Over the past several years Kentucky has reported that only 52% of children attending kindergarten. With programs we are offering we have seen a rise in our readiness. (34% in Pendleton County four years ago to 41.1% currently) 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 Pendleton County residents, the Family and Consumer Sciences Agent partnered with several local collaborators to implement a preschool day camp two years ago and implemented several other preschool opportunities within our county.  

The preschool camp program allows participants work on improving early childhood development skills and increasing kindergarten readiness. 41 children participated in this program.  As a result of the program in a six week follow-up evaluation, 76 % of children knew their full name or were able to write it correctly, 67 % of parents or caregivers reported their child could follow simple rules and routines without reminders, and 61 % reported an improvement in child’s ability to play with other children. In regard to physical activity, 67 % of participant’s parents or caregivers noticed their child continuing in tasks that were challenging. In addition to individual behavior change 61% more willing to try new food, 58% separated from their parents more quickly, 78% demonstrated more confidence in simple motor skills such as using scissors or tracing items and 88% reported their family conducted activities learned from preschool at home. In regard to increasing early literacy, 52% reported increasing the amount of time reading together, 45% identified words in books and 67% now holds the book right during story time.  

At the completion of the program, participants shared...

I never thought about it, but my child definitely traces shapes and lines with more control and intention and I am comfortable with them using scissors now.

My transition with my child to kindergarten went very smoothly.  Friends they made from preschool camp made our separation easier on both of us.