According to the U.S. Department of Education, 64% of fourth graders in Kentucky are not reading proficiently.  In Northern Kentucky, only 53% of students were kindergarten ready (Kentucky Center for Statistics, 2019).   On the other hand, a positive aspect in early childhood development is when children are educated about community partners.  This can provide positive benefits such as a sense of belonging to a place and community, learning who to go to when they need help, while also gaining knowledge about different jobs and skills of the community members (Children’s Bureau, 2023).  In order to address the poor literacy rate in Kentucky and connect children to their communities, Boone and Campbell County Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agents offered the four- part Zoom series, Bedtime Stories. 

            Forty children aged 3-8 from Boone and Campbell counties attended the four-part Zoom series, Bedtime Stories. During the series, there were four community members who spoke about their profession and then read a different book each night to the children. Children learned about the professions of a firefighter, police officer, nurse, and postman. At the end of the four nights, the families then received the four books that were read each night. Educational handouts were provided including PBS Kids Career Resources created by the Kentucky Educational Television for our program. 

End of the series evaluations showed the following because of the program:

1. 100% said this program gave them beneficial quality time with their child/grandchild.
2. 100% said their family felt more connected to their community members.
3. 100% said their child/grandchild learned more about the jobs of the community members.
4. 92% said they intended to read more with their child/grandchild.

One participant said, “My daughter loved learning about the community helpers. She loved asking them questions.  We really appreciate the books and liked the snow theme.”

Three-month follow-up surveys showed that 86% of the participants said they have both increased reading and gained more quality time with their child.