In the first few years of life the brain forms neural pathways based on the child’s experiences and environment.  Parents and caregivers for infants and toddlers are the child’s first teachers and how they interact with their young child, has significant impact on future learning and development.  Half of Kentucky’s young children arrive in kindergarten without foundational skills needed, for them to be “ready to learn” in the formal school setting.  To help improve Kindergarten readiness, the Kentucky Governor’s office of Early Childhood partners with United Way, to support “Born Learning Academy” programs.   

The Metcalfe County Public-school Family Resource Youth Service Center (FRYSC) hosts Born Learning Academy programs annually in the spring.  The Metcalfe Co. Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences Education partnered with the Edmonton Elementary School FRYSC staff, to offer the 2022 Born Learning Academy.  This FCS Agent conducted in-person LEAPS participatory physical activity story time, and samples of healthy, Plate-It-Up Kentucky Proud recipes at the evening programs. To reinforce and support the concept of home learning activity, Extension Agent created go program bags for home involvement.  Go program bags included various KYNEP nutrition education materials, hands – on cooking with kid’s food preparation, and creative/messy play age-appropriate activities.

Participants included: 10 families, adult participants were all female: with 9 mothers and

2 grandmothers attending the sessions with their young children.  Youth participants were: 4 male, 6 female, and their ages were: two 1year, four 2 year, one 3 year, with three children who were 4 years of age.

Post program evaluation results showed the following outcomes:

100% participants reported making the homemade playdough, oobleck (non-Newtonian fluid of cornstarch and water), pumpkin chocolate mini muffins, and chewy granola bar go program firsthand activities, at home.

100% found the Presenters were extremely knowledgeable and explained all subject matter clearly.

100 % were interested in attending another workshop to learn more.

90% found the materials to be helpful and plan on using what they learned at home.

50% believe children learn from their involvement in everyday experiences and interactions.

50% believe the best way to help children at home, is to have special activities for learning every day.