Kentucky has reported that only 42% of children attending kindergarten in Hopkins County are prepared and equipped to succeed. In many Kentucky counties, limited resources or the environment may hinder 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 Hopkins County residents, the Family and Consumer Sciences Agent partnered with Hopkins County, Madisonville Public Library to implement Laugh and Learn Playdates. 

Through this program, participants work on improving early childhood development skills and increasing kindergarten readiness. 98 adults and 86 children participated in this program. As a result of this program, 71.43 % of parents reported reading to their child(ren) at least three times a week, 90  % of parents or caregivers reported using simple rules and routines in their home, and 62 % reported involving their child(ren) in play with other children. In regard to physical activity, 71 % 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 85 % reported their family conducted activities learned from Laugh and Learn Playdates at home.