The Jessamine County Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agent began a monthly Laugh and Learn in February and the efforts are still ongoing at the Jessamine County Extension Office. The program is for caregivers and their child(ren). Laugh and Learn is a kindergarten readiness program that incorporates story time, craft, healthy snack, and free play. The activities engage gross motor skills, fine motor skills, and early literacy skills.

Based on observation, 18 children improved their gross motor skills.

Based on observation, 18 children put new social-emotional skills into practice.

Based on observation, 15 children demonstrated improved early literacy skills.

Based on observation, 17 children increased their ability to express emotion.

The Laugh and Learn program partnered with the Jessamine County Early Learning Village. The Family Resource Coordinator and Early Childhood Family Support Specialist come to sessions to provide resources to families and answer questions caregivers may have about transitioning to kindergarten. Laugh and Learn has given them the opportunity to connect with families that they may not have had the opportunity to connect with.

One family is attending Laugh and Learn to improve her son’s English before attending kindergarten. She was concerned about his lack of interaction with other children his age and utilizes Laugh and Learn as a way to expose him more to the English language.

Laugh and Learn is not only a program for children but I have also seen the benefit has for the caregivers. Caregivers are connecting with each other and the program provides them with the opportunity to interact with other caregivers who have children the same age.

Comments from caregivers:

“My son goes to bed early the night before Laugh and Learn because he is so excited for it be morning!”

“She is a COVID-19 child. The interaction she gets at Laugh and Learn is so important.”

“My son was so excited about growing the turnip from the seeds you gave us. Here is a picture of his turnip. (pictured attached).”

The program will continue till December 2022.