Over the past five years (2015-2020), Kentucky has reported that only 52% of children attending kindergarten (48.4% in Laurel 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 Laurel County residents, the Family and Consumer Sciences Agent implemented Laugh and Learn Playdates. 

Through this program, participants work on improving early childhood development skills and increasing kindergarten readiness. 10 adults and 15 children participated in this program. As a result of this program, 85 % of children knew their full name or were able to write it correctly, 100% of parents or caregivers reported their child could follow simple rules and routines without reminders, and 95% reported an improvement in child’s ability to play with other children. In regard to physical activity, 90% of participant’s parents or caregivers noticed their child continuing in tasks that were challenging. In addition to individual behavior change 100% 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 they enjoyed coming to the classes and being able to allow their children to play with other kids.  They also stated that they started to make more “child friendly/fun” snacks at home with their children.