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 Consumer Sciences Agent implemented Laugh and Learn Grab & Go bags and then in-person Playdates. 

Through this program, participants work on improving early childhood development skills and increasing kindergarten readiness. 22 adults and 29 children participated in this program. As a result of this program, 65% of children knew their full name or were able to write it correctly, 71 % of parents or caregivers reported their child could follow simple rules and routines without reminders, and 82% 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  83% reported their family conducted activities learned from Laugh and Learn Playdates at home. In regard to increasing early literacy, 75% reported increasing the amount of time reading together. 

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

I learned some gaps my child had that we needed to work on before kindergarten. 

I am going to order some color sorting bowls so my child can practice colors and grasping.

Thank you for organizing such a valuable program for our young children.