Family and Youth DevelopmentPlan of Work
Montgomery County CES
County Emphasis:
Family and Youth Development
Concentration 1:
Work and Life Skill Development
Concentration 2:
Family and Youth Development
Concentration 3:
Food Safety, Quality, and Access
Concentration 4:
Health and Wellbeing
Situation:
Kentucky Cooperative Extension: Economic Resilience through Workforce & Life Skills Development
Context: Economic and Workforce Realities in Kentucky
Kentucky faces significant economic and workforce challenges. The state’s median household income is approximately $55,100, just 74% of the national median, and an estimated 62% of households do not earn a living wage based on current cost of living standards. These figures highlight a growing disparity and point to a critical need for educational programs that build human capital and increase the employment-population ratio, especially among working-age adults (Kentucky Center for Business and Economic Research, 2024).
In response, the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service (CES) is committed to offering life skills and workforce readiness programming that supports financial stability, job preparation, and personal development. Topics include:
Workforce readiness & soft skills (e.g., communication, reliability, teamwork)
Financial literacy & budgeting
Career exploration & professional behavior
Positive employability skills for recovery-involved populations
According to the 2023 UK CES Community Needs Assessment (with nearly 28,000 respondents), two of the top ten needs across the Commonwealth were:
Building Employee Soft Skills
Building Life Skills of Community Members
Youth Development: Preparing Tomorrow’s Workforce
Kentucky’s long-term economic sustainability also depends on preparing young people to be thoughtful, skilled, and resilient contributors to their communities. With over 2.4 million job openings in Kentucky as of 2024—and 10 million nationwide—Extension must help young people align their skills with a rapidly evolving job market.
Key workforce trends identified by the World Economic Forum and Dell Technologies include:
The fastest-growing jobs are in vocational trades, agriculture, education, and digital fields
85% of the jobs in 2030 have not yet been invented
Employers are prioritizing real-world skills over traditional school subjects
Top skills for youth:
?? Analytical and creative thinking
?? Flexibility and adaptability
?? Resilience and self-motivationAccording to the National 4-H Index Study (2024):
80% of youth explored career options
50% received college guidance
95% reported 4-H helped them identify personal strengths
Youth programming priorities identified in the 2023 CES Needs Assessment include:
Life skill development
Workforce readiness
Youth voice and civic engagement
Family and Consumer Sciences Program Focus: Early Childhood Development & Kindergarten Readiness
Kindergarten Readiness in Kentucky:
In 2023, only ~52% of Kentucky children entered kindergarten fully ready (Kentucky Department of Education)
Readiness is influenced by income, access to preschool, and parental education levels
National trends show readiness rates ranging from 50–60%, with common deficits in:
Early literacy and numeracy
Emotional regulation and resilience
Social-emotional skills
FCS Strategies:
Parent education and engagement
School readiness programs (e.g., Readiness Rocks!, Laugh & Learn)
Extension partnerships with FRYSCs, libraries, and early childhood providers
County Situation:
Montgomery County Extension: Community Challenges & Program Focus Areas
Community Needs Overview
Montgomery County continues to face critical, interrelated challenges that impact the overall health and well-being of its residents:
Food Insecurity: Limited access to nutritious, affordable food affects families’ ability to maintain healthy lifestyles.
Mental Health: Rising stress levels, social isolation, and a lack of local mental health providers strain caregivers and families.
Early Childhood Development: Historically, only 50–55% of local children enter kindergarten “ready”across developmental domains. Contributing barriers include limited access to early childhood education, lack of parental knowledge, and insufficient developmental screenings.
Substance Misuse: Substance use—especially opioids—continues to create cycles of trauma, instability, and health disparities, particularly among families and caregivers.
Horticulture Program Focus Areas
Pollinator Pals
Program Focus: Youth and community engagement in pollinator conservation
Need: Many youth and families are unaware of the ecological importance of pollinators and how to support them
Goals:
Increase awareness about pollinator health and threats (e.g., habitat loss, chemical misuse)
Create youth-led pollinator habitats in schools, gardens, or neighborhoods
Foster community-wide education and stewardship through hands-on conservation
Outcomes:
Youth increase knowledge of pollinator life cycles and habitat needs
Families adopt pollinator-friendly practices at home
Community partnerships expand through schools, libraries, and civic groups
Garden to Plate
Program Focus: Nutrition, gardening, and cooking skill-building for youth and families
Need: Many residents lack nutrition knowledge, cooking skills, and access to fresh, healthy foods
Goals:
Teach youth and families how to grow, harvest, and cook fruits and vegetables
Reduce food insecurity through home gardening and basic culinary skills
Promote life skills development, healthy family routines, and intergenerational learning
Outcomes:
Youth learn where food comes from and how to prepare it
Families report increased vegetable consumption and meal preparation at home
Local food systems are strengthened through Extension gardens and demonstrations
Family and Consumer Sciences Program Focus
Early Childhood Development & School Readiness
Current Readiness Rate: ~50–55% of Montgomery County children meet kindergarten readiness benchmarks
Barriers:
Low access to high-quality early education
Gaps in parent understanding of child development
Limited availability of developmental screenings and support services
Extension Response:
Programs like Readiness Rocks! and Laugh & Learn promote parent-child interaction and developmental milestones
Extension collaborates with preschools, libraries, and Family Resource Centers to expand early learning access
Parent workshops increase understanding of literacy, numeracy, social-emotional growth, and play-based learning
Long-Term Outcomes:
Montgomery County Cooperative Extension: Outcomes and Impact Focus
Youth Development: Leadership & Workforce Readiness
Outcome Statement:
Youth will demonstrate the leadership, teamwork, and communication skills necessary to be successful in the workplace.Key Impacts:
Increased confidence and self-efficacy in professional environments
Youth equipped to navigate group dynamics, problem-solving, and goal-setting
Stronger pipeline of workforce-ready young adults contributing to the local economy
Horticulture Program Focus Areas
Pollinator Pals
Outcomes:
Expanded local pollinator habitats in schools, community gardens, and neighborhoods
Youth become conservation advocates through education, outreach, and hands-on projects
Community adopts pollinator-friendly practices, including reduced chemical use and increased native planting
Support for local environmental policies tied to habitat preservation and ecosystem health
Garden to Plate
Outcomes:
Improved family nutrition and food security through increased homegrown produce and cooking skills
Reduced diet-related health risks, such as childhood obesity and chronic disease
Youth gain lifelong skills in gardening, food preparation, and nutrition awareness
Community culture strengthens around local food systems and self-reliance
Family and Consumer Sciences Program
Kindergarten Readiness and Lifelong Success
Goals and Target Impacts:
Focus Area Outcome Statement Target/Impact Increased Kindergarten Readiness More children enter school with age-appropriate language, motor, and social-emotional skills Raise readiness rate to 70%+within 5–10 years Academic Achievement Stronger early foundation improves literacy and math skills Improved performance through elementary and middle school Graduation Rates Early learning success promotes on-time high school graduation Higher graduation rates, fewer dropouts Special Education Needs Early screenings reduce developmental delays Fewer intensive interventions required later Family Engagement Educated, engaged parents support student success Stronger home-school connections and advocacy Workforce Readiness Youth better prepared for careers and life Long-term economic strength and employment stability Child Development & Mental Health Early detection fosters lifelong well-being Improved physical, cognitive, and emotional health outcomes
Intermediate Outcomes:
Montgomery County 4-H Youth Development Outcomes
Core Outcome: Youth Civic Engagement and Leadership
Outcome Statement:
4-H youth will plan and implement a service project, developing leadership, responsibility, and community awareness.Indicators of Success:
Youth demonstrate planning, teamwork, and follow-through
Projects address real community needs
Youth reflect increased confidence and civic pride
Horticulture Program
Program Focus: Pollinator Pals
Key Outcomes:
Pollinator-friendly practices adopted in home and school settings (e.g., planting native flowers, reducing chemical use)
Youth-led awareness efforts, including educational posters, presentations, and community events
Pollinator zones established in school or community gardens as part of youth-led initiatives
Youth service projects tied to habitat creation, pollinator pathway mapping, or education campaigns
Program Focus: Garden to Plate
Key Outcomes:
Youth make healthier food choices through gardening and cooking program involvement
Families incorporate homegrown produce into daily meals, improving nutrition and routine
Youth gain kitchen confidence by learning age-appropriate food prep and cooking skills
Family food costs decrease through growing and using garden produce
Youth-led service projects include creating garden kits, teaching peers, or growing produce for donation
Initial Outcomes:
Montgomery County Cooperative Extension: Youth & Family Development Outcomes
4-H Youth Development
Core Outcome: Youth Practice Civic Engagement, Leadership, and Communication Skills
Indicators of Success:
Youth lead or participate in community-focused projects
Youth demonstrate confidence in public speaking, teamwork, and planning
Youth report increased interest in solving real-world issues
Horticulture Program
Program Focus: Pollinator Pals
Key Outcomes:
Increased knowledge of pollinators and their ecological roles
Youth can identify native pollinators and distinguish between pollinator species
Youth-led educational initiatives such as school displays, posters, or community presentations
Heightened interest in outdoor learning and conservation through hands-on gardening and habitat creation
Program Focus: Garden to Plate
Key Outcomes:
Youth gain safe cooking and food preparation skills (e.g., knife safety, basic recipes, food hygiene)
Youth and families learn basic gardening techniques, such as seed starting, watering, and harvesting
More youth and families try new fruits and vegetables as a result of exposure through the program
Increased time spent cooking meals together at home, supporting family bonding and nutrition
Family & Consumer Sciences Program
Focus Area: Education Access & Quality
Outcome Statement Indicators/Impacts Increased early childhood education enrollment More 3- and 4-year-olds in preschool or structured care settings Expanded availability of high-quality programs Growth in licensed childcare and preschool providers meeting KY quality standards Focus Area: Kindergarten Readiness Improvement
Outcome Statement Indicators/Impacts Improved readiness scores Gains in language/literacy, cognitive, physical, or socio-emotional domains as measured by Brigance/KDE benchmarks Increased early screenings More children screened before age 3 to identify developmental delays early Focus Area: Family Engagement & Support
Outcome Statement Indicators/Impacts Higher parent program participation More families in Born Learning, Nurturing Parenting, Readiness Rocks, etc. Greater parent knowledge of child milestones Parents equipped to support school readiness at home Focus Area: Community Collaboration & Access
Outcome Statement Indicators/Impacts Improved provider coordination Shared data systems, cross-referrals, and joint events among schools, FRCs, and clinics Increased awareness and service use More families accessing developmental evaluations, early intervention, and home visiting programs Focus Area: Public Awareness & Advocacy
Outcome Statement Indicators/Impacts Greater recognition of early childhood importance Leaders, media, and employers publicly supporting early learning initiatives Policy and funding advocacy Local investment in child development programs, wellness supports, and readiness resources
Evaluation:
Montgomery County Cooperative Extension: Outcomes & Evaluation Framework
4-H Youth Development
Outcome Level Outcome Statement Indicators Method Timeline Short-Term Youth demonstrate new skills and leadership behaviors - # of youth reporting demonstration of a skill they learned
- # of youth reporting service in a leadership roleStandard 4-H Evaluation (post-event, 6+ hours) Immediately post-program Medium-Term Youth develop workforce readiness tools - # of youth who created a resume after participating in Extension workforce development efforts End-of-Year Survey End of program year Long-Term Youth reflect long-term growth in career readiness and life skills - National 4-H Index Study metrics (career exploration, goal-setting, self-awareness) National 4-H Index Study Survey or Interview 1+ years post-program Horticulture Program
Focus: Pollinator Pals
Evaluation Tool Purpose Timeline Pre/Post Youth Knowledge Quizzes Measure understanding of pollinators, habitats, and threats Before/after sessions Pollinator Garden Mapping & Photo Logs Track physical outcomes of habitat installation Throughout program year Activity Participation Tracking Record youth engagement and attendance Ongoing Parent/Youth Feedback Forms Assess impact and satisfaction End of each event or series Community Habitat Surveys Gauge broader adoption and awareness Annual or post-event Focus: Garden to Plate
Evaluation Tool Purpose Timeline Pre/Post Surveys on Nutrition & Cooking Confidence Assess change in youth comfort and knowledge Before/after series Food Diary or Recall Sheets Document new foods tried and family nutrition patterns Midway and end of program Cooking Skills Checklists (Facilitator Observed) Verify hands-on skill acquisition During sessions Produce Harvest Logs Track garden productivity and usage Ongoing during harvest season Parent Interviews & Surveys Collect feedback on family impact and habits End of program Youth Reflections Gather qualitative feedback and learning insights Final day or post-project journal Family & Consumer Sciences Program
Child Outcomes
Measure Indicator Timeline Kindergarten Readiness Scores % of children rated “ready” across literacy, math, physical, and social-emotional domains Annual comparison (KDE or school district data) Developmental Screening Completion % of children ages 0–5 receiving valid screening tools (e.g., ASQ) Annual tracking Pre-K Participation Rate % of 3- and 4-year-olds enrolled in high-quality preschool or structured programs Annual tracking Family Engagement & Learning
Tool Purpose Timeline Parent Knowledge/Confidence Surveys Measure change in awareness on child development, readiness, healthy routines Before/after workshops Participation Logs Count attendance in programs like Born Learning, screening events, literacy nights Ongoing Home Literacy Environment Checklist Assess reading routines, book access, and early learning activities at home Start/end of program cycle or yearly Community Systems & Capacity
Measure Indicator Timeline Program Quality Ratings % of local providers in quality systems (e.g., STARS for Kids Now) Annual review Cross-Agency Collaboration Survey Track frequency and effectiveness of collaboration among schools, health, and early ed partners Annual or biannual survey Public Awareness Benchmarks Monitor engagement via surveys or social media analytics Quarterly/annually
Learning Opportunities:
4-H Youth Development
Audience:
4-H members (ages 5–18)
Extension professionals and volunteers
Youth and families across Montgomery County
Project or Activity:
Kentucky 4-H Core Program Areas:
Leadership
Agriculture
Natural Resources
Communication & Expressive Arts
Science, Engineering & Technology
Health and Wellbeing
Family & Consumer Sciences
4-H Camp, Cloverbuds, Teen Leadership, Volunteerism
Content or Curriculum:
Approved Kentucky 4-H Curriculum by Core Area or Interest
Experiential learning models and life skill development frameworks
Inputs:
UK Land-Grant research and curriculum support
Kentucky 4-H Foundation funding
Local/state/federal resources and grants
Volunteers, community partners, stakeholder engagement
Date:
Program Year (Ongoing)
Horticulture Program
Focus: Pollinator Pals
Audience:
Youth ages 8–14 (4-H, school, homeschool)
Families with interest in gardening and conservation
Schools, libraries, and community partners
Project or Activity:
Youth-designed pollinator gardens at schools and libraries
Pollinator Week family education events
Bee hotel and butterfly feeder construction
Interactive activities: scavenger hunts, ID games, art contests
Distribution of native seed packets and pesticide awareness workshops
Content or Curriculum:
UK Extension publications on native plants and pollinator habitats
NRCS & Kentucky Pollinator Protection Plan curriculum
4-H Pollinator curriculum and interactive youth resources
Inputs:
Native seeds, educational supplies, Extension agents, volunteers
Partnerships with schools, libraries, and community spaces
Local sponsors or grants for materials
Outputs:
25+ youth participants annually
2+ gardens installed over 3 years
6–8 pollinator education events annually
30+ participants in community awareness events
Focus: Garden to Plate
Audience:
Youth ages 9–16
Parents and caregivers
After-school programs, 4-H clubs, FCS collaborations
Project or Activity:
Youth cooking classes featuring garden-grown produce
Harvest-to-kitchen events and recipe competitions
Family cookbook creation
Field trips to farmers markets and farms
Lessons on garden planning for food use
Content or Curriculum:
SNAP-Ed and FCS nutrition curriculum
UK Extension recipes, harvesting guides
Key lessons: “From Seed to Plate,” “MyPlate Meals,” “Safe Kitchen Habits,” “Easy Garden Recipes”
Inputs:
Community gardens, produce, kitchen tools
Extension staff (Horticulture, FCS, SNAP-Ed), 4-H clubs, volunteers
Supplies (cutting boards, storage containers, gloves)
Outputs:
15+ youth participants/year
2+ garden-to-kitchen events/year
75% of youth complete cooking skills assessments
50+ pounds of produce harvested and used
Annual parent/caregiver feedback collected
Family and Consumer Sciences Program
Focus: Early Childhood Education Access and Quality
Outcome Indicator Increased early childhood enrollment More 3–4-year-olds in preschool or structured programs Higher program quality Growth in licensed childcare centers meeting state benchmarks Focus: Kindergarten Readiness
Outcome Indicator Improved readiness scores Gains in literacy, cognitive, and social-emotional domains Increased developmental screenings More children screened by age 3 Focus: Family Engagement & Support
Outcome Indicator Higher parent education participation Increased attendance in Born Learning, Nurturing Parenting, and school readiness workshops Increased family knowledge Parents more equipped to support developmental milestones Focus: Community Collaboration & Access
Outcome Indicator Stronger partnerships Data-sharing systems and referrals among schools, providers, and clinics Greater service utilization Families accessing developmental services, parenting support, and early intervention Focus: Public Awareness & Advocacy
Outcome Indicator Increased community support Local leaders, media, and businesses advocating for early learning investment
Evaluation:
Montgomery County Cooperative Extension: Outcomes & Evaluation Framework
4-H Youth Development
Outcome Level Outcome Statement Indicators Method Timeline Short-Term Youth demonstrate new skills and leadership behaviors - # of youth reporting demonstration of a skill they learned
- # of youth reporting service in a leadership roleStandard 4-H Evaluation (post-event, 6+ hours) Immediately post-program Medium-Term Youth develop workforce readiness tools - # of youth who created a resume after participating in Extension workforce development efforts End-of-Year Survey End of program year Long-Term Youth reflect long-term growth in career readiness and life skills - National 4-H Index Study metrics (career exploration, goal-setting, self-awareness) National 4-H Index Study Survey or Interview 1+ years post-program Horticulture Program
Focus: Pollinator Pals
Evaluation Tool Purpose Timeline Pre/Post Youth Knowledge Quizzes Measure understanding of pollinators, habitats, and threats Before/after sessions Pollinator Garden Mapping & Photo Logs Track physical outcomes of habitat installation Throughout program year Activity Participation Tracking Record youth engagement and attendance Ongoing Parent/Youth Feedback Forms Assess impact and satisfaction End of each event or series Community Habitat Surveys Gauge broader adoption and awareness Annual or post-event Focus: Garden to Plate
Evaluation Tool Purpose Timeline Pre/Post Surveys on Nutrition & Cooking Confidence Assess change in youth comfort and knowledge Before/after series Food Diary or Recall Sheets Document new foods tried and family nutrition patterns Midway and end of program Cooking Skills Checklists (Facilitator Observed) Verify hands-on skill acquisition During sessions Produce Harvest Logs Track garden productivity and usage Ongoing during harvest season Parent Interviews & Surveys Collect feedback on family impact and habits End of program Youth Reflections Gather qualitative feedback and learning insights Final day or post-project journal Family & Consumer Sciences Program
Child Outcomes
Measure Indicator Timeline Kindergarten Readiness Scores % of children rated “ready” across literacy, math, physical, and social-emotional domains Annual comparison (KDE or school district data) Developmental Screening Completion % of children ages 0–5 receiving valid screening tools (e.g., ASQ) Annual tracking Pre-K Participation Rate % of 3- and 4-year-olds enrolled in high-quality preschool or structured programs Annual tracking Family Engagement & Learning
Tool Purpose Timeline Parent Knowledge/Confidence Surveys Measure change in awareness on child development, readiness, healthy routines Before/after workshops Participation Logs Count attendance in programs like Born Learning, screening events, literacy nights Ongoing Home Literacy Environment Checklist Assess reading routines, book access, and early learning activities at home Start/end of program cycle or yearly Community Systems & Capacity
Measure Indicator Timeline Program Quality Ratings % of local providers in quality systems (e.g., STARS for Kids Now) Annual review Cross-Agency Collaboration Survey Track frequency and effectiveness of collaboration among schools, health, and early ed partners Annual or biannual survey Public Awareness Benchmarks Monitor engagement via surveys or social media analytics Quarterly/annually
- Acting Associate Dean & Director — Craig Wood, Ph.D.
- S107 Ag. Science Center North
- Lexington, KY 40546-0091
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