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.  Data indicates that less than 45% of incoming kindergarteners are actually 'ready' for what kindergarten has in store for them. As an innovative strategy to improve early childhood development skills and increase kindergarten readiness with Clark County residents, the Family and Consumer Sciences Agent partnered with the Clark County Public Library Children's Services Department implement Laugh and Learn Playdates for children ages 2-5. 

This program began in September of 2022 and has occurred monthly. 15 different children and their caregivers have participated in the programs, with 8 showing up consistently.  The children always seem very excited to participate in the programs and go home with a book after every playdate with the intention to build their home library. After 7 playdates, 85% of caregivers report using the activities they learned at the Laugh and Learn playdate at home with their child while 80% of caregivers indicate that they believe their child is more ready for kindergarten than when they started the playdates. Several adult comments heard throughout the first program that their child had never used scissors, they had never played with playdoh, and never tried a certain type of snack.