Success StoryLaugh and Learn Playdates
Laugh and Learn Playdates
Author: Sarah Drysdale
Planning Unit: Ballard County CES
Major Program: Child Development General
Plan of Work: Active Living and Health Promotions
Outcome: Initial Outcome
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.
Stories by Sarah Drysdale

Face Coverings for Ballard County Elementary School
This school year came with uncertainty whether students would be in the classroom. As COVID-19 has b... Read More
All Things Air Fryer
Air Fryers have become the newest kitchen appliance that is a must for those wanting to have their f... Read More
Stories by Ballard County CES

Etiquette for the Real World
As part of a leadership and job shadowing effort, 4-H teens also completed an etiquette training. Th... Read More

21st Century Ag Fun Day
Fifty-seven youth with diverse backgrounds were educated on agriculture through the 21st Century Aft... Read More
© 2024 University of Kentucky, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment