Success Stories - Kentucky Extension Reporting System

Fiscal Year: 2025

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2025

Jul 1, 2024 - Jun 30, 2025

Success StoriesKentucky Extension Reporting System

Laugh and Learn Playdates

Author: Sarah Drysdale

Major Program: Child Development General

Kentucky has reported that only 44.9% of children attending kindergarten in Ballard County are prepared and equipped to succeed. In many Kentucky counties, limited resources or the environment may hinder 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 Ballard County residents, the Family and Consumer Sciences Agent partnered with Ballard Co

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Madison County FCS Free Book Project

Author: Jessica Hunley

Major Program: Child Development General

In the summer of 2024, Madison County FCS Extension was presented with an opportunity to attain free children's books for programming from Rand McNally Publishers. The FCS Agent confirmed a shipment and delivery for the books requested, but soon realized a typo error just created a new challenge and opportunity outside of the plan. The intended delivery was about 10 times bigger than the original plan, and so with the help of county extension teammates, several more pallets made their way ho

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Preschool Pumpkin Days

Author: Rachel Hance

Major Program: Child Development General

It is through our valued partnership with the Allen, Logan, and Simpson Regional Collaborative 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, academic/c

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Tot Time

Author: Alex Kelly

Major Program: Child Development General

Tot Time was a new program designed to support young children in preparing for preschool by enhancing their social, life, and physical skills. Recognizing the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which limited socialization opportunities, and the barriers faced by families with fewer resources, Tot Time aimed to equip both children and parents with the tools needed for a successful transition into preschool. Offered in partnership with SOAR, the program included interactive activities that

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Achieving Early Childhood Goals with Laugh & Learn Play Dates

Author: Vicki Wynn

Major Program: Child Development General

The University of Kentucky's 'Laugh & Learn' play date program was designed to assist with achieving these goals found in the Kentucky Early Childhood Profile. --Every Kentucky child will enter school ready to succeed. --Every parent will know what their child needs to be ready for school. --Every community will come together in support of their youngest children.  According to Kentucky’s 2023 Early Childhood Profile, children in

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Russell County's High School Grad's Life Skills Series

Author: Megan Gullett

Major Program: Child Development General

Describe the Issue or Situation.Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable).Provide the Number and Description(s) of Participants/Target Audience.Provide a Statement of Outcomes or Program Impact. Please note that the outcomes statement must use evaluation data to describe the change(s) that occurred in individuals, groups, families, businesses, or in the community because of the program/outreach.

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Impact of Fulton County CECC

Author: Anna Morgan

Major Program: Child Development General

Four River Counties Community Early Childhood Collaborative 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.  T

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Laugh and Learn Playdate

Author: Asya Jarrell

Major Program: Child Development General

A common issue that the Laugh and Learn Playdate can help tackle is the gap in early childhood development, particularly in preparing children for school. Many young children, especially those from underserved communities, may lack access to structured early learning experiences that promote social, cognitive, and physical development. This can result in difficulties with school readiness, such as challenges with communication, socialization, fine motor skills, and the ability to follow instruct

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Fleming County's Laugh and Learn Program

Author: Kaitlyn Fryman

Major Program: Child Development General

Issue or Situation: Many young children in Fleming County lack opportunities to engage in structured, hands-on activities that promote the development of fine and gross motor skills. Additionally, high school students in child development classes often seek meaningful, real-world experiences to apply their learning and enhance their understanding of working with children.Outreach or Educational Program Response: In response to this need, the Fleming County Extension Service partnered with Flemin

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Community Baby Shower

Author: Elizabeth Maxedon

Major Program: Child Development General

Describe the Issue or Situation.   In the current societal context, occurrences of adolescent pregnancy and individuals hailing from low-income households have grown increasingly prevalent. This pattern is notably evident within the residents of Spencer County. During the current year, the agents of Spencer County Family and Consumer Sciences and 4-H/Youth Development, in collaboration with the Family Resource & Youth Service Centers and other community partners, coordinated t

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Fayette County: Laugh and Learn Playdates Success Story

Author: Caroline McMahan

Major Program: Child Development General

Kentucky has reported that only 24.9% of children attending kindergarten in Fayette County are prepared and equipped to succeed. In many Kentucky counties, limited resources or the environment may hinder 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 Fayette County residents, the Family and Consumer Sciences Agent implemented Laugh and Le

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From Giggles to Growth: How Laugh and Learn is Shaping Young Minds

Author: Rosa Smith

Major Program: Child Development General

Describe the Issue or Situation.In Owsley County, Kentucky, access to early childhood daycare options is limited, posing a significant challenge for families with young children. Many parents face difficulties in finding affordable, quality daycare, which can delay essential early learning experiences. This lack of availability also impacts kindergarten readiness, as children may enter school without having developed the foundational social, emotional, and academic skills needed to succeed. The

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Read, Laugh & Learn

Author: Britney Poe

Major Program: Child Development General

Empowering Futures: The Success Story of Robertson County's "Read, Laugh, and Learn" ProgramIn Robertson County, a collaborative effort between the Robertson County Extension Service and the Robertson County Library has brought an innovative and impactful initiative to life: the "Read, Laugh, and Learn" program. Designed for children ages 3-5, this program is more than just a playdate—it’s a gateway to kindergarten readiness and lifelong learning.From Vision t

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College Resources

Contact Information

Craig Wood, Ph.D
Acting Associate Dean & Director
UK Cooperative Extension Service

College Resources

Contact Information

Craig Wood, Ph.D
Acting Associate Dean & Director
UK Cooperative Extension Service

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