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 residents, the Family and Consumer Sciences Agent partnered with several local collaborators to implement a preschool day camp over the summer. 

Through this program, participants work on improving early childhood development skills and increasing kindergarten readiness. 38 children participated in this program. As a result of this program, 71 % of children knew their full name or were able to write it correctly, 65 % of parents or caregivers reported their child could follow simple rules and routines without reminders, and 61 % reported an improvement in child’s ability to play with other children. In regard to physical activity, 67 % of participant’s parents or caregivers noticed their child continuing in tasks that were challenging. In addition to individual behavior change 61% more willing to try new food, 58% separated from their parents more quickly, 72% demonstrated more confidence in simple motor skills such as using scissors or tracing items and 85% reported their family conducted activities learned from preschool at home. In regard to increasing early literacy, 42% reported increasing the amount of time reading together, 45% identified words in books and 65% now holds the book right during story time.  

At the completion of the program, participants shared...

I never thought about it, but my child definitely traces shapes and lines with more control and intention.  She would always get so frustrated before with this task, but now she does it easily.

I love the materials she received.  I love the books she was read.  I love the music she sang and danced to.  I love the activities she participated in and told me about.  She had a wonderful experience that definitely helped prepare her for preschool.  Thank you!