Kentucky has reported that only 24.9% of children attending kindergarten in LaRue County is actually prepared and equipped to succeed.   This means that 75.1% of children entering kindergarten annually are not prepared.  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 LaRue County residents, the Family and Consumer Sciences Agent partnered with LaRue Co Family Resource Youth Services to implement Laugh and Learn Playdates held monthly at the Extension Office. 

Through this program, participants work on improving early childhood development skills and increasing kindergarten readiness such as writing and spelling first name, counting to 10, identifying and recognizing alphabet letter names and sounds, knowing basic shapes and using child-sized school supplies such as scissors. On average, 12 adults and 15 children participated in this program, monthly. As a result of this program, 75% of parents/caregivers reported that their child can say and spell their full name, 80% of parents or caregivers reported using simple rules and routines in their home and 70% of parents/caregivers reported that their child(ren) can identify most if not all colors correctly.  In regard to physical activity, 100% of participant’s parents or caregivers encouraged their child to continue in tasks that were challenging. In addition to individual behavior change 100% also reported that Laugh and Learn Playdates gave their child new opportunities to try new foods and that their family conducted activities learned from Laugh and Learn Playdates at home. 

At the completion of the program, participants shared that their child/grandchild loved Laugh and Learn Playdates especially the hands-on learning activities.  Plans are already being made to offer the program again in 2023-2024 and efforts to expand the program will be developed.