According to data from Kids Count Data Center, in 2020 the Kindergarten readiness percentage rate for Owen county is 56.4%.  With this low percentage, the Owen County Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences decided to partner with the Family Life Center to offer a Laugh and Learn program to preschool aged children (0- 5 years old) that allows children and their parent/caregiver the opportunity to play and learn together.  The program began in January and met twice a month through May, 10 sessions.  There were 13 families to join these sessions (21 children).  At each session, the program included a story, a craft, an activity, free play, and more.  Each month allowed for a different activity ranging from planting sunflower seeds to meeting the local K-9 Police (Stu) to playing with some friendly baby goats.   Every session was so much fun for each and every child as well as the parent/caregiver. They left with more fun activities to do at home and information on how to help prepare their child(ren) grow at home.  

While it is still early to know the long term effects of this program, the short term has been a positive response from both children and parents/caregivers involved in the program.   Every parent /caregiver completed a survey to express their thoughts of the program and all found the program to be effective and a great opportunity for these children to learn and grow.