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Contact Information

Craig Wood, Ph.D
Acting Associate Dean & Director
UK Cooperative Extension Service

S-107 Ag. Science Center North Lexington, KY 40546-0091

+1 (859) 257-4302

craig.wood@uky.edu

Impacts

Contact Information

Craig Wood, Ph.D
Acting Associate Dean & Director
UK Cooperative Extension Service

S-107 Ag. Science Center North Lexington, KY 40546-0091

+1 (859) 257-4302

craig.wood@uky.edu




Fiscal Year:
Jul 1, 2024 - Jun 30, 2025


Success StoryLaugh and Learn Playdates



Laugh and Learn Playdates

Author: Jacqueline Doucet

Planning Unit: Boyd County CES

Major Program: Child Development General

Plan of Work: Nutrition and Food Matters And Healthy Family (Community) through Healthy Individuals

Outcome: Intermediate Outcome

Laugh and Learn Playdates 

Kentucky has reported that only 51% of children attending kindergarten in Boyd County are prepared and equipped to succeed. In many Kentucky counties, limited resources or the environment may serve as barriers to 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 Boyd County residents, the Family and Consumer Sciences Agent partnered with Safe Harbor Domestic Violence Shelter to implement Laugh and Learn Playdates 

Through this program, participants work on improving early childhood development skills and increasing kindergarten readiness20 adults and 30 children participated in this program. As a result of this program, 75 % of parents reported reading to their child(ren) at least three times a week92 % of parents or caregivers reported using simple rules and routines in their home, and 100 % reported involving their child(ren) in play with other childrenRegarding physical activity, 85 % of participants' parents or caregivers encouraged their child to continue in challenging tasks. In addition to individual behavior change 90 % reported giving their child new opportunities to try new foods, and 85% reported their family conducted activities learned from Laugh and Learn Playdates at home.  

After the program, participants shared... 

“My son used to never want to try new foods, with the snacks provided by Ms. Jacqueline during the playdates, he is willing to try some new fruits and vegetables at mealtimes.”  

“My daughter is 3 and an only child, she never knew how to really interact with other kids. With going to the playgroup, she is starting to interact more and be more comfortable approaching kids to play and to play without mommy being involved.” 






Stories by Jacqueline Doucet


Building a Better Smoothie

about 22 days ago by Jacqueline Doucet

Smoothies are popular with people of all ages, from small children all the way to older adults. They... Read More


Planning Holiday Meals on a Thrifty Budget

about 3 months ago by Jacqueline Doucet

Inflation has driven the cost of groceries higher in recent years. According to the USDA Economic Re... Read More


Stories by Boyd County CES


Master Gardeners Are a Vital Part of Program Outreach

yesterday by Lori Bowling

Extension Master Gardener volunteers are a vital part of the Boyd County Extension Horticulture prog... Read More


A Stitch of Hope: How 4-H Sewing Sparked a New Love for School

about 7 days ago by Rebecca Stahler

When the Boyd County 4-H Quilts of Valor – Under Our Wing sewing club launched at Boyd County Middle... Read More