In 2023, Kentucky has reported that only 46.2% of children attending kindergarten in Franklin County is 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 Franklin County residents, the Family and Consumer Sciences Agent partnered with Paul Sawyier Public Library to implement Laugh and Learn Playdates with their existing Preschool Storytime.

Through this program, participants work on improving early childhood development skills and increasing kindergarten readiness by engaging in a story, music, crafts, gross and fine motor skills activities. A healthy snack is sent home with families due to health department regulations. The program for PSPL concluded with a total 11 adults and 10 children participated in this program. 

One participant’s grandparent stated “[She] was very pleased with the program and excited that her 3 year old grandson was trying new things.”

Source:  Early Childhood Profile, retrieved on 10/10/2023 at https://kystats.ky.gov/Latest/ECP.

 The child learns to use the scissors to cut green leaves for her pumpkin.