Homelessness National Subcommittee since Fall 2018. This is one of the 12 subcommittees of the "Access, Equity and Belonging Committee" (AEBC), a national priority through USDA, National 4-H, and Extension Committee on Policy.Dr. Ashurst and Dr. Melissa Scheer at the University of Missouri co-chair the multi-state subcommittee, which included Extension personnel from 8 states
Author: David Weisenhorn
Major Program: Family Development General
According to the 2019 census data, there are an estimated 7 million children in America living with their grandparents, and another 2 million living with “other relative”. In Kentucky, roughly one in ten children are being raised by their grandparents, and one in every 12 children (81,000) live in kinship care. As the number of grandchildren who rely on grandparents for security increases, the demands for financial and emotional security seem to be taking a toll on everyone inv
Author: Lora Davidson
Major Program: Family Development General
Over the past five years (2015-2020), Kentucky has reported that only 52% of children attending kindergarten (48.4% in Laurel County) are actually prepared and equipped to succeed. In many Kentucky counties, limited resources or the environment may serve as barriers for healthy lifestyle choices related to early childhood development and physical activity. As an innovative strategy to improve early childhood development skills and increase kindergarten readiness with Laurel County residents
Author: Kerri Ashurst
Major Program: Family Development General
Camp Kesem is a nationwide community, driven by passionate college student leaders, that supports children through and beyond their parent’s cancer. They are the largest national organization dedicated to this unique population. There are more than 100 Kesem chapters in the country. Dr. Kerri Ashurst has served as the UK Chapter Student Advisor for Camp Kesem since its formation in 2016. Camp Kesem KY had their first camp in July 2017 with 19 children attending and their second camp i
Author: Kerri Ashurst
Major Program: Family Development General
During the reporting period, Dr. Ashurst directly received 3 grants/contracts totaling $332,176. One grant for $140,000 (year 3 amount; 5 year grant) is for a Children, Youth and Families at Risk (CYFAR) grant to provide life skills programming for at-risk youth. Grant sites are in Fayette and Hardin Counties. A second grant for $147,582 was received for a Military Teen Adventure Camp program to hold camps for service members and their teenage children to attend together to reconnect
Author: Annette Buckman
Major Program: Family Development General
The World's Greatest Baby Shower is an educational event that was organized in 2007. The importance of prenatal and newborn health care is a topic that has been identified as important to Union County. The WGBS committee consists around 8 community partners that come together to discuss issues and develop a program that would be beneficial to expectant moms. The expected educational benefit of the project is to be prepared to bring a healthy new baby home. A light me
Author: Ashley Board
Major Program: Family Development General
According to the Early Childhood Profile, approximately 40% of children in the Caldwell, Crittenden, and Lyon counties are not ready for kindergarten. The majority of children ages 0-5 in this area are not enrolled in childcare, therefore families need access to other educational programs to build kindergarten readiness skills. The Caldwell, Crittenden, and Lyon Community Early Childhood Council was created to address this issue. The Caldwell County and Crittenden County Family &
Author: Rachel Hance
Major Program: Family Development General
It is through our valued partnership with the Allen, Logan, and Simpson Community Early Childhood Council that we, the Logan County Cooperative Extension Service, seek to improve school readiness in Logan County by educating, encouraging, and engaging families. Kindergarten readiness means that each child enters school ready to engage in and benefit from early learning experiences that best promote the child’s success. The kindergarten screener measures readiness in five important domains,
Author: Vicki Boggs
Major Program: Family Development General
Family Traditions Across the Life Course, Holiday Road Show ProgramContinuing family traditions over time is important. Families remain the core and foundation of society and traditions help create stronger bonds. Holidays are often an exciting time of the year. However, holiday expenses, planning holiday meals, and ever-changing families can make the holidays stressful. Learning how to maintain family traditions may be challenging, so Quicksand Area Family and Consumer Sciences Agents col
Author: Marla Stillwell
Major Program: Family Development General
With the primary goal of the Kentucky 4-H Clover Bud program being to promote children’s healthy development – mentally, physically, socially and emotionally, the West KY 4-H Clover Bud Family camp and its team of agent coordinators worked hard to provide an excellent opportunity for children ages 5-8 and their families to learn about the world around them, develop positive attitudes about learning new things by hands-on involvement, develop a deeper relationship with a caring adult
Author: Amanda Dame
Major Program: Family Development General
The Hopkins County Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agent, 4-H and Youth Development Assistant, and Nutrition Education Assistant partnered with the Hopkins County Youth Service Center to provide a Baby-Sitter class during a summer day camp series. The goal of the day camp was to teach middle school and high school students the responsibilities and skills needed to be successful babysitters. Additionally, to help youth develop the confidence needed to handle situations they may exper
Author: Dayna Fentress
Major Program: Family Development General
Babysitting certification classes offered by the Hardin County Extension Office allow youth to learn critical skills for success as they are caring for youth who may or may not be related to them. The classes are a partnership between the FRYSC centers at our local middle schools, the FCS and 4-H programs, and the NEP program in Hardin County. Youth learn skills in the area of food and nutrition, appropriate snacks and food safety, first aid and physical safety, appropriate games and a
Author: Brooke Hogancamp
Major Program: Family Development General
Data shows a significant child poverty level in Carlisle County. Compounded by a lack of quality educational engagement opportunities and little to no access to approved childcare facilities, there is an obvious need for assistance in the area of early childhood development for children ages 0-5. The Four River Communities Early Childhood Council is a collaborative of the four river counties of far Western Kentucky: Ballard, Carlisle, Hickman, and Fulton. These counties share not only a geo
