A considerable number of Kentucky’s children enter kindergarten unprepared. Kindergarten Readiness is assessed through multiple factors such as: health and physical wellbeing, social and emotional development, approaches to learning, language, and communication development; and general knowledge and mathematics.   

To address this issue, Johnson County Family and Consumer Sciences Cooperative Extension Program has provided Laugh and Learn Playdates for children ages 2.5 - 5 years of age each month. Laugh and Learn is for children to engage in activities that help them increase kindergarten readiness skills. The program is also designed to help parents to learn how to instruct their children at home in a way that will encourage learning and readiness. Each month has a specific theme that appeals to children and multiple stations with a handout that has information about the specific skills each activity was designed to address.  

Participation varies, but on average around 5 children attend each month. Many parents report continuing the activities at home with their child over time between sessions.