Close Resources

Contact Information

Craig Wood, Ph.D
Acting Associate Dean & Director
UK Cooperative Extension Service

S-107 Ag. Science Center North Lexington, KY 40546-0091

+1 (859) 257-4302

craig.wood@uky.edu

Impacts

Contact Information

Craig Wood, Ph.D
Acting Associate Dean & Director
UK Cooperative Extension Service

S-107 Ag. Science Center North Lexington, KY 40546-0091

+1 (859) 257-4302

craig.wood@uky.edu




Fiscal Year:
Jul 1, 2024 - Jun 30, 2025


Success StoryLaugh & Learn Playdates



Laugh & Learn Playdates

Author: Julia Wilson

Planning Unit: 4-H Central Operations

Major Program: Family Development General

Plan of Work: Parenting/Child Development

Outcome: Initial Outcome

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."






Stories by Julia Wilson


Building Life Skills Through LEGO Club

about 21 days ago by Julia Wilson

In Hart County, many youth have limited access to structured enrichment programs that [promote team ... Read More


Building Leadership & Lifeskills through 4-H Summer Camp

about 21 days ago by Julia Wilson

In Hart County, many families face limited access to structured summer programs for their children. ... Read More


Stories by 4-H Central Operations


4-H LIFE First Family Visitations

about 2 days ago by Ryley Butler Modaff

As of 2024, Kentucky had the seventh highest rate of incarceration in the world, with over 89 thousa... Read More


Teen Conference 2025

about 2 days ago by Patrick Allen

Teen Conference 2025Success StoryThe 2025 Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference was held at the University of... Read More