School readiness is an indicator for later academic success including attainment of higher levels of education and securing employment. School readiness is multidimensional including physical well-being, motor development, social and emotional development, approaches to learning, language development consisting of early literacy, and cognitive or general knowledge.

In 2016, only 38% of Martin County children were kindergarten ready according to Brigance K Screen data analysis. To address this issue, Martin County Cooperative Extensions Family and Consumer Sciences program and the Nutrition Education Program introduced a 12 part monthly series for children under the age of five and their parent, grandparent, or caregiver called LEAP, which stands for literacy, eating, activity for preschoolers. Over 25 children have participated in science, math, art, reading, and physical activity stations. This program also allows for engagement with other children their age, which helps with interaction, being social, and conflict resolution. As part of LEAP, the children eat a healthy snack at each lesson to expose them to new fruits and vegetables.

As a result of the program thus far, 100% of participants have gained knowledge on how identify fruits and vegetables and 90% of those participants have significantly increased their fruit and vegetable consumption. Also, participants have also increased their ability to socialize and resolve conflict.