Kentucky has reported that only 24.9% of children attending kindergarten in Fayette 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 Fayette County residents, the Family and Consumer Sciences Agent implemented Laugh and Learn Playdates.  

Through this twelve-month program, participants work on improving early childhood development skills and increasing kindergarten readiness. Nine adults and eleven children participated in at least seven of the twelve sessions in this program. As a result of this program, 100% of parents reported reading to their child(ren) at least three times a week, 100% of parents or caregivers reported using simple rules and routines in their home, and 100% reported involving their child(ren) in play with other children. Regarding physical activity, 100% of participant’s parents or caregivers encouraged their child to continue in tasks that were challenging. In addition to individual behavior change 100% reported giving their child new opportunities to try new foods, and 67% reported their family conducted activities learned from Laugh and Learn Playdates at home.  

At the completion of the program, participants commended the FCS agent on her sincere kindness with their children and her gifting as an instructor.