The problem 

Kentucky has reported that only 24.9% of children attending kindergarten in Spencer County are 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 Spencer County residents. 

The educational program response 

As an innovative strategy to improve early childhood development skills and increase kindergarten readiness with Spencer County residents, the Family and Consumer Sciences Agent partnered with Spencer County Public Library to implement Laugh and Learn Playdates. Through this program, participants work on improving early childhood development skills and increasing kindergarten readiness.  

The participants/target audience 

In Spencer County, five adults and six children participated in this program. Target audience is early childhood students and parents to help prepare for kindergarten readiness. 

Other partners (if applicable) Spencer County Public Library

Program impact or participant response.

As a result of this program, 100 % of parents reported reading to their children at least three times a week, 90 % of parents or caregivers reported using simple rules and routines in their home, and 100 % reported involving their children in play with other children. Regarding physical activity, 90 % of participant’s parents or caregivers encouraged their child to continue in tasks that were challenging. In addition to individual behavior change 90 % reported giving their child new opportunities to try new foods and recipes from SNAP-Ed, and 90% reported their family conducted activities learned from Laugh and Learn Playdates at home. At the completion of the program, participants shared that it was a great program that encouraged their children to read books and a wonderful way for their children to socialize with children their age.