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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 StoryPreschoolers in the Park



Preschoolers in the Park

Author: Marsha Hagler

Planning Unit: Nelson County CES

Major Program: Child Development General

Plan of Work: Providing Positive Youth Development Opportunities for the Youth of Nelson County

Outcome: Initial Outcome

Kentucky has reported that only 51% of children attending kindergarten in Nelson County Schools and only 59% in Bardstown Independent Schools 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 Nelson County residents, the Family and Consumer Sciences Agent partnered with The Nelson County Nutrition Educations Program Assistant, Nelson County Public Libraries and Bardstown Parks and Recreation to implement(ed) Laugh and Learn Playdates called Preschoolers in the Park.  This monthly series was hosted at the Nelson County Extension Office and local parks. Preschool aged youth participated in the activities with a parent or guardian.  Activities included themed healthy snacks, movement, music, arts, a story and take home activities

Through this program, participants work on improving early childhood development skills and increasing kindergarten readiness. 10 adults and 18 children participated in this program. Of those responding to a follow up evaluation, As a result of this program, 75 % of parents reported that they gained new knowledge of child development, 100% learned new skills they can use at home to offer activities to improve their child’s kindergarten readiness, 100% feel confident in their ability to improve their child’s kindergarten readiness and 75 % are more aware of how to help their child be ready for kindergarten. 

At the completion of the program, one participant shared that their child gained more courage and became more confident and outgoing. 






Stories by Marsha Hagler


Understanding Disability

about 18 days ago by Marsha Hagler

According to the US Census, around 11% of individuals under 65 in Nelson County are living with a di... Read More


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about 27 days ago by Marsha Hagler

Kentuckians have experienced increasing severity and frequency of Natural Disasters. Nelson County C... Read More


Stories by Nelson County CES


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about 12 days ago by Robert Smith

The first annual forage contest in Nelson County, KY, highlights the communitys growing focus on pro... Read More


Understanding Disability

about 18 days ago by Marsha Hagler

According to the US Census, around 11% of individuals under 65 in Nelson County are living with a di... Read More