Early childhood learning opportunities are limited in Breckinridge County with only two private daycares and public head start classrooms.  There is only 1 child care provider slot for every four children.   School readiness can be challenging for all families and especially those with limited resources and knowledge relating to this important developmental milestone.  The Breckinridge County FCS Extension staff recognize this need and partner with the local Early Childhood Council to provide learning opportunities for young families.  The Council is made up of community partners such as the health department and HANDS, public library, head start and family resource coordinators.  The UK FCS agent serves as the Council chairman and provides leadership and facilities for bi-monthly meetings and events such as the annual Community Baby Shower that .   This past year the Council was awarded a $38,000 early childhood grant.  The grant allowed the council to fund projects such as a billboard promoting early childhood literacy, child safety equipment, school readiness materials for the Longest Day of Play and books and supplies for Laugh and Learn kits for head start classrooms, daycares and library branches. 

Not only are young families being directly impacted, the council is building community leadership.  Also, the Early Childhood Council is fostering leadership development as council members are serving in officer positions and networking to strengthen their knowledge and skills to serve young families.  Also the grant funded local delegates to attend the Kentucky Early Childhood state conference.  The UK FCS Extension is supporting families, building leadership, and strengthening community program builds leadership capacity to assist and support young children, parents and childcare providers in the journey to school readiness.