Kentucky has reported that only 24.9% of children attending kindergarten in Shelby 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 Shelby County residents, the Family and Consumer Sciences Agent partnered with Northside Early Learning Center and Shelby County Public Library to implement Laugh and Learn Playdates.  

Through this program, participants work on improving early childhood development skills and increasing kindergarten readiness. 25 adults and 14 children participated in this monthly program. As a result of this program, parents reported reading to their child(ren) at least three times a week, 95% of parents or caregivers reported using simple rules and routines in their home, and 95% reported involving their child(ren) in play with other children. In regard to physical activity, 98% of participant’s parents or caregivers encouraged their child to continue in tasks that were challenging. In addition to individual behavior change 90% reported giving their child new opportunities to try new foods, and 95% reported their family conducted activities learned from Laugh and Learn Playdates at home.  

At the program's completion, participants shared that they were pleased to learn with their child while having fun. It provided quality time when the caregivers were able to watch their child learn and interact with others as well as providing ideas of learning projects at home.