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 worked 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 was sent home with families due to health department regulations. The program for PSPL concluded with a total 16 adults and 14 children participated in this program. At least 11 out of 16 adults read to their my child/grandchild at least three (3) times a week and involve them in play with others at least once a week. The program will continue in the Fall of 2024.

Participant's Responses:

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

Another participant's grandparent stated "This is the first my grandson tried these homemade, pumpkin pancakes. I would have never thought to put pumpkin in pancakes. We will have to try to make them at home."

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

 Children learned to use fine motor skills to grasp modes of transportation located in the sensory bin during the Laugh & Learn Playdates (November 2023).