Extension
It Starts With Us
Parenting, Child and Family Development
Building Strong Families in Grayson County
Taul, N.
Family Development General
Aging-General
Child Development General
“School-readiness” is a broad term that refers to multiple precursor cognitive, physical, and social-emotional skills that indicate young children are prepared to learn and thrive in the school environment. A wide body of research shows a strong foundation in school readiness is indicative of school success. Emerging research also indicates that there is a synergistic effect when early learning activities activate physical and cognitive skills simultaneously, as opposed to doing so in isolation. However, in the state of Kentucky only 50% of children are deemed “school-ready” when they enter Kindergarten. These numbers indicate a need for more activities that support school-readiness by building multiple skill sets simultaneously.
In addition to child development, older adults also need support. 96,000 children in Kentucky live in kinship care including 418 Grandparents who live with and are raising grandchildren in Grayson County. Kentucky ranks first in the nation for the most children in kinship care settings. 15,000 children are in kinship care due to removal from their home. Kinship care providers need support as well as the rest of our aging population, even if they are not raising children.
Increase the number of children who are “kindergarten ready” in Grayson County.
Kentuckians improve health and span through lifecycle choices and behaviors related to overall health and well-being.
Increase opportunities and access to more preschool learning activities both inside and outside of the home.
Kentuckians of all ages adapt healthy lifestyle choices, including diet, physical activity, no smoking/binge drinking, etc.
People of Grayson County understand the importance of developmentally appropriate play to their child’s academic success.
Grayson Countians understand the importance of lifestyle choices and behaviors throughout their lifespan on their overall health, well-being, and life quality.
Initial Outcome: Grayson Countians learn fun age appropriate activities to aid in their child’s healthy development.
Indicator: Number of parents who expressed learning new activities to engage children at home.
Method: Program surveys and participant feedback
Timeline: Every 6 months
Intermediate Outcome: Adapt healthy lifestyles related to aging and longevity.
Indicator: Of the total number of individuals/families who learned information about healthy lifestyle choices related to aging/longevity, the total number of individuals/families/care gives who adapted their behavior.
Method: 3-6 month post lesson evaluations
Timeline: Ongoing
Audience: Preschool aged children and their parents/caregivers
Project/Activity: formal and informal educational programs
Content/Curriculum: Laugh and Learn Play Dates and/or Stories, Songs, and Stretches
Inputs: FCS Agent, Library, Family Resource Centers, Early Childhood Council, Preschools
Date: Monthly sessions, ongoing 2021-2024
Audience: All ages, Caregivers and Kinship Caregivers
Project/Activities: Formal and informal educational programs
Content/Curriculum: PASTA, Life Story, Traditions, AARP Prepare to Care, Alzheimer’s Association programming, Faithful Families,
Inputs: FCS agent, CES publications and resources, health department
Date: Spring and Fall 2022-2024
Audience: Facebook and Social Media Users/General Public
Project or Activity: Social media posts and/or virtual programming regarding family/child development and aging.
Content or Curriculum: various research based resources
Inputs: UK Specialists, paid Extension Staff, social media outlets
Date: 2021-2024
