Over the past five years (2015-2020), Kentucky has reported that only 52% of children attending kindergarten 45% in Edmonson 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 Edmonson County residents, the Family and Consumer Sciences Agent partnered with the Edmonson County Library to implement Laugh and Learn Playdates.

Through this program, participants work on improving early childhood development skills and increasing kindergarten readiness. six adults and 12 children participated in this program. As a result of this program, 100% of children knew their full name or were able to write it correctly, 83% of parents or caregivers reported their child could follow simple rules and routines without reminders, and 100% reported an improvement in child’s ability to play with other children. In regard to physical activity, 100% of participant’s parents or caregivers noticed their child continuing in tasks that were challenging. In addition to individual behavior change 83% reported an increase in their child’s willingness to try new foods, and 100% reported their family conducted activities learned from Laugh and Learn Playdates at home. In regard to increasing early literacy, 100 % reported increasing the amount of time reading together.

At the completion of the program, participants shared that the classes had had a beneficial impact on their families. 

One mother said "I didn't know what skills to work on at home. These classes have given me cheap and easy ideas for at home activities."