Kentucky has reported that only 44.9% of children attending kindergarten in Ballard 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 Ballard County residents, the Family and Consumer Sciences Agent partnered with Ballard County Preschools to implement Laugh and Learn Playdates. 

Through this program, participants work on improving early childhood development skills and increasing kindergarten readiness. Families participated in this program throughout the school year. As a result of this program, 85% of parents reported reading to their child at least three times a week, 80% of parents reported using simple rules and routines in their home, and 86% reported involving their child in play with other children. Regarding physical activity, 100% of participants’ parents encouraged their child to continue in tasks that were challenging. In addition to individual behavior change, 70% reported giving their child new opportunities to try new foods.