Over the past five years (2015-2020), Kentucky has reported that only 52% of children attending kindergarten 42.2% in Graves County are actually 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 Graves County residents, the Family and Consumer Sciences Agent partnered with the Graves County Public Library to implement Laugh and Learn Playdates. 

Through this program, participants work on improving early childhood development skills and increasing kindergarten readiness. An average of 23 adults and 25 children participated in this program monthly.

As a result of this program,  

76% of children knew their full name

88% of parents or caregivers reported their child could follow simple rules and routines without reminders

88% reported an improvement in child’s ability to play with other children

96% of participant’s parents or caregivers noticed their child continuing in tasks that were challenging

72% reported an increase in their child’s willingness to try new foods, and 

84% reported their family conducted activities learned from Laugh and Learn Playdates at home

69% reported increasing the amount of time reading together. 

At the completion of the program, participants shared...

The activities during Laugh & Learn helped me to know what types of activities to do with my child at home.

The interaction with other children has been a tremendous benefit to my grandson.

We look forward to the days Laugh & Learn is part of Story Time because of all the hands on learning available.